How to Paint a Faux Finish on a Formica Countertop

Lightly sand the surface of the counter top with fine grade sandpaper. Wipe off the dust from sanding with clean water and a soft cloth. Wipe dry with another cloth. Apply painter's tape to any areas you do not want painted.

Apply one coat of paint primer to the surface of the counter top with a paint roller. Use a small paintbrush to reach into crevices that are difficult to reach with the paint roller. Let the primer dry completely.

Apply one coat of base-coat paint to the surface of the counter tops with the paint roller. If needed, use a small brush to reach corners and crevices in the counter top. This base coat provides the foundation for your faux finishing and will be the predominant color in the design. This is the primary color. Keep this in mind when picking out paint colors.

Pour a small amount of the secondary color for the faux finish effect onto a paper plate. This is the accent color that is applied on top of the foundation color. Dab a small amount of the paint onto the sea sponge. Alternatively, crumple a plastic shopping bag in your fist and dab this lightly into the paint. Apply the sponge or plastic bag dipped in paint with a dabbing motion to the surface of the counter top. Rotate your wrist as you are applying to vary the design and keep the application random. Repeat this process until you have covered the entire surface. Vary the pressure during application to achieve more or less color. Use a new plastic bag or sea sponge during this process if necessary.

Allow the surface to dry completely. Remove the painter's tape. Apply one coat of clear polyurethane sealer to the surface with a paint roller. Allow to dry completely before using the counter top.