How to Make a Fake Marble Counter Top

Place drop cloths around the counters and on the floor surrounding the counter to help contain paint spills. Wipe the counters clean with a water and dish soap solution and then dry the counter with a clean towel. Let the surface air-dry completely before proceeding.

Rub a piece of sandpaper with a 150-grit texture over the surface of the counter. This roughs the surface to help the paint adhere and not peel. Wipe the counter top with a damp towel to remove sandpaper dust and let the surface dry for about two hours.

Cover the surface with a primer paint, using a roller to evenly cover the counter top. Let the primer dry for four to six hours and then cover the surface with a second application. Let the primer dry for at least six hours.

Cover the primer with a satin enamel in the desired base coat color and let the paint dry for four to six hours. Cover the surface with a second application of enamel and let it dry for at least 48 hours before applying the faux marble texture.

Pour about 1/2 cup of the base color paint into a small mixing cup and tint it with a drop of gray paint to make it slightly darker. Apply a faux marble finish by dabbing areas of the counter with a natural sponge and a thin layer of the tinted paint to create mottled areas on the counter top. Let the paint dry for about two hours before proceeding with the marble veins.

Paint marble veins onto the counter top using a darker color than the base coat, such as a dark gray or sienna color. Soften the veins by lightly brushing them with a paintbrush or feather.

Paint the counter top with an umber tinted translucent glaze if you want to add luster to the surface. Dry the glaze for about 24 hours, or until it hardens completely.

Apply a clear gloss varnish or acrylic sealer to protect the painting on the counter top. Wait one week before placing items on it to give the sealer time to cure and harden.