How to Make a Countertop Look Like Granite

When you want granite countertops in the kitchen but you don't want the price tag that goes with them, you have another option: You can use paint to create faux granite countertops. By using a kit that includes tools, materials and instructions, you can create the appearance of granite over your existing countertop surfaces. This can leave you with the look of granite countertops and with some money left over for some other kitchen upgrades.

Degreaser cleaner
Cleaning rag
Wood putty
Putty knife
Medium-grit and fine-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Painter's tape
Granite paint kit

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the countertop and the backsplash with the degreaser cleaner and the cleaning rag. Scrub and clean the surface until the counter is impeccably clean.
- 2
  Examine the countertop surface for damage such as dents or gouges. Fix any damage by smoothing wood putty into these areas with a putty knife. Allow the wood putty to dry completely, and then sand it smooth with the medium-grit sandpaper.
- 3
  Wipe the entire counter surface with the tack cloth to remove any dust.
- 4
  Tape off the perimeter around the countertop with the painter's tape to protect the walls, cabinets and any other adjoining surfaces.
- 5
  Apply the primer included in the kit onto the countertop surface. Use the brush to paint around the perimeter, and use the small roller for the large, inside areas of the countertop. Allow the primer coat to dry for at least six hours.
- 6
  Apply the mineral paints to the primed countertop, using the special sponge included in the kit. Moisten the sponge, and apply the darkest mineral paint to the countertop surface with the sponge, covering the primer by dabbing the mineral paint over the surface. Repeat the same process to add the medium and the lightest mineral paint to the surface, creating a speckled surface that resembles granite. Work in small areas no larger than about 1 square foot at a time.
- 7
  Allow the mineral paints to dry for at least two hours.
- 8
  Run your hands over the countertop surface after the mineral paints dry to ensure there are not any rough areas. If you find rough areas, lightly sand them with fine sandpaper, and then clean the countertop with the tack cloth.
- 9
  Apply the top coat to the countertop with the brush and the paint roller. Allow the top coat to dry for at least eight hours.
- 10
  Check for rough spots again with your hands, and sand them down with the fine sandpaper if you find them. Wipe the countertop with the tack cloth.
- 11
  Apply a second coat of topcoat to the countertop, and allow the countertop to cure for at least 48 hours before using it again.

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