How to Paint Laminate Countertops to Look Like Stone

Replacing laminate countertops with stone can be quite pricey, but they can be redesigned for half the cost with some paint and a bit of patience. Not only can your counters be a different color, but they can even look like an entirely new material.

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Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

DIY Faux Marble Countertops 01:14

Use oil paint and a few special techniques to transform laminate counters.

Materials Needed

(1) spray degreaser
(1) TSP cleaner
(1) bucket of water (to dissolve TSP cleaner)
gloves
(1) rag
(1) mask
(1) roll painter's tape
(1) paint tarp
(1) paint tray
(1) 6" velour paint roller
(1) quart bonding primer

(1) quart black oil based interior satin paint
(1) 8 oz chalk paint - Black (we used Amy Howard)
(1) 8 oz chalk paint – Buff (we used Amy Howard Bauhaus Buff)
(1) 8 oz chalk paint – Gray (we used Amy Howard Luxe Gray)
(1) 8 oz chalk paint – White
(1) 2” chip brush
(1) 1” paint brush
(4) artist sea sponges for faux painting
(1) package of assorted artist brushes
(1) quart clear polyurethane

Clean Countertops

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Wipe down countertops with a degreaser to remove kitchen build up. Then, wearing gloves, clean with TSP solution to prep countertops for painting.

Tape Off Countertops

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Use painters' tape to cover sink, cabinets and back wall to ensure that only the countertop is showing. TIP: Place a paper tarp just under the countertop to entirely cover the lower cabinets.

Apply Bonding Primer

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Stir primer instead of shaking can to avoid bubbles. Wearing a mask, apply the first coat of tinted primer with velour roller. Once dry, apply second coat. TIPS: The primer is thin and dries quickly, so work in small areas. Be sure the room is properly ventilated as well; have a window open if possible.

Roll On Black Coat

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Roll countertops with velour roller. The velour keeps bubbles down and leaves a smooth finish. Allow paint to dry for 24 hours. Apply second coat and let dry. TIP: Cut in small areas with the 1” paintbrush. This is helpful around the sink and corners where space is tight.

Sponge On Black Paint

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Pounce thin layer of same black paint with sea sponge over entire countertop. Allow to dry. This will give the base coat some texture.

Sponge On Gray/White Chalk Paint

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Sponge on sporadic layer of gray and white chalk paint. While it’s still wet, go back over with a clean dry sea sponge. This will blend the colors together and remove any clumps.

Sponge On Black Chalk Paint

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Sponge on sporadic layer of black chalk. While it’s still wet, go back over with a clean dry sea sponge. All colors will be blended together now. At this point, you can fine tune the pattern in specific places to your preference. TIP: Keep used sponges in a resealed plastic bag. This keeps them moist so you can reuse and pounce quickly as you are tweaking the pattern.

Paint Marbling

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Dip artist brush in gray chalk paint. Freehand lines in a swirl pattern to mimic marbling. Twist and turn the brush as you go, using different amounts of pressure. Immediately pounce over with dry chip brush. This will soften the line.