Painting a Countertop to Look Like Granite

Cleaning the Surface
Using a cleanser that acts as a degreaser is the preferred type of product to be used for cleaning the countertops. Formula 409 or Dawn dish-washing liquid will work great for this step of the project. It's important to clean "every" inch of the tops, even the skinny top edge of the back-splashes. You will also need to remove any "Silicon" based caulk with a putty knife. Paint generally doesn't stick to "Silicon" caulking very well.

Filling the Chips
If there are any chips in the surface that need to be filled, lightly sand them first with 100 grit sandpaper, then use an automotive type filler such as Bondo to fill the gaps. Most painting systems come equipped with everything you need to paint the tops like granite, even the filler. Allow it to thoroughly dry and then sand it flush. If there's still a depression when you finished, apply a second application and re-sand the area. Paint will always follow the shape of a dip, crack or scratch. This is why you must make these damaged areas flat prior to applying the countertop granite paint.

Protecting the Surrounding Surfaces
You will need to use masking tape on the walls and cabinet areas that might be in the danger zone for getting the granite paint on them. A thin layer of plastic taped to the walls will protect them from any paint splatters. Be sure to make "perfectly" straight lines when masking things off. All around the sink will need to have masking tape applied as well.

Primer Application
Using a roller, the primer coat is applied to the large-flat surface areas. A foam brush is used for around where the backsplash meets the kitchen or bathroom countertops and along the edges.

The success of painting a countertop is found in allowing sufficient time for the coatings to dry. With that being said, DO NOT get too anxious to apply the next three colors of paint. The adhesion of the primer coating is the most IMPORTANT part of the process.

Painting With Foam
You are going to apply three different colors of paint using a piece of foam that has large, medium and small holes throughout it. It looks somewhat like coral. Each color will be dabbed on the countertop and blended together. It is advised to try practicing on a piece of posterboard first.

Sanding Out the Imperfections
Once the colors have "completely" dried, the next step is going to be lightly sanding any rough places off of the surface. You may need to do a little touch-up when you are finished.

Applying the Clear-Coat
The final stage of painting the countertop is applying the clear-coats. You will roll on one coat and allow it to dry. You will be using a foam applicator around the hard to get to areas with the roller. Roll on the second coat and you are almost finished.

Removing the Masking Tape
Just after applying the second clear-coat, begin to remove the masking tape. It is a good idea to use a razor knife and score the line as you are removing it.

The entire process of painting a countertop takes about four days. Once you have finished, the granite paint will be fully cured in about two weeks. During this time, you should keep the tops dry and not allow any standing water to remain on them. It is also important to keep them clean by using a cloth dampened with water.