A Stone Kitchen Countertop for Less Than $75

Remodel Your Kitchen Without Remodeling Your Bank Account

One of today's kitchen décor trends is the stone countertop. Unfortunately for those whose kitchens are badly in need of remodeling, a stone kitchen countertop is not usually in the price range. A true stone countertop
 can cost upward of $1,000 (likely closer to $5,000). However, it is possible to get the look of stone in your kitchen for less than $75. All it takes is some time and a little ingenuity.

You can actually paint your kitchen countertop to look like stone. It will give a whole new feel to your kitchen, without destroying your wallet. The first thing you need, however, is practice. Look online, or at your local library, for information on faux painting. You won't even have to buy the information if you arrange matters correctly. Look through the information until you find the stone look that you like. Most tutorials of this sort will help you figure out which paint colors you will need, the brushes that will help you create the effect, and the proper technique. Then get to work on some cardboard. After all of your practice is complete, and you have succeeded in painting the cardboard to look like stone, it is time to really get down to business.

Before painting your countertop, you need to prepare the surface. Do not remove whatever you already have. The primer goes on top of your current surface. Do not skimp on this step. Even expensive primer will still result in spending less than $75 for your countertop. You should use a primer that is made especially for surfaces that are non-porous. Most home improvement and hardware stores have these types of primer. Do not be afraid to ask for help when making this purchase. You want to be sure that the primer is for non-porous surfaces. Let the primer dry thoroughly before you begin painting.

Related information
  • Practice on cardboard first to get the look you want.
  • Priming the current surface is a very important step.
  • Find information on faux painting for free at the library or online.
 
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I would also like to see pictures of these countertops and also know the stone paint used. Where can I find this information?

Posted on 03/04/2008 at 9:03:56 AM

I have painted two brick fireplaces. The result is simple and good looking (no one knows that the brick has been painted). First choose two colors, one for the base color of the brick and the other for the top. I used the darker color as the base color. Paint ONLY the brick with the color. Do NOT paint the concrete seams. When the base color is dry, use a rough porous sponge for the second color. Lightly dip the edge into the paint, lightly scrape off the excess on the edge of the paint can, then begin to spone onto the painted bricks. Be careful to change the position of your hand frequently, so that you don't repeat the same pattern on the bricks. Don't worry about sponging on the seams; it doesn't seem to show. Good luck.

Posted on 01/28/2008 at 8:01:46 AM

Hi ... do you have a picture of, Stone Kitchen Countertop? Your article is great, I can't wait to try it. I have mauve counter tops ... needs to go. If you have anymore helpful hints please let me know. By the way, have you ever painted a brick fire place? Thanks for you help.

Posted on 10/17/2007 at 1:10:00 PM

What a great way to devalue the equitity in your home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on 04/08/2007 at 12:04:00 PM

This is exactly what I want to do. Where can I get this Product??

Posted on 04/02/2007 at 11:04:00 AM

This proposal is exactly what I want to do However, I can't find the special paint that. Could you give me information on trade marks of this paint that I could use ? Gerard Croteau Quebec City, Canada gcroteau@megaquebec.net Aug, 16, 2006

Posted on 08/16/2006 at 5:08:00 PM

One other thing...If you're not going to apply a clear coat protective finish, you may want to consider using an Oil-Alkyd paint. It's the most durable paint you can get, besides 2-part epoxies, which are sometimes difficult to find and expensive. Allow the Oil-Alkyd finish coat to cure for 7-10 days for best results and to be sure the solvents have completely been released. You may want to avoid direct contact of food with the cured finish.

Posted on 04/10/2006 at 8:04:00 PM

Use Zinssers BIN Primer (Shellac-based). I did, and it's very tough and will accept laytex or oil-based paint. Laytex primers don't stick as well as the shellac-based. I tried them too, and they scratched off with my fingernail, even after 48 hours. Always (1) clean, (2) scuff sand to remove gloss only (120-80 grit) and (3) thoroughly remove all dust with a tack cloth. With shellac-based primers, clean with 1-part ammonia, 3-parts water (recommended by Zinsser). Good luck!

Posted on 04/10/2006 at 8:04:00 PM

This is a great article... I just want to add that before primer is applied that the counter should be cleaned very well with tsp or mineral spirits to make sure no oil, dirt, or gloss is on the surface. This will give the primer a better "grip" on the counter top.

Posted on 03/23/2006 at 6:03:00 PM

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