How to Marbleize a Countertop

Lay dropcloths on the floor around the counter to prevent the floor from being affected by paint. Cover nearby fixtures with masking tape as well.

Clear the counter of any objects. Wash your counter thoroughly with warm water and several drops of dish soap to eliminate any grease, dust or dirt. The counter must be completely clean. Dry the counter with a towel.

Mix one part of your marble basecoat with three parts primer and apply the result to the counter with a sprayer or roller. The primer helps prevent the old color of the counter from seeping through the new finish. It also helps the paint bond to the counter more effectively. Give the primer several hours to dry fully before continuing.

Paint on your basecoat with the roller or sprayer. This is the lighter of the two colors you'll use because the darker color creates veins and textures that mimic a marble surface.

Combine one part topcoat paint with four parts acrylic glaze once your basecoat dries. Mix it thoroughly, then shove a plastic drop cloth into the mixing bucket to saturate it with the glaze and paint mixture.

Lay the wet plastic cloth over your counter after letting it drop any excess back into the bucket. It shouldn't go on smoothly because the wrinkles in the plastic contribute to the marble texture and appearance of the counter. Remove the cloth once you're pleased with the effect and let the counter dry.

Apply veining to the counter by dripping a darker paint onto the counter using a turkey baster. This mimics the veins of a marble surface. Brush the veins with a feather as they dry to give them a more intricate pattern.

Apply two coats of sealer to the counter once it is fully dry. Sealer applies just like paint does, so use a brush or roller to get an even coat. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat.