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Kitchen

5 Steps to DIY Faux Granite Countertops

by Andrew Saladino
April 28, 2022

When you walk into a kitchen for the first time, what is the first thing you notice? For most people, it’s the countertops. This can be disheartening every time you enter your kitchen if you’re tired of your outdated laminate kitchen countertops. But upgrading to granite countertops is an expensive home improvement project. If granite countertops are currently out of budget, don’t fret. Instead of the real thing, you can use granite countertop paint kits on nearly any surface to create your desired countertop appearance! These kits can also help you replicate quartz or marble if you’re interested in other types of kitchen countertops.

Although these granite countertop paint kits are designed for the average do-it-yourselfer, they can seem a bit daunting. To give you peace of mind as you take on this home improvement project, we’ve put together a how-to guide for creating beautiful faux granite countertops.

Considerations Before Getting Started

Because your countertops play such an important role in the overall look and feel of your kitchen, it’s important to understand what goes into the project before getting started. Instead of rushing to open the can of paint, take time to fully understand what goes into the project so you can feel confident the entire way through it. Here are the factors to consider before getting started on your faux granite countertops.

  • Materials – Not all granite countertop paint is created equal. Some kits will come with all the supplies you need, including the primer and paint, while others may require you to purchase the supplies individually. Make sure you have everything you need to complete the job before starting so you don’t need to make a trip to the hardware store in the middle of the project. We also recommend reading reviews to determine which countertop paint is ideal for your kitchen.
  • Prep – We get it, this is an exciting project! However, you don’t want to rush into it. Without the proper preparation, your faux granite countertops won’t hold up over time. To ensure they last for many years to come, follow all the preparation steps listed in your paint kit such as cleaning, sanding, and priming.
  • Paint – Choosing the color of your faux granite countertops is an exciting job! However, you want to make sure that the color you’ve selected complements the other elements of your kitchen. Don’t opt for a contrasting color that will detract from your cabinets or flooring.
  • Protect – After spending your time creating beautiful faux granite countertops, you want to make sure that they are protected and will continue looking their best over the years. Don’t rush through the process and skip the final steps ? as they are the most important in terms of protection! Properly sealing them will ensure they are able to withstand moisture and wear.

Now that that’s covered, it’s time to begin your DIY faux granite countertop project.

Step 1: Prep Your Countertops

Prepping the kitchen countertops with a sander.
You can’t perform the job if you have appliances and other kitchen gadgets in your way. Remove all of the items on your kitchen counters and give the counters a thorough cleaning with warm water, soap, and a sponge. You don’t want any dirt or grime to remain on the countertops because they can impact the outcome of your paint job. Once you’ve washed your countertops, allow them to dry.

After they have dried, take a microfiber cloth and run it across the countertops to remove any dust or lint that may have accumulated. From there, your paint kit will recommend that you use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly roughen the counter’s surface. By doing this, you’re making it easier for the primer and paint to adhere to the surface of the countertops. Once you’ve sanded the entire area that you plan to paint, use the microfiber cloth again to remove the additional dust from sanding.

Now that your countertops are prepped and ready to go, make sure that the rest of the space is ready as well. You will be working with paint which means you should protect your cabinets and flooring with drop cloths or plastic sheeting ? this will avoid having them ruined with paint splatter.

Step 2: Time to Prime

Painting the kitchen countertops with primer.
Now that your countertops are clean, you can’t just start with the paint right away! To ensure the paint adheres well, you need to start with a primer (which should be included in your granite countertop paint kit). Pour your primer into a paint tray and apply it to the surface of the countertop with a small paint roller. Depending on the color of your original countertops, you may need to apply more than one coat of primer. Allow your primer to completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Apply Base Coat

Painting a faux granite countertop with a paint roller.
To achieve the appearance of granite countertops, you will need to apply a few layers of paint using various methods. The first step is to apply the base coat from your paint kit to the countertop using a paint roller. The color of the base coat should complement the rest of your space and match the overarching color scheme. If there are any paint drips, use a small paintbrush to touch them up or apply the base coat to any areas that the roller may have missed. Once the first coat dries, apply another layer of the base coat using the same process and wait for it to dry before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Create a Granite-like Appearance

Using a sponge to create a granite-like appearance with paint.
With the base coat in place, it’s time to use the remaining paint to create a granite-like appearance on your countertops. This is done by using a painting sponge and blotting the countertops with a slightly darker shade than your basecoat. Continue to dab and smear the paint across the entire portion of the countertop ensuring not to create the same pattern over and over. You want the faux granite to look like natural stone which isn’t going to be perfectly uniform. For the ultimate granite-like appearance, you will want to repeat the sponging process with two additional accent colors that complement the base to create the dimension and charm of natural granite.

Step 5: Apply Glaze Coating & Topcoat

Applying a topcoat to faux granite countertops with a paint roller.
Once you’ve sponged the entire countertop to create your pattern, allow it to dry before moving onto the glaze coating. Using a small paint roller you can add a layer of glaze to the counter that will create a shine that resembles real stone countertops. Allow this to completely dry.

Once the glaze coating is dry, it is recommended that you apply a few layers of polyurethane varnish or sealant using a paint roller. Not only will this enhance the shine of your countertops but will help protect your countertops against the wear and tear they face daily ? allowing them to retain their beauty for many years to come.

Great job! You’ve brought your kitchen countertop ideas to life to create beautiful faux granite countertops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to paint faux granite countertops?

Patience is key when it comes to painting your kitchen countertops. You need to wait for the countertops to dry completely before moving on to each step of the process, which means that the entire project can take anywhere from one to two weeks. Once you’ve applied the final topcoat, you should wait for an additional four to seven days before using your countertops.

How long do painted countertops last?

The lifespan of painted countertops will vary depending on how much wear and tear they face over the years. Most faux granite countertops will last five to seven years but can last upwards of a decade if they are well taken care of.

Are faux granite countertops durable?

The kitchen is the heart of the home, which means you spend a lot of time there prepping meals and spending time together as a family. Because so much time is spent in the kitchen, you need countertops that can withstand above-average wear and tear. Faux granite countertops will not last as long as the real thing and will likely require some minor touch ups throughout the years to keep them looking their best.

How much do fake granite countertops cost?

If you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your kitchen without breaking the bank, using a faux granite countertop paint kit might be the perfect solution for you. Whether you opt for purchasing a paint kit or buying each of the required materials separately, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 ? which is much more cost-effective than replacing your entire countertop with granite!

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