How to Paint a Laminate Countertop to Look Like Real Granite

Choose a base color and two complementary colors for speckling and splattering.

Granite countertops look elegant and sophisticated, but real granite is expensive. However, you can make those dated, ordinary-looking laminated countertops look like you spent a fortune on a renovation by grabbing a paintbrush and sponge and painting it yourself. If done properly, your faux granite countertops will so closely resemble the real thing people who see your finished project may do a double take.

Things You'll Need

• Granite reference samples
• Piece of wood for test board
• Blue painter's tape
• 3 paint colors (base color and two accent colors)
• Thin paintbrush
• Sponge
• Spray bottle
• Polyacrylic topcoat

Instructions

1. Obtain samples of granite styles from paint stores, magazines or the Internet. Narrow your choices to the look you want. Select a primary base color and two colors to speckle and splatter on top of the base color to achieve a faux granite look. For example, you could use a dark gray for the base and black and a light gray to achieve a dark granite look. Alternatively, you could use three shades of beige for a light granite appearance.

2. Experiment with your paint colors on a block of wood. Apply the base color, and allow it to dry. Use a wide flat brush to get comfortable with paint splattering and a thin brush to experiment with achieving speckles. To splatter, flick the sponge so the paint splatters onto the base color. To speckle, extend your index finger and tap the brush on top of your finger so the paint creates a speckled effect on top of the base color.

3. Fill a spray bottle with water. Experiment with misting the paint to determine whether that technique can be used to blend the colors and achieve the look you want. Continue practicing until you determine the technique that works best. Keep your test boards for reference, and make notes, if needed, on the technique you want to replicate on the countertop.

4. Clean the countertop thoroughly with a degreaser and mild liquid detergent. Patch any nicks or gouges on the countertop with wood filler. Allow it to dry. Sand the repaired areas and the countertop lightly so the surface is smooth and even. Wipe off any excess sand with a damp cloth, and allow the countertop to dry.

5. Apply a primer on the countertop, and allow it to dry for at least four hours. Apply two coats of your base color paint using a foam brush or roller, and allow it to dry for at least 12 hours.

6. Use your test board and notes to replicate the technique you used for the second and third colors. Start at a corner with the splattering or speckling paint applications. Mist the countertop very lightly after you finish the splatter or speckle paint application. Allow the countertop to dry for 24 hours.

7. Apply two or three coats of a polyacrylic topcoat on the counter. Use a non-yellowing formula for the topcoat, especially if you are using light color paints. Allow each application of topcoat to dry and "cure" for 24 hours.

8. Start over if your test corner is not satisfactory. Repaint the corner with the base color and allow it to dry for at least six hours. Begin the splattering or speckling process again.

Tips & Warnings

• This technique also can be used on Formica countertops.

• Cover any surface area you want to protect from paint, such as cabinets, sinks or walls, with painter's tape.

References

• The Sexy Kitchen: Faux Finish Your Formica Countertops
• Danny Lipford: DIY Faux Granite Finish for Kitchen Countertops; Danny Lipford
• Formica Countertop Prices: Laminate Countertops That Look Like Granite
• Blissfully Domestic: Transform Your Laminate Countertops With Paint
• CBS News: Countertop Makeover In a Paint Can

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish