Wall Stencils

Faux Granite Effects Stencil

Counter top done by Karen Gaither

 (Click Photos to Enlarge)

I absolutely cannot wait to use this design on our counter tops in our home in Idaho.

I created this design because it's going to be two years before we can put in our new slab granite counter tops in our vacation home. So I am going to faux finish the existing formica  with this great new stencil! I figured it would be a lot faster if I created a stencil for the granite effect than to hand paint it.

It's super easy (trust me, I  have tested it thoroughly!).

Here's how easy it is:

If you are doing this granite design Formica or even tile, simply wash the surface thoroughly then wipe with pure white vinegar to give it a bit of tooth (no, you don't need to pre-sand it).

Prime the entire surface. One coat for white counter tops or tiles, two coats for darker  colors. Allow to dry completely.

Simply paint your surface with the base color.

In the case of the sample above, use light, warm brown (reddish tint).

Apply the stencil beginning in one corner. Tape in place with masking or blue painters tape.

Dip a sea sponge (available at all paint and hardware stores) in medium brown acrylic paint. Blot off the excess before applying to stencil.

Completely cover the stencil with brown paint.

Step 4. Peel back the stencil and remove.

Step 5. immediately blot brown painted spots with the clean side of your sponge just to slightly blend. Do not over blend. If you do, simply replace the stencil and apply more "spots". Allow to dry.

Turn the stencil in the opposite direction (any direction is fine) and replace over the painted brown spots. (This places the new spots in a different place and creates a more random appearance) Blot with black acrylic paint.

Remove stencil

Again, (as with the brown painted spots) immediately blot the black spots just enough to soften and blend slightly. Do not over blend.

Mix enough water with black acrylic paint to make it the consistency of milk. Dip an old toothbrush in the mixture and holding it close to the painted surface, flick dots of black paint on to the surface by sliding your fingers down the length of the bristles. Create as much spatter as you see fit. Be sure to protect surrounding areas with newspaper before you flick or you may wind up with spotted cupboard doors! Want fancier granite? Do an additional random flick of brilliant gold paint as well!

Keep moving your stencil across and down your countertops, applying the same technique until you have completely covered them with the design. The stencil will bend right over edged if need be. Allow to dry.

Seal the surface with two coats of water based, non-yellowing  polyurethane sealer for high gloss, authentic granite results! (Use sealer according to manufacturers directions). If you have difficulty finding it, a great on-line source is at: FinishSystems.Com

There are many, many colors of granite. Choose your favorite by clicking here or search the internet for granite samples and save a copy of your choice to your computer then print it out as your paint guide.

If you need help deciding your colors, simply email me a size reduced photo (no bigger than 400 pixels) and I will be delighted to help you plan your colors. Email your photo to me at stencilstoplaster@yahoo.com

Granite Effects is also fabulous for use behind your stove or on the walls between your cupboards and counter tops as a detailed backsplash.

Designer's Tip:

How to choose your paint colors for the type of granite sample you have chosen:

Base color would be the "background" color you see in the sample.

First stenciled color would be the next lightest color you see in the sample.

Second stenciled color would be the darkest color you see in the sample.

It's that easy!

Stencil is laser cut of durable 7 mil mylar for extensive re-use.

10"x10" Single stencil-includes the above step by step instructions.