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I wanted to have the marble look for my benchtop, but not the hassle (or price) of removing and replacing the whole benchtop.
I watched a few different techniques on Youtube and found this method to be the easiest with the best result.
Materials
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-renovation-range-clear-coat-satin_p0116488
https://www.bunnings.com.au/white-knight-1l-white-gloss-renew-tile-and-laminate-paint_p0197784
https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexovit-100mm-x-1m-600-grit-wet-and-dry-sandpaper-roll_p1210530
https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-100mm-4mm-nap-little-ripper-microfibre-mini-roller-set_p0022470
https://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-2-6-x-3-6m-clear-plastic-drop-sheet_p1661260
sea sponge (I ended up using car wash sponge)
goose feather (from craft store)
glazing fluid (found at craft store)
Tools
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-200w-detail-sander_p0098548
Steps
Step 1
Thoroughly clean the benchtop with sugarsoap.
Then sand the benchtop to take off the sheen.
Then wash again to remove the sanding dust.
Ensure the benchtop is completely clean and dry.
Step 2
Tape up the edges of the benchtop with painters tape.
Tape the drop sheets to cover the cupboards.
Use newspaper to cover any sinks or stovetops.
Step 3
Apply the undercoat using the 100mm microfibre roller. I used the Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 as it's something I had already, and can be used on tiles, cupboards, frames and benchtops... very versatile and budget friendly!
Next apply two coats of the gloss white paint. I used the White Knight tile and laminate paint (again so I could use for both the benchtop and the tiled backsplash).
Step 4
Mix up in a small cup a blend of 1 part glaze, 1 part water and 1 part grey paint (from the sample pot) mixed with some white tile paint. The aim is to have a light grey colour.
(later you will make a dark grey glaze).
Pour this glaze mix onto a plate or bowl.
Use the sponge to stamp down and around in diagonal patterns using images of marble as inspiration.
Make sure to continue the pattern over the edges to make it look realistic.
Work in small sections at a time.
Use a dry, clean rag to blot and blend the edges to create a subtle effect. (This will give depth to the finished effect).
At this point I did struggle a little with the paint not sticking to the base coat and bubbling a little. I found that once I squashed the paint in with the rag it seemed to stick better, and second coats worked better.
Step 5
Wait for the first layer to dry before moving to the next step.
Add more glaze to a plate and dip the feather in the paint until covered.
Wipe the excess onto some paper and start in one corner working diagonally to drag twirling patterns with the feather to create veins. (use images for inspiration)
Working quickly, whist still wet, use a thick, dry brush to stamp at the veins and create a cloudy look. (keep wiping the brush clean on a rag).
Work in small sections at a time, and continue over the edges)
Step 6
Make up a dark grey glaze (same as before but no white paint added).
Using the feather, add darker highlights to small sections to add dimension.
(The key to this step is knowing when to stop!!!)
Step 7
Mix up a white glaze, 1 part white paint and 3 parts water.
Using the sponge brush spread a thin coat over the benchtop working in sections at a time.
Use a dry, clean rag to blot the glaze in random diagonal sections, which will lift up some white sections, and leave others cloudy, giving more dimension.
Step 8
To finish, give it a very light sand using wet and dry sandpaper just to remove any raised sections.
Wipe clean.
Once dry, apply two coats of the sealing top coat. I used the Dulux renovation range satin clear coat. (this was the cheaper option on the shelf, and I didn't experience any problems with mixing and matching my brands of undercoat, paint and sealer to get the best value).
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Hi @raceytrace
Wow! This is one project that is definitely going into my bookmarks. Your paint and artistic skills are just outstanding, it really looks like a marble finish. Your attention detail is just spot on as I can see that you've run the marble lines down the front edges as well. What was the timing interval between your coating effects? How long did the entire painting project take?
Thank you so much for sharing such an inspirational project.
Eric
