| Paint your ugly Formica counter
tops to look like real granite! Great for counter tops, floors or
anywhere you would like to have the look of real granite. And so
unbelievably easy!
I used this super easy stencil to paint purple Formica to look like
granite in our home in Northern Idaho. The counter tops are now more than
lovely and I no longer feel I have to replace them! And it was all done with
a simple stencil!
I created this stencil 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:
Note: ALWAYS test your colors and practice your stencil
a little before beginning your counter top. That way, you will see exactly
how it will look.
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 the stencil 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, check your
local Home Depot or Lowe's for numerous brands that are fabulous, or 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 5 mil mylar which is perfect for
bending up over your back splash or down over rounded edges with ease.
10"x10" Single stencil-includes the above step by step
instructions.
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