Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Faux Granite tops

05 September 2011

Re: [DIY] Faux Granite tops

Hi, I'm very interested in this, and have a question or two. Roger, you said: "I've seen a product called Spreadstone and Spreadrock that is like a paint on stone looking treatment. The problem with those was the texture which I am betting would hold dirt and grime too well." You say you would "bet" that it would old dirt and grime? Why? And ... have you seen it or are you just surmising this? Cindi

From: Linda Kinder <rocknlindak@yahoo.com>
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 4, 2011 1:00 PM
Subject: Re: [DIY] Faux Granite tops

Hi Roger,

The texture is pretty smooth. It would have been even smoother "IF" I had used a fine grade sandpaper between the layers (such as suggested on the polycrylic label!). I didn't do that. I am considering buying 1 more quart of the polycrylic. And if I do, then I will lightly sand the countertops and then put a few more coats of poly on them. The texture that I got in my project was from splattering the silver and gold highlights. So I have some tiny bumps here and there. If I had applied the gold and silver with the sea sponge I would not have any problem with texture.

With the envirotex the splatters will not be an issue.Envirotex dries to a very very smooth glossy surface.

Thank you!

Linda

GOD is GOOD ALL the TIME!!!!! --- On Sun, 9/4/11, Roger <frontierrog@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Roger <frontierrog@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [DIY] Faux Granite tops
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, September 4, 2011, 7:54 AM

How smooth is the surface? I've seen a product called Spreadstone and Spreadrock that is like a paint on stone looking treatment. The problem with those was the texture which I am betting would hold dirt and grime too well. In any case, this looks like a great job! Let us know how durable it is! Good work Linda!

P.S. How noxious are the fumes? Any worse than regular paint?

--- On Sun, 9/4/11, Linda Kinder <rocknlindak@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Linda Kinder <rocknlindak@yahoo.com>
Subject: [DIY] Faux Granite tops [12 Attachments]
To: "Thrifty decor" <Thrifty-Decor@yahoogroups.com>, "Frugal-nomics" <Frugal-nomics@yahoogroups.com>, DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, September 4, 2011, 4:16 AM

I have been installing "granite" counter tops ha ha.

http://go.tipjunkie.com/dc/1634/www.creativekristi.com/2010/11/video-tutorial-how-to-paint-your-countertops-to-look-like-granite.html

I saw this site for how to paint your counter tops to look like granite. So that is what I am doing with the kitchen. I have been taking pictures each step of the way.

I started out wiping the counters with vinegar to clean them. (already had on hand)

Then wiped them with liquid sander to give a little bit of tooth to the surface. (already had on hand)

Next I painted on 2 coats of Kilz 2 latex primer. (quart $6.97 at Walmart, and .70 cent foam brush)

Now for the granite look I used my craft paints and an old sea sponge. (already had on hand)

The last step is 7 coats of polycrylic. (quart $16.28 at Walmart, and 3 foam brushes .70 cents each)

I knew I wanted the counter tops to have some blue, grey, black, and silver in them. They way they turned out reminds me of the Van Gogh picture Starry Night. I think they are pretty. And they will compliment my blue and grey Pfaltzgraff Yorktown dishes very nicely.

I applied 7 coats of polycrylic. Then I need to let the counters cure for a week or two before I set anything real heavy on them, such as my Kitchen Aid mixer. I have only done the kitchen island, and the counter top that is between the living room and kitchen. Later on after this is all cured well, I will do the counter top where my sink and stove top are. For that one I have ordered Enviro-tex lite. That would give the appearance of 50 coats of varnish in one application. The cheapest I have found it is $79.99 for a gallon on EBay. That is about half price. I wish I could use it for all the counter tops, but I would need 3 gallons. The polycrylic will be fine for these. In the tutorial, the lady shows counter tops that she did 2 years ago and had used the polycrylic and they still look real nice. For the two counter tops I have done already my total cost $26.75, not bad for "granite" counter tops. I still have enough Kilz , Deglosser, vinegar and craft paint for the next counter top.

I will let you know how that one turns out when I get it done.

Linda