Create a Faux Marble Finish on Furniture

A unique specialty finish, such as faux marble, makes a statement in any room of your home. Follow these steps to complete a fun project that will surely become a favorite conversation piece.

Steps

  1. Read the instruction literature available on the sides of the paint and stain cans and in the brochures provided by your furniture retailer.
  2. Choose a well-ventilated area where the temperature is higher than 65ºF.
  3. Prepare your workspace with an old newspapers, cardboard, or a dropcloth depending on the size of the piece you are finishing.
  4. Remove all hardware, such as handles and nails.
  5. Tape over glass and mirrors if necessary.
  6. Fill nail holes with a water based filler.
  7. Wet the wood using a water spray bottle to raise the grain.
  8. Let dry 30 minutes before the final sanding.
  9. Use 180 grit paper to lightly sand , which will remove any shipping marks or skin oils from furniture piece.
  10. Dust with an oil-free static cloth or vacuum.
  11. Stir the contents of the paint can.
  12. Apply 2 layers of a base coat using a foam brush or paint pad to one section at a time.
  13. Allow this color to dry for 2 hours.
  14. Apply the second color using a feather to draw veins on the white base in a diagonal direction using a turning, twisting motion when dragging the feather. By changing the motion of the feather, you can change the size of the vein. The veins of the marble should look like lightning bolts or tree branches.
  15. Allow the "veins" to dry for 5 minutes.
  16. Pour approximately equal parts of white paint and a polyacrylic gloss onto a plate.
  17. Dip a dampened sea sponge into this mixture, blotting the excess onto a paper towel.
  18. Sponge over the veins in a twisting, random pattern to soften the lines of the veins.
  19. Allow this to dry for 5 minutes.
  20. Blot the surface with a clean cloth to blend the colors.
  21. Allow to dry for 30 minutes.
  22. Use the feather to accentuate the veins.
  23. Allow this to dry for 2 hours.
  24. Stir the topcoat - Polyacrylic Satin.
  25. Apply the finish topcoat evenly in the same direction as the grain of wood.
  26. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
  27. Lightly buff the finish coat with 320 or finer grit sandpaper.
  28. Dust with a clean cloth.
  29. Apply second coat of finish.
  30. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
  31. Lightly buff.
  32. Dust.
  33. Apply a third coat of topcoat finish.
  34. Allow to dry for 3 hours.
  35. Lightly buff.
  36. Dust.
  37. Wash all applicators with water immediately after you are finished using them.
  38. Allow the finish to cure for 7 days before using the furniture.



Tips

  • Use water-based finishes because they are safer and more environmentally friendly, have a shorter drying time, and are easier to clean up.
  • Break the Handi-Painter foam pads in half. Use one for staining and one for applying the topcoat.
  • If it is cold enough to wear a sweater, it is too cold to apply a water base finish; therefore, regulate the heat of the room.
  • When working with multiple drawers, number the backsides for easy reassembly.
  • If using Hunter Green or Black as a base color, use white for the marble veins.
  • Rinse the foam pads well to remove any loose fibers before starting the project.
  • Break in a new piece of sandpaper or 3M pad by lightly sanding with them.
  • A semi-gel formula is more topical and does not penetrate as deeply, creating a more even distribution of color on any type of wood.
  • If using white as a base color, use black for the marble veins.
  • When closing paint and stain cans, place a paper towel over the top to absorb splatters before tapping the lid closed.
  • To extend drying times in hot, dry temperatures, use an extender.
  • The type of wood the furniture is made of will affect the final look. For example, oak, when finished, will result in a deeply grained look. Alder has less grain and stains more evenly.
  • To finish drawer knobs, sand them and then secure them to a piece of cardboard or the bottom of a box.
  • A paper plate covered in foil makes a great paint container.
  • 3M Sanding Pads are highly recommended, because they are long-lasting.
  • Wash clothing immediately if stain or topcoat has splattered onto them.
  • To maintain the finish, simply clean the surface with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

Warnings

  • Never use steel wool at any point in the finishing. Steel particles, if left behind, will rust after the topcoat is applied.
  • Never use ammonia-based products on water base finishes.
  • Do not use tack cloths that contain linseed oil because they will contaminate the finish.
  • Cleaners that contain silicon or vegetable oils are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish.
  • High humidity can cause the stain and paint to take longer to dry.

Things You'll Need

  • 180 grit sandpaper
  • 320 grit sandpaper
  • Drop cloth, old newspapers, or cardboard
  • Water base wood filler for filling any nail holes
  • Rubber gloves to prevent colorants staining skin
  • Foam brush or Handi Painter foam pads
  • Lint-free cloths or paper towels
  • 3M long masking tape, which is designed for painting and staining
  • Small bristle brush, such as a make up brush, for pulling stain out of corners.
  • Small piece of natural sea sponge
  • Feather
  • 1 Water Based White Paint Or a Color Base Coat, such as Hunter Green
  • 1 Water Based Paint Color, such as black or white
  • Water Based Polyacrylic Satin Topcoat of your choice

Related Articles

  • Stain Furniture
  • Apply a Two Tone Finish to Furniture
  • Create a Faux Paint Antique Finish
  • Create a Sponge Paint Effect on Furniture
  • Create a Leather Look with Waterbased Paints and Stains

Sources and Citations

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