Faux Paint Do It Yourself Project

Marble is extremely expensive and difficult to work with but it is a beautiful decorating choice. Faux painting is an inexpensive solution that can be used on almost any surface to create a marble finish that rivals the guanine article. All it takes a basic paints, glaze and patience.

Necessary Materials

• Undercoat paint for the background
• Artist oils paint for the various shades of brown, yellow and grey for the marble veins
• Glaze to create a translucent finish to simulate real marble
• Paint Brushes – you will need flat household brushes, a chip and pouncer brush plus some other artist brushes to create different effects
• Natural sponge
• Chamois or lint free rags
• Glass paper or newspaper

Painting the Surface

Apply the base coat to the surface and then create the veins and mottling effect using the other paints. When completed and dry, you apply the translucent glaze to give it the proper finish.

The following are some of the basic steps to creating a marble Faux paint:

• Thoroughly clean the surface with paint thinner or a solvent appropriate to the material. Make sure you remove all dirt and grease so the paint will adhere properly. If necessary sand or grind the surface until it is smooth and free of paint, splinters or other rough surfaces.
• Apply the base coat. Use as many coats as necessary.
• When dry, use the sponge to create a slightly mottled look using light brown or grey oil paint
• Use the artist brushes to create random veins across the entire surface. Traditional colors are burnt sienna and dark grey on light backgrounds and white or green on dark backgrounds
• Use darker colors to make some of the veins more prominent then use a soft brush to soften the effect.
• Next, use the natural sponge to create variations in tone by adding or decreasing the amount of paint.
  After everything is dry, coat the surface with the translucent glaze.
  Next add a coat of clear gloss varnish.
  When that is dry add a coat of satin varnish to provide a natural looking sheen with good depth.

You should practice as much as necessary. It takes time to learn how to make the veins and mottling look natural. It will be well worth the effort. The finished results will look like expensive marble for a minimal investment in paint and brushes.