DIY Faux Granite Countertops: UNDER $40!

[@zaneblane8160]

Ignore the negativity and childish banter...thank you for putting yourself out there..I learned some things..btw, my counters have lasted 3 yrs with LOTS of normal wear..no problems...just here to brush up on skills before changing the color again...everyone..even granite owners, love them!!

[@SpecialKMCLuv]

You are an Awesome Teacher!!!! I've never seen a KZbin video by someone who was soooooo Realistic, Down to Earth, and Very Easy to understand and follow!!!! For someone, like myself, a Single Woman who is very new to DIY projects, I was so afraid that this would be a very complicated job with unfamiliarity named products that I would've had to define and research before even buying. Thank you so very much for your very Naturalistic and Ever so Easy to follow Teaching skills. I MUST SUBSCRIBE!!! Continue being an Awesome Professor, and keep bring us more of your Perfect DIY Classes!!!! Thank you!!!

[@kellyanne7225]

I did this in my camper with 50 cent acrylic paint and basic black primer. It turned out fabulous! However, I would use “sturdier” products if I did my kitchen at home. Still, I had so much fun doing this! Word got around the campground where our seasonal is located, and I ended up giving nickel tours and tutorials. I’m going to do this again on my dressers. I never get tired of seeing how others do this technique! It looks beautiful!

[@arproductions6661]

Nice job, but I have some tips for those who are thinking of replicating the same results. One, primer only needs to be applied once. That's why it's called primer. Two, to remove the lint from the roller stretch out a ribbon of masking tape. Hold one end with your foot and face the sticky side toward you. Roll the roller on the tape. This will help to remove most of the lint. And third. sand between coats. It will also help, if you lay a coat of clear ( glaze) between sponging on the color variations. This will give it a 3D effect.

[@katelynmoreno1804]

what is clear glaze? Do you mean polycrylic or something else?

[@ibyteuback]

Katelyn Moreno =

[@arproductions6661]

@@katelynmoreno1804 yes , I'm sorry in this case a coat of poly. It's also known as a mix of poly and a small amount of one of the colors you are using. It creates translucent color. Giving the color depth.

[@fredlatz392]

If she is trying to get rid of the imperfections more coats of primer will help hide those but should lightly sand in between for better adhersion

[@manualcontrol7518]

thanks for the great tip! I'm definitely going to try multi layer (2, maybe 3?...). I can conceptualize how that will add depths to the look, but not sure if it will make the final results more "real" or more "interesting".

[@lallu316]

Thank you for showing this technique. I must admit, in the intermediate stages, I thought, "Oh no, she's ruining it!!!" but then, as I continued to watch it unfold, it came out really wonderful, and quite granite like! Bravo

[@gehringer37]

Amazing...I am an auto painter and have been for 30 years..and I must say I'm impressed! :)

[@katied8324]

Thank you for your informative tutorial. I like that you showed each step instead fast forwarding past them. Your island turned out beautiful! I am planning on doing this on a bathroom counter, except light with white and grays. I liked and subscribed! Can’t wait to see more!

[@EriBarr]

I bought this funky tool that has a rubber edge that fits perfectly in the groves of the paint can to clean up after pouring and then two slots that help scape/clean off rollers plus what looks like a metal comb side that helps clean off brushes... it’s a life saver

[@teddia5654]

You have changed my mind from buying the epoxy products on utube that are much more costly! Thank You ! :)

[@janireyes5970]

I have done many counters and I choose to use Glidden , because it has primer in the paint and you can mix quite a few colors together to get lighter to darker shades in the same color family. I like all shades of grey so all I use is dark grey and white. Then I use the dark grey as the base color, then I use the white alone to start the design with a sea sponge, after that dries , I mix equal measurements of the white and dark grey together to get a lighter shade of grey, then mix 3/4 white and 1/4 dark grey and so on this way you don't have to buy a lot of paint and you can do all this with the small sample jars of paint cutting the cost of your project. If you like browns you can do this using only cream and dark brown then mix various combinations of those colors.

[@billprezioso3677]

I hope you realize that the quote unquote primer in Glidden paint is really only an enhanced pigment it has zero bonding capability it’s only added to allow for better coverage and nothing else and that’s the same for all paint and primer in one products

[@elliemajor6857]

I LOVE IT AM GOING TO TRY THIS

[@Allentox]

That's amazing! Look how fast she can move her hand! If I could do that, I'd never leave the house!

[@crystaldockery7308]

Lmfao 😂

[@vpartx1957]

An added tip would be to add color in the primer

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

How has this held up over the past four years? You did good. Thanks for the video.

[@evilunicorn4801]

I’m doing this to my bathroom counter right now lol I hope it turns out as good as yours!

[@shirleymerrill781]

This is what I am going to do next week. Thank you so much for all the information. Your countertops are beautiful.

[@thinkathena2]

Thank you for your detailed instructions. I'm about to do about 18' of counter tops. Thanks for the courage :)

[@halliemalone2238]

Althena, how did your project work out? Love to see pics

[@thinkathena2]

@@halliemalone2238 The cabinet and counters turned out awesome!!! I have some before and after pics, but I don't know how to upload them.

[@Ephesians5-14]

@@thinkathena2 awesome! You did it just like she did? How is it holding up?

[@thinkathena2]

@@Ephesians5-14 They still look great :)

[@roaringcat1]

I think it really looks great and look pretty easy to do. Thank you for taking your time to show us this neat trick and we really do appreciate it. You've done great.

[@bobbymommychiyo6302]

The end result is amazing...love it. Thanks for the video. ❤

[@Eye-na]

Love this video, I like that you are very detailed even down to the cost of your products thanks for sharing, I liked I subscribed, and I shared.

[@brigtoria]

Thank you Ina! Your kind comment and subscription means a lot to me!

[@ivanof214]

As a guy who has painted cars I can tell you that 240 grit is a rough finish. If you want something smooth I would recommend 1000 and up

[@mrsmarcellus]

That's it, Im going to do my horrible boring countertops now! ❤

[@rbirkheimer59]

I really like this tutorial. Really good step by step. Until I have enough $ for my kitchen reno I'm doing this. I'm just sick of lookin at the same "ol same "ol . Thank You so much.

[@Nextstopparadise]

Great video, takes time but the results are good. A couple of suggestions: Either tint the primer, or follow it by a base coat of acrylic paint in the color scheme you are working with. With the sponging, it's too difficult to cover every little speck of the primer coat that shows through. If you do any in-between coats of polycrylic, as well as with the initial final coat, keep in mind that when you sand, a little of the upmost coat of colors will come up as well.

[@xworkerbee]

Nice video! You can avoid the roller streaking by alternating the directions you roll on each coat. Otherwise, this turned out pretty nice.

[@robertajay9053]

You need to try Leggari products. Can put over cabinet surfaces to look like granite. It’s self leveling & doesn’t yellow. And tons of colors to choose from.

[@1mediaguy]

$350+ cost of one Leggari kit vs. $30. Or you can go with laminate for under $100.

[@itskookiesway]

Very detailed tutorial! I can't wait to try this on our countertops

[@dirtlifemagazine]

To avoid the streaks or lessen them, you need to move in the direction of the roller that it attaches to the handle. There is more force on that side so if you have the end of the roller not attached to the handle you create a more feathered edge.

[@pamschonfarber1041]

Really nice I have 2night stands I am going to refinish and now I now What ill be doing on the tops thank you for sharing this process

[@patriciadollin6421]

if you alternate how you apply your paint or whatever, it fills in the previous brush strokes.1.up and down 2.sideways 3 up and down

[@joolsbaldwin]

Looks amazing. I wonder how it keeps up?

[@CarieSaad]

If u see streaks, go in the opposite direction with the roller. U should've added some silver flake to the top coat or to the 1st coat of poly.

[@pattijarrett2789]

I did this technique (before I saw this video) and the some of the flakes will stand up and not lay flat and once that is dry, you have to sand the ones that aren't flat down- and add another coat of poly, not at good idea. It is an easy way to get rid of tacky countertops (mine were bright yellow) but with all that said, it looks nothing like granite and neither does the one in this video. She did explain well and it's not an hour long tutorial or longer (as some are) but it's just not pretty. I am going to do some thing else. Not sure what yet, but this technique is just awful, maybe ok for some, but I think it's horrid. And I agree with what someone said- I may just simply paint them and put poly over them, would look better than what was there already and what I have done, which is the technique above but slightly different colors. And one other thing- if you are going to do this and doing it on a counter that has a back splash, you have cut the sponge into TINY pieces. If not, it globs and just ruins it all. The sponge as seen here will not fit into the what a 90 (?) degree angle. It makes a terrible mess, so the sponge has to be cut with a tip as such, so it can get into the angle even if it is a curve up. I learned the hard way. Try it on a cardboard box or something before starting on your real counters, you will then understand.

[@hazenguy1]

Awesome! Going to do mine tomorrow, thanks for the video!

[@carlaross7977]

For a cost effective new counter top I think it turned out pretty good. Yes you could spend more for a piece of new counter top but this video is for people that cannot afford to do that. And I think it is a nice look & may not be as durable & damage resistant but you set out to save money & do it yourself. But I think overall you helped a lot of people & others may experiment with different types of paints to get other affects. Overall I really like it.& you can be proud to brag to your friends and family that YOU DID IT YOURSELF. KUDO"S TO YOU.

[@brigtoria]

Thank you Carla! 😁

[@roaringcat1]

I don't think it's necessarily for people who can't afford it, a lot of people can't do Granite by themselves and they like doing home projects. So I think many people do it just because they can do it and it improves the looks of their homes not because they're poor and can't afford they have new countertops.

[@sharonhobson2081]

An artist at heart... wants to create a personal look, able and available to tackle the job... to feel great about her efforts and proud of the achievement that was made... Sweet Job!

[@bpereztab]

Brilliant! Appreciate the detailed listing of materials with price$ Well Done!! Thank you!

[@jesnrbrt4evr11]

Many of the videos I see they just dump the poly onto the counter a very generous amount and than spread it all around it makes a very thick layer, takes along time to dry but looks good I've also seen them pour lines of black and silver and than they just use the roller brush in circular motions to achieve the granite look it comes out SO nice, maybe you can check out one of the videos, great video 🙋🙋🙋😊😊😊

[@esalenchik]

Sounds like how epoxy is applied...

[@thebarnesfammily5608]

I love it! Thank you so much gonna so this in my kids bathroom

[@dianaalfonso7683]

Wowwwwww easy breezy 🙌♥️♥️🔥🔥🔥🙌🙌🙌 beautiful job thank you 🙏🏻🥰🔥🙌🌷🌷

[@jeanniealford4234]

Great improvement. Granite look is better than previous marble look.

[@shybunnie2259]

That looks really good!! ❤

[@kmbownds]

Thank you for this tutorial! How did this hold up over time?

[@susanmetz9892]

If you sponge multiple colors before each dries, you may get a more blended look. It really looks nice though. Thanks.

[@xcheatahx1971]

I was thinking that same thing.... I love it but I want something darker so I'm guessing a little less silver

[@syedhasan6548]

Excellent Job Thanks for sharing

[@KP-vl1to]

Tip: purchase a paint mixer bit attachment for a drill...saves so much time.😊

[@weloverescuedogs2820]

Mrs P for paint yes, but this is horrible advice for those that aren’t used to using clear sealants. You cant mix Polycrylic, polyurethane etc with a paint mixer. It creates bubbles and will ruin your finished product, it HAS to be stirred gently to not create bubbles.

[@GemGalDana]

@@weloverescuedogs2820 I think Mrs P was referring to mixing the primer that had separated. But good tip about sealants.

[@oldskinny1]

You did a fantastic job!

[@yuneimyluis9114]

Very good explanation

[@niks1life]

Wow! This is much easier than I thought it would be. Thanks 👍

[@soondurprithvi6361]

Hello, nice work, i would like to know the the type of paint you have used. Is it a fabric acrylic paint?

[@defleppard-lover6298]

Hell...I love the look of just having primer on it.

[@footballmaniac29]

Great video! How has your polycrylic held up? Any staining or indentions from items placed on it? Any other issues for long term usage? Thanks!

[@reginaanderson9379]

Very pretty !

[@rpmfreak9150]

My wife sent me this video, and asked me if I thought that she could do these jobs? I told her that she could do anything she put her mind to.

[@gayleritter1199]

Good job. Very pretty. I painted an entry way vinyl floor to look like real tile laid on the diagonal and the paint man told me to use WATER based sealer poly, 7 coats of it and that it wouldn't yellow. The entryway got heavy heavy use and it looked like new seven years later. Each time you apply the poly, go in the opposite direction, that will get you better and more even coverage.

[@malindadesertwolf2736]

You did a great job!!

[@deebell1135]

Turned out very authentic looking. Very nice! Thank you for sharing. How well will it hold up to moisture and heat and dings?

[@Joy_W4760]

Rustoleum black counter paint was recalled for lead!

[@dalondacrossley2090]

Thanks for your details

[@myluvs2931]

Hi! Is it holding up for you and not yellowing? I’m wanting to paint my countertops tomorrow! :)

[@jaclyno5224]

Turned out beautiful!!! 😍

[@tammeracalisha5575]

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[@zoeypfieffer4964]

Wow BEAUTIFUL u did a amazing job. Thank u for explaining every step!!!

[@MrJonGaw]

looks good but why polyacrylic and not clear epoxy?

[@lovliesusie1]

JNS I used expoxy and it was such a mess!!!! Turned yellow even though it wasn’t suppose to and If you have any kind of lip on it designed to keep water from falling over or puddles there and turns even more yellow. I had to sand it and fix it after all was done.

[@penelopegregory4048]

Wow this is amazing I was going to try that much more expensive restoleum countertop kit but this is just as nice and cheaper and easier!!!!!!! Thanks

[@kumbaon]

I am looking to paint my backsplash and cabinets as well,what order do you recommend to work in?

[@csawgle]

love this it's gorgeous I have a couple of questions.. do you let the acrylic paint dry before you put the next color on and how long after you put the acrylic paint on do you put the polycrylic ? This the first time I have seen your video and was so impressed with how well you described what you were doing, Once again GREAT JOB!!!!

[@samuelmalinao1538]

Wow nice ❤ work ❤❤❤

[@mahinshirazi7873]

Good job. Looks like 3D.

[@rodadams8422]

Very impressive looks great thanks for sharing 👍

[@brigtoria]

Thank you!

[@MrReat09]

brigtoria I look very nice, just a question in how many days I am completely ready.

[@bushbosh]

This is the best video tutorial, thank you so much, i need to ask you if polycrylic is good for not scratching or does not mark the hot cup circle. Why you did not pour the sealer and go fast over it with the roller. You said the polyurethane is yellowing by the time, now after 3 weeks how about the polycrylic? BTW you are so nice and your video is well done 👍🏼🌸

[@randomvagaries5140]

bushbosh , polyacrylic does not yellow. It is water based. Polyurethane is oil based. It DOES yellow.

[@_baller]

I've seen this (badly) done at a condo once, and it was like a "monet" painting where from afar it looked nice, and then close up I was like wait is that a sponge?? not a good look, I think honestly maybe cutting the sponge randomly or to keep layering to hide it's a sponge is important, and then setting a nice film of epoxy over it so there's some depth and less chance of realizing it's a sponge, even just applying rock flakes is important

[@jeffreyrichardson]

scott andrews cauking angelique goffreds stocking the murrays walking

[@shloimykraus788]

Im glad I don't use LSD, this video would have made me dizzy..I sell granite and cabinets for a living..That color you got is called Luna Pearl.Very nice job!

[@shloimykraus788]

this would have cost a customer about $25 a squre foot.. looks like 6 sq.ft x $25 = $150.00

[@shloimykraus788]

that would be for a particle board laminate top with matching edge

[@deborahthompson5041]

nICE JOB. lOOKS BEAUTIFUL.

[@madisoncadle5852]

Next time with the roller wrap painter tape around it before use and it will take all the fuzzys off 🖤

[@pamschonfarber1041]

You did an awesome job, its beautiful!

[@dzdari1149]

Beautiful! This function for formica?

[@jennifervalentine7519]

Great turnout!

[@michaelsykes7213]

Could you show or type out the colors you used to make this?/ Looks great and want to do the same. Thanks....

[@geekyzombie]

Dutch dump. You could use the acrylic paints and 1 hair oil drop and made actual granite look with fluid painting. Seal. Small enough to blow on.

[@zaneblane8160]

How?

[@Tzonarin]

I've done this before with the Giani product. Never again. It flaked off after about 18" and now my counters look terrible. Going to tile all of it, probably like I should have.

[@theboys267]

Looks nice!! Thanks for sharing

[@Heavyhearted44]

Can you do the same thing on concrete to so it doesn't look gray

[@mariss485]

Me encanto 😍 buen trabajo guerita 😊👏🏻

[@lindadavis3728]

Brigtoria is a pretty girl. I worried when I say her applying the product not wearing gloves. When she sanded she did not wear a mask. She does not know that her efforts in improving cabinets could effect her health in later years. She is a darling girl and would not want to see her harmed. Gloves, masks and protective eye wear is very important when sanding, smelling epoxies, etc, Better to be safe then sorry for future projects, otherwise her presentation was very well done. Hope to see more.

[@dawnhart8920]

I was just wondering, do you think oil based would be better to use on kitchen and bathroom counter tops? My thought is water and oil do not mix so wouldn't water bead up better on a oil based counter?

[@randomvagaries5140]

Dawn Hart , if you understand the composition of the acrylic finish, you will find it repels water, BUT do not let puddles of water sit on the surface for any length of time. It can produce milky blemishes that may or may not disappear as it dries.

[@preacherjt]

What colors did you uses? I am in the process of doing this right now, I love how yours turned out.

[@angieeemmmarie]

How's this holding up???

[@allthingspossible4569]

great job and very informative! thank you!

[@sharilee4412]

Very nice job and great instruction! Thank you so much!!

[@Shizz1000]

You should try stone coat countertops. There the best

[@faridakuo8260]

Giani epoxy is expensive

[@kimfoster1004]

It's $50 for 1/2 gal

[@CarmenSanchez-sk5ng]

Is nice but Laura paas is right it doesn't look like granite, but it's nice

[@catrinahartz944]

Yeah not granite look at all. Not doing this. It looks like a art project. On canvas. Sorry.

[@bellemic2]

Some opinions aren't necessary . Just kindly scroll on and don't do yours that way. Geez

[@rhodaatterberry3556]

@@bellemic2 I totally agree and anything is better than what you started with because the project would therefore not have even been done.

[@gretel1015]

Excellent job! Your explanation of what you were doing is very helpful. I had already done a small test section using Giani paint. I did not layer as well as I should have and am going to sand it and add more layers.

[@robertcolomo877]

Brave lady! If my wife had seen that gl can of pant on the counter or the no tarp on the floor or supporting cabinets there'd have been a bit o' butt chewing. Also, when sanding (older surfaces especially) it would be wise to test for things (lead, asbestos etc). That said -- Great job! I was quite impressed with your final result. Some mention of time for each step might also be helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@offairhead]

It is a laminate/formica counter top, there is no lead in that!! ....as she stated (and as her other videos show), she is the one who applied previous layers of paint so she knows she didnt use lead based paint. ....so there is zero need for her to have it tested!!!

[@dogcomb47]

Why do you sand it after you are done with the entire painting part of the project? After doing the polycrilic

[@samanthalockridge7838]

You should invest in a cheap kitchen cake beater/blender it comes in hand to mix paints, sheet rock mud ect….

[@denisetownsend9471]

How long does it last? And does it yellow?Thanks .

[@kelsieboyd730]

My bathroom countertops are solid white granite. Can that be considered the base coat or do I still need to paint and sand that before starting in with the sponges?

[@carolgoering6585]

A paint scraper would have helped getting the old paint off. I could see high spots after you primed. A good primer to use is BIN, it will stick to anything, drys faster then oil primer and is sandable. The high spots could have been hidden with primer. Dabbing the primer over and around the paint can be sanded. It will also make the paint under easier to sand. It will take several coats but will give you a very smooth surface. I used this method on a new build. Our painters decided to fill in the nail holes after they painted all the trim with semi gloss latex paint. The paint pealed off everywhere they sanded. Our builder refused to take care of the issue, I had to figure out how to fix it.

[@lilmama4426]

Wow! You did a beautiful job! I have been watching videos & trying to figure out what will work/look the best but be not so strenuous (I have neck/back issues). What type of sander do you use?

[@grammie2twins]

Great tutorial...I have a question...I already have a primer but it is not Kilz. I have two cans of Zin...one is shellac and one is water based. Can I use either of these or do I need to go by something different