Faux Granite Countertop for less than 25 Bucks!

My VERY First post on my VERY first blog!!! Tell me what you think!



Okay....that being said....I'm going to post one of my seriously fave projects...a faux granite countertop that looks totally legit...and all for under 25 bucks, that's right, 25 bucks. Luckily my parents were brave enough to allow me to experiment redecorate a bathroom in their new house for less than 300 bucks. So, that meant real granite was out of the question, so I tried this super easy technique, and it had amazing results!
Here's the before, try to ignore the headband and focus on the boring-ness of the countertop....

I had obviously started to prep the bathroom...but was not planning on doing a tutorial...so excuse the terrible pictures...

But here's the after-

Look at the shine on that baby!!! Just like granite...and we do put our toilet paper ON the roll....usually.

This is the overall re-do, my parent's style is country/traditional, so I tried to do somethin' that fit the rest of their home...all for less than 300 bucks!

So, if you're interested....here we go-

Materials-
Krylon Spray paint primer (it adheres extremely well to the countertop)
Americana Acrylic craft paints (just the little bottles you get for around a buck at your local craft store. I used Americana because they have a great selection of colors, and are higher quality. Get some based on the color granite you'd like, I went to Home Depot and got a few laminate samples then picked the colors based on that, I got about 5 different shades of brown.)
A natural sea sponge (yeah, the same ones that make those terrible wall treatments)
Envirotex lite resin (you can find it at your local craft store, it's pretty pricey, but a great use for the 50% off coupons, it'll run about 30 without the coupon 15 with. The crafting options with this stuff are endless! or buy online here http://www.creative-wholesale.com/Envirotex%20Lite.htm)
Foam brushes
Painters tape
Newspaper or Plastic sheeting to protect the floor and cabinets
Optional: to make your granite look even more realistic, you can get gold leafing to add the gold flecks some types of stone have

That's all you'll need!

Here's a site with a TON of info and before and afters of people's countertops, several have done kitchens...some are amazing some are amazingly tacky...but it's fun to look! http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf999197.tip.html


Step 1-

Prep the surface by placing painters tape and newspaper along the walls and mirrors, also tape newspaper over your cabinets. Place balled up plastic grocery bags in your sink to kind of fill it up, then tape plastic wrap under the lip of the sink. Basically you'll want to make a totally goo-proof sink...unless of course you want drains clogged with resin...

Step 2-

Remove the faucets. Here's a video link to help with the process...this was the MOST annoying part of the whole process...http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-uninstall-bathroom-faucet-78952/view/ and tape plastic on the underside of the sink where the holes from the faucet are...so your undersink area isn't gooed either.

Side note: Always make sure to turn off the water valves so you don't repeat what my husband did when he replaced the hose to our washing machine...let's just say there was water gushing everywhere and the dryer doesn't work like it used to...I love my husband, but I think I wear the toolbelt in our house... :)

Step 3-

Clean area WELL. I used rubbing alcohol, but there are other industrial cleaners you can use to prep the counter, make sure there's no lint! Then spray primer on it and let it dry. I just used regular primer and did 2 coats, then waited 24 hours to let it fully dry.

Step 4-
You'll want to test on a piece of foamboard how you'll want to layer the paint to get the desired color and texture. I started with a really dark chocolate brown, then went lighter. Just sponge the colors on in various orders till you get what you like. Number the bottles with which goes first-last. This helps the whole countertop look the same color. Remember, when you add the resin it will be much darker than the sample, since the resin gives it sort of a wet look so go lighter than the color you actually want.

Step 5
Working in about 1 square foot increments, paint the countertop. Pounce the sponge on it to get the texture and color of the granite you want and let it dry.

A close-up of the counter, it's much better looking in real life, it photographs really weird, but you get the idea.

Step 6
When the paint is totally dry, put newspaper on the floor surrounding the counter to catch any drips from the resin. The Envirotex is basically like industrial strength modge podge....it's beyond awesome! Prep the Envirotex according to the instructions on the box. Use the foam brushes to push the envirotex all over the countertop, including down the lip of the counter top and up onto the back splash once it starts to set a little. This is the scariest part, and you really do have to work fast, but this is how you get the granite-y results! Use a heat gun/blow drier to remove any bubbles and to help level the surface. Wipe any drips off the ledge of the counter...unless you want to sport the icicle look on your counter...once it's dry to the touch, I'd recommend laying clean cardboard or foam board over the top to protect from dust while it cures overnight. Remove the tape and plastic before it totally dries so you don't risk pulling it off or having blue painter's tape as part of your bathroom decor...

Step 7
Replace the faucets...and enjoy your new countertops! Totally weird out friends and family by inviting them into the bathroom with you! Admire your thrifty handiwork! My sisters have put their curling iron's and straighteners on it without any melting problems, and we've had no issues with scratching, and it's supposed to be food safe too (not that we eat in the bathroom)...


It's pretty simple, and a stunning difference! It's a great option to hide hideous counters while you save for the real stuff. Just realize that this worked for me, but it is risky, so if you ruin your counters, don't send me hate mail :) Hope this gives those of you with ugly counters and no money to replace them, hope and inspiration!
Post results if you try it!

Here's a reminder of the awesome-ness

I'll also post about the awesome floor re-do. People think it's tile since it's grouted and feels like tile (minus the freezing cold part, which is nice when you step out of the shower).

See where I'm partying this week here


I'm also entering DIY's monthly contest....check it out here.