Kitchen remodeling

Techniques for Painting a Faux Granite

The actual cost of using granite is much higher than the cost of painting imitation granite. Contractors and do-it-yourself remodelers know that the granite look can be achieved with appropriate materials and correct technique. First, decide on a color scheme, and then apply the paint using a spray technique, or sponge.

Color scheme

Anyone interested in painting granite must first decide the color scheme. The painter should know what colors work together and in what order they should be applied to replicate the look of real granite. Painters should use a minimum of three colors, one light, one dark and one medium. Metallics are a common choice for a base color because of the bright appearance of real granite. Using a piece of real granite as reference can take the guesswork out of choosing a realistic color scheme

Spray

Painters often use spray paint as a technique to create the appearance of granite. They must purchase an imitation granite spray finish. Apply the finish straight from the can on a properly prepared surface. Multiple layers are often necessary to achieve the desired look. Once the finish is dry, the painters apply a clear layer for brightness and ease of maintenance. This method works well for countertops, but can be used for walls and pillars as well.

Fluff

Sea sponges make impressive granite paint tools. Painters using the sponge method after applying a basecoat with a brush. The darker color is obtained by passing the sponge on the base first color, then the painters use a sea sponge to apply the next darker and finally the lighter. The lighter color ultimately acts as the dominant color. However, proper technique involves applying each sponge layer in a seemingly random pattern, so that the natural texture can emerge. The painters work with the same hand and sponge each layer in the same direction end up with surfaces that look cleaned with sponge not like granite.

Penetrate

Penetrating refers to the use of a plastic bag and a wrinkled appearance. Painters use this technique in combination with mixing nonlinear enamel paint. The glossy finish of this imitated granite finish is created by wrinkled plastic bags and helps avoid common sponge modeling technique.