I always wanted to purchase granite countertops, but could never afford them. After accidentally coming across your website, I decided I can try to paint my cream Formica counters to resemble granite. I did it.
I am so amazed by the transformation, it turned my so so kitchen into a welcoming sophisticated kitchen. Thank you ThriftyFun. I have told everyone about your helpful website.
Source: ThriftyFun
By Kerry from Oak Harbor, OH
Wow Kerry, those look fabulous. I just finished my fourth practice run and think I finally found a pattern I love. So onto my kitchen now. A few notes: I would not recommend sprinkling glitter. I tried Twinklets Diamond Dust and it just made the surface bumpy, and I'm not willing to do second coats of envirotex to smooth it out. I used metallic gold and champagne pearl to mimic the metallic flecks seen in granite. Don't think you can tell from photos, but I used Famowood Glaze Coat from Lowe's as my pour on epoxy. (11/04/2009)
By shannon
Another photo, close up. (11/04/2009)
By shannon
These were the other practice runs I did. My husband says we'll have the nicest TV trays of anyone.(11/04/2009)
By shannon
Just wanted to say that stonedistribution.net is a great place to look at granite samples, because there are many choices, and you can enlarge them to see detail. Also, I tried using a large plastic spreader for the glaze coat, and also my hands with gloves. Hands were much better for coating sides/edges with less waste. After I was done spreading it out, I removed my gloves and used a foam brush for drips.
Another tip: I realized later, about 2 hours, that I got the epoxy in my hair. What a mess. I thought I would have to cut. But I tried dipping my fingers in rubbing alcohol, then sliding them over, and over my hair as I separated the strands. I then combed through the pieces gently. It worked. This was before it actually hardened completely and was still tacky.
(11/05/2009)
By shannon
Wow. It looks great. I have a bathroom sink that needs redone I think that I will try this. It's not too big of a job.
To the person wanting to know if they can use acrylics. I am a crafter/painter from way back. The answer. is yes as long as it is properly coated and applied you can use acrylic almost anywhere. Even outdoors if you weatherize the surfaces well. A good clear varnish or sealer, I prefer matte finish most always will do well. Perhaps a few coats sparingly applied. Thanks guys.
By carla
This post is for a step by step of my progress, so far I have sanded, primed in a white oil base and now that it has dried I applied a gold metallic acrylic paint mixed with translucent iridescent glaze. I brushed it on then went back over with a rolled up piece of plastic wrap now I can't go any farther until this coat totally dries. Through many trials and error I have found out that simply simplify the whole process or you will never get it all done to match (I have almost 78 sq. ft. to cover). So here's my first counter. Wish me luck and hopefully it will turn out great for others to follow without the stress that comes with the trial and error. (11/08/2009)
Oh, the first pic is only my first coat of my layering. After it dries I will layer in my next color. (11/08/2009)
(11/08/2009)
Laniegirl, if you were referring to my work, then thank you. I tried both real sea sponges, and a faux sponge from Walmart. I found the faux sponge gave much better results than the real ones. I was able to get very realistic veining without a "sponge painted look". Now I just have to tackle the bubbles. They're awful. If you were not referring to me, then maybe the faux sea sponge tip will help others. I bought it in the paint section of Walmart where they displayed brushes, etc. Also, blended colors very well, even dipped sponge into 2 colors at once (brown and gray). I guess it's all personal taste. (11/08/2009)
By shannon
Hey guys an update here for you. I used this company's Liquid Stainless Steel look that you see in some of my picture makeovers, I recently had this emailed to me from them and thought people here my want to use it. Check it out. New granite paint for quick Formica counter top makeovers. It's a new mineral paint that turns old Formica countertops into the look of Italian granite in a weekend.
It comes in a complete kit that includes everything needed to turn all the countertops in a standard size kitchen into the look of "Sicilian Sand or Bombay Black" granite for $49.
And the look is amazing as you can see for yourself in the attached "Before and After" images on GIANIgranite.com (11/09/2009)
By Ben
OK, here is my bark brown color mixed with the glaze again and then all the deep tone specks was achieved by a small piece of real sea sponge and only the bark brown with no glaze. I really like this look; sometimes less is more after many trials and errors. Next will be the envirotex. (11/09/2009)
A closer look; hope these pics are helpful. Good luck to the rest of you following on this site. (11/09/2009)
Picture looks like white is showing, but its actually lighter shades of gold metallic that were painted on the first coat that covers all the white base primer. (11/09/2009)
I am into the first hour of cure time with the envirotex and I could not be any happier at this point. (11/10/2009)
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I hope all my photos are helpful to others, as the ones in the past that were helpful to me. (11/10/2009)
I just realized I never posted a before pic so here it is (11/10/2009)
Queenie, it looks like you've done a great job. I really like your color choices. I hope you have great results with the envirotex, no bubbles like I ended up with. I'm planning on sanding down the bubbles tomorrow, and trying to add a seal coat of the glaze on top. I called the help line and the lady said I didn't have to do another thick pour, just a very thin seal coat to smooth the surface out. So hopefully that will work. (11/10/2009)
By shannon
Wow girls. Everyone's looks fantastic. See, we can do it. It is a little nerve racking at first, but with some helpful guidance it is possible. I don't know if you ever saw the before pictures and close ups, so here they are. (11/10/2009)
By Kerry
Here is the up close picture if you need to see it. (11/10/2009)
By Kerry
Another look at the finished counter. The reflection from my blinds and lamp. (11/10/2009)
By Kerry
After reading through all of your helpful advice and tips and looking at all the amazing pictures, I took the plunge and did the faux granite in my sons bathroom. I chose to do a black granite look and it looks amazing. I stained the cabinets and I even created my own backsplash and shelf using shelving material and did the faux granite look on it, too. I can't believe it turned out this beautiful. I could not have done it without ThriftyFun.com and all of your invaluable advice. (11/11/2009)
By Sandy
Here's another after photo. (11/11/2009)
By Sandy
This is the before picture. (11/11/2009)
By Sandy
Here is a picture of my countertops that I did a few years ago. It has been awhile so I can't remember the colors, but I did use the oil based poly (about 5 coats) as my topcoat. I didn't know about the envirotex product at the time. (11/11/2009)
By Dessa
Here is another picture. (11/11/2009)
By Dessa
skanepa, I know this is not the answer you are looking for after the long pain staking process of the faux painting but if it was me I would just sand it down to the bare bones and start the process all over. I used a oil based primer and let it dry completely before second coat; very time consuming, but worth it in the end. I am blessed to have not had a single bubble after all the horror stories as yours. Truthfully I was terrified that maybe I didn't mix well and fear it would not dry as nice as it looked wet. But today its just as slick as yesterday and dried well.
I would have to look back later on your old posts, but maybe there is some kind of chemical reaction going on with something you used in your process, (that happened with me in the past with not allowing oil paint to thoroughly dry before painting with latex and acrylic) it started the bubble process with just paint so I am simply guessing on your behalf. I wish I had better answers for you because I know how upset you are. I am not out of the woods yet. I still have the big ones yet to do.
I followed the envirotex instructions as if I was working with a bomb. It made no sense to pour and mix in one container and then pour into another and mix again, but I did it. I used two old plastic coffee cans to mix a quart and then I worked fast. One thing I have learned is patience for dry time it is one of the most important key in success (and yes a lot of trial and error taught me that). I pray that someone will have a solution for you. I know you worked so hard. Good luck. (11/11/2009)
Well, Queenie and all others who have or are considering using a pour on epoxy, I just called Envirotex number and they were so helpful. The lady was so kind and talked me through everything to do my second thick pour. I'm hoping I will end up with a bubble free surface this time. I would recommend Envirotex over any other pour on epoxy.
My experience with the Famowood Glaze Coat help line was not nearly as good. They acted like I was an annoyance and were not very helpful. In fact the Envirotex lady said the Famowood person gave me wrong information about the thin coat, and I should never have been told that. If in question, go with Envirotex. I was trying to save money, but now have spent more trying to fix the problem. (11/11/2009)
By shannon
Here is the finished island, Finally. No bubbles. In the background, you can see what my original counter looks like. I plan on also doing the other counters. The process was quite long and tedious, but worth it. For those interested, I used a white water based primer, without sanding (Zinsser Bulls Eye 123), then a base coat of latex wall paint (hazelnut cream). Then sponged on craft paints consisting of metallic gold, champagne pearl, brown, grey, black, white, and a tiny bit of burnt carmine (deep purple). Got my inspiration from an actual granite sample.
Lots and lots of trial and error. Sealed with Famowood Glaze Coat, and ended up with lots of bubbles. Sanded problem areas, just top off bubbles, then poured a second coat, this time with Envirotex Lite. My husband torched for 1/2 hour straight to make sure no bubbles this time. Pour on glazes are somewhat difficult to work with, but worth the finished product. Plus they are food safe, at least Envirotex is. There is a close up photo in a previous post. (11/12/2009)
By shannon
Another look. (11/12/2009)
By shannon
Closeup of burnt carmine by folkart. These spots are not everywhere, just in a few places, as seen in my granite sample. (11/12/2009)
By shannon
Queenie, I bought large plastic tubs/buckets from True Value in the paint section. They were about 3 bucks each. Used a paint paddle to mix, and I did whip it like cake batter, as the directions stated. Ended up with lots of bubbles in it, but they say that's normal. Just be sure to scrape sides and bottom as you're mixing. You should be able to buy the buckets at your local paint or hardware store. My Walmart didn't have them. I hope your large pour goes as well as your smaller pour. Good thing your husband will be there to help you. Two people for a large area is almost a must. If you can do a section at a time, that's what you should do. But if you have a lot of counter that runs continuously together, then good luck. And remember, if needed, torch, torch, torch. (11/13/2009)
By shannon
Queenie, another thought. I read in the directions the container should be 50% larger than the amount you're mixing. That said, you should probably buy at least 2 gallon containers to mix in. (11/13/2009)
By shannon
I would be super careful with everything you put on it. I placed my crock pot on it the other day on low and the little rubber circles showed up after I went to put it away. Even the rubber circles from my glass cutting board showed up. Do not put anything directly onto it from microwave. Not even a bowl of soup etc. or coffee cup. It tends to leave some sort of ring from where your bowl or cup was. Our home sports bar also did it and it is over 6 years old. It is getting better though as time goes by. Seems it just takes a long time to cure. (11/13/2009)
By Kerry
For those of you who email me with what colors I used here they are:
By Kerry
Oh, that doesn't sound good. Although, it does say it is a pliable finish and objects may leave impressions, but should disappear. But it sounds like the cups/bowls from microwave may be due to the heat? It says it's heat resistant up to 120 degrees, but not sure how hot that really is?
TimKerry, I've read that you use Pledge on yours. Did that seem to help the impressions made from cup/bowl from microwave? I don't want a beautiful counter that I can't use. I'm thinking about maybe doing the rest in the Rustoleum Countertop paint, or just leaving them as is. Anybody know much about durability of countertop paint? I've seen mixed reviews. TimKerry thanks for the information and please keep us posted. (11/13/2009)
By shannon
pksummer, when you pour the epoxy, you spread it so it runs down over the sides, then use a foam brush to spread and smooth it onto the sides. In my experience, the sides are not near as smooth as the top. It still looks okay, but they are more of a textured look. Maybe others had better luck than me. Just be sure to cover your cabinets with plastic or paper, that also covers the floor under and beyond your countertop edges. I found plastic drop cloths to be inexpensive and easy to use for this. I used painters tape to fasten them, then took it off about 3-4 hours after the pour, once it's tacky enough not to drip anymore. (11/16/2009)
By shannon
After reading this site over and over. I finally got the nerve to do my counters. I love them. The envirotex really scared me, but the results are well worth it. Today is the first day I moved all the appliances back in, 3 days to cure. Went from dull gray laminate to caramel, black, and glittery granite. I bought a granite stencil from Victoria Larson (works great if you like the granite look). Martha Stewart makes a very fine glitter in lots of different colors that works great for this project, I bought mine at Michael's craft store. Practiced alot of different color shades. This is my before shot, just painted with primer. (11/19/2009)
By Jesiferca
My after (glare is from wooden blinds).
Disregard the walls, I'm in the process of redoing our large open living area, all at once. (11/19/2009)
By Jesiferca
This is a close up. I tried to show the glitter but you can't really tell in the pictures. Trust me the pictures do not do them justice, everyone that has seen them loves them. (11/19/2009)
By Jesiferca
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