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Faux Granite Countertops Tips And Hints
By A Sneddon

Unfortunately the cost of granite countertops has been drastically reduced over the past few years, however, it is still remains out of the reach of most people. While granite continues to be a popular material of choice you will find that a faux granite countertop can create the look and feel without the expense. If it is made correctly, a faux granite countertop can be virtually undetectable from the real granite countertop.

You may be surprised to learn that there are many products available today which enable you to transform your old, dull laminated countertops into something new and exciting that closely resembles granite. The effect is created by coating the surface with a faux granite synthetic composite. This is usually supplied in a spray can which means that it should only take about 24 hours to apply it and allow it to dry (obviously the time it takes depends greatly on the drying conditions).

Creating your own faux granite countertop can require a little artistic flair but with a little care and attention to detail virtually anyone can attain perfectly acceptable results. Before you start it is a good idea to do a little research so try to view some samples of real granite so that you can get an idea of it's composition and how the highs and lows of color create the overall effect. It is always a good idea to practice a little first. If possible try it first on the same, or very similar, material to that used on the work top you plan to transform. Take note how your finished sample dries and the differences to when it was wet to gain further understanding of how to create the best overall effect.

There are several benefits that you may not have considered. Because you will be using synthetic materials you can, if you want to, create a granite look using various shades of bright red and dark blue which do not naturally occur making your kitchen surface truly unique. Like the real stone, countertops your finish will be heat resistant but it will not have the deep sheen associated with the real thing (to some this is an advantage while other think it not).

Sadly, no matter what you do, you will never be able to create a faux granite that is a hard wearing and as scratch resistant as the real natural granite. However you will make incredible savings and, in this case, you really do get what you pay for :-( Some people find that they can create a reasonable effect for less than $30 but I prefer to spend that little bit more to help create a more realistic finish.

Faux Granite Countertop Tips

Choose your colors carefully, as mentioned above it is best if you have some samples that have a pattern similar to that which you wish to create. Although black and gray are the usual dominant colors you can incorporate shades of browns, blues and pinks.

Always prepare your surface well before applying any product. A light sanding may be sufficient but you must ensure that dust is removed. Any grease spots and areas of dirt must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that the product is able to bond well.

Ensure that all other surfaces are well protected, old newspapers are great for this and can easily be taped using cheap masking tape that is easy to remove when finished. You must remember to cover your flooring as it is so easy to ruin a perfectly good floor with just a couple of splashes. Old bed sheets are best for this.

When the above two tips have been done make sure that you have everything else that you will need readily to hand. You will not want to have to go searching for something in the middle of the operation!

You should firstly coat your laminate with a special melamine undercoat. This is very important as it not only creates an evenly colored base coat but it has been designed to bond well with the paints you will be using.

Although there are special tools available, for the creation of faux granite countertops, you will find that the common sea sponge is a perfect material for creating the effect. You will need a separate sponge for each of your chosen colors. All you need to do is apply each color to the counter surface with gentle dabs. It may be necessary to allow each coat to dry well before applying another but some interesting patterns can be created when applied to a slightly wet coat. Some very realistic effects can be created if you apply all the colors alternately thus creating blends seen in the natural material.

Remember, if you make a total mess just allow it to dry for a few days and start over! However, I will repeat, prior practice is strongly advised.

You should allow at least 3 days before you use your faux granite countertop.

If you lack the confidence to create your own faux granite countertop you will find plenty of other places on the Internet willing to help you learn the process. There are even classes available in most areas and, if not, most DIY courses will cover the subject at one point or another.

When you have finished your first faux granite surface you will soon be looking for other countertops on which to practice your newly found skill.

Author Details:
A Sneddon, copywriter for various websites including, Countertops and The A to Z of.

Article Source: Simply Top Articles

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