So nothing makes a kitchen look brand new faster than a new countertop. And few things drain your bank account faster! If you are looking for a way to makeover your counters without spending a huge chunk of your kids college fund, consider granite countertop paint. You can DIY faux granite countertops with just a few simple tools and a few easy steps!
And if you follow all the steps and tips from these awesome bloggers who have done the faux granite thing before you, then it will last. And maybe someday you will find the funds to remodel with marble or granite. Or, maybe you will decide you don’t have to!
Why Faux Granite Countertops?
Ok, you may be wondering if you really want to go this route, and that’s understandable! Painting your kitchen countertops to cover up the old look is a bit intimidating. Same with painting cabinets, walls, flooring, anything really- because once you start there’s no turning back!
I think coverup projects are a great alternative when you want to see a big change but need to renovate on a budget. You already know we believe that if you’ve seen our post on how to cover up a kitchen backsplash. And hey, a few years down the road maybe you will have saved enough to go for real granite or another type of stone countertops, and you’ll have gotten to try out the look for a bit!
How to Paint Countertops To Look Like Granite: The Basics
We have some amazing tutorials for you to take you step by step through the process of faux granite countertops. But just so you have the basics down, here is a the five “P’s” for painting countertops to look like granite.
1. Pick a Paint or Faux Granite Kit
Choose your granite countertop paint carefully. There are complete kits you can buy with everything you need. (See the bottom of the post for ideas!) You an also buy your own supplies individually. If you do, do your research. The primer and sealer are the most important supplies.
2. Prep Your Counters
Make sure you do all the prep recommended by your chosen tutorial. This can include sanding, wiping down with alcohol or vinegar, and roping off the kitchen for a few days while you get your granite face on!
3. Prime the Surface
You must use a primer meant for sealing in a non porous surface. If you don’t use a kit, Kilz Original or BIN Primer are good choices.
4. Paint Your Faux Granite to Your Liking!
There are several steps and layers when you paint a faux granite countertop. You will have a base color and one or more accent colors. Make sure the chosen granite colors complement the room. Follow the instructions of your kit or your tutorial for creating the granite pattern.
5. Protect Your New Faux Granite Counters
Ok, this step cannot be skipped! You must seal in your counters to protect them from moisture & wear. NEVER cut or chop directly on your faux granite countertops! If you seal your counters as recommended and let them cure, you can look forward to years of use!
Ok, now that you know the basic steps, let’s get on to your tutorials!
DIY Granite Countertop Kit Tutorial
‘Kenya Rae‘ used a granite countertop kit to create these awesome new counters! She walks you through every single step, plus has some great tips for you. She uses the very popular Giani granite kit which we talk a bit more about at the end of this post.
Faux Granite Kit with Chips Tutorial
‘Blue I Style‘ used a kit that comes with decorative chips you add to the base layer to make it look more realistically like stone. Lots of step by step photos on how to fake granite countertops! The kit she used is made by Rustoleum, and don’t worry, we’ve included it in the kits listed at the end of this post!
Lean to Paint Countertops to Look Like Granite
If you like grey granite finishes like we do, then take a look at this tutorial for faux granite countertops from ‘Pearls and Sports Bras‘. Ah-mazing! I love that this counter has an uneven pattern for a more natural look. Take this as your sign to get creative and create a granite look that’s all your own.
DIY Faux Granite Countertops with Composite
Diane at ‘In My Own Style‘ used a service that poured a composite to make faux granite countertops. Isn’t this gorgeous? Check out how they went about this! Oh, and this method doesn’t have a cure time, so they can be used the same day!
Faux Granite Countertops DIY Tutorial
The Honeycomb Home has a great tutorial on how to paint countertops to look like granite. She also uses a Giani kit for a look entirely different than the other Giani project above.
“Instant Granite Countertops” Using Vinyl Film
Three Different Directions shares what may be the fastest path to new granite countertops with this tutorial for using vinyl film to cover your old counters.
How to Create Faux Granite Using a Paint Roller
This awesome tutorial shares a method for painting faux granite that we haven’t covered yet- a paint roller!
DIY Faux “Black Galaxy Granite”
If you’re looking for a classy kitchen renovation with a bit of drama, you should consider this “Black Galaxy” look for your countertops! Check out the tutorial for awesome results. I could see this one looking great in a modern basement bar.
Faux Granite Countertops DIY for Just $45
Brigitoria shares an awesome DIY tutorial where she manages to complete transform her kitchen counter for under $45! All she uses is some simple supplies you can get from a craft store!
Paint Over Laminate Counters
This tutorial shows you how you can easily transform your old laminate countertops to look like granite! Talk about a transformation!
Spray Faux Granite Countertops Kit
Wow! You have to check out this video tutorial to see how easy it is to achieve amazing results using a spray faux granite kit. This tutorial will guide you through using a Rustoleum spray faux granite product. Don’t dismiss it by the video’s cover photo, take a look at the results yourself!
Laminate Countertop Transformation
Here’s another tutorial with a stunning transformation from “Chalk and Chocolate.” Jenny was tired of the look of her plain white counters and wanted the look of stone countertops instead. So, she DIY’d them! This is a phenomenal example of how you can make a big difference on a budget when you look to DIY solutions!
Granite Countertop Paint Kits
‘Giani Granite‘ is one of the most popular granite counter kits, and you’ve seen a few examples of results using these kits above. They seem simple to use and like most people are satisfied with the results. You can find their products at their site or at ‘Amazon‘.
Another popular kit is “Rust-oleum Countertop Transformations “. This is the one that has the realistic chips to add over the base coat.
We hope you have tons of great ideas on how to DIY faux granite countertops! If you’re still looking for more options, consider a DIY butcher block kitchen island. Also, check out Kitchen Drawer Organizing and DIY Countertop Projects at our sister site, OhMeOhMy! And you might be interested in our DIY Landscape Steps and Stairs over at TGG!
