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| Marbleizing is a timeless decorative
finish that adds boldness and grandeur to any space. It
can be used successfully in either modern or traditional
environments. When marbleizing, "keep it real".
Choose surfaces that might realistically be made of marble,
such as baseboards, moldings, panels, fireplace mantels,
columns, or tabletops. With a little practice, anyone
can create this classic beauty. |
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Base Color
Benjamin Moore Paint #2148-50
Glaze Colors
(A) Benjamin Moore Paint #2165-40
(B) Benjamin Moore Paint #HC-49
(C) Benjamin Moore Paint #2005-20
(D) Benjamin Moore Paint #2148-50
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How-To Instructions
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Prep 1:
Before base coating, make sure your surface is in good
condition. Patch holes and cracks with spackling paste,
and wash any dirt from surface using a mild soap. Mask
all windows, baseboards, and moldings using 2"
painter's tape. Evenly apply paint with roller. Base
coat should always be a satin or semi-gloss latex finish.
Two coats may be necessary depending on coverage. Let
dry 24 hours.
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Prep 2:
Before you faux, prepare
your glaze/paint mixture(s). A 5:1 ratio (5 parts Faux
Like A Pro glaze to 1 part paint) is highly recommended.
This ratio will allow you time to work the finish and
prevent it from drying too fast.
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Step 1:
To create your first layer of marble drifts use
a 3" latex brush to apply glaze A in a diagonal,
serpentine fashion. Leave portions of the base coat
showing through. |
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Step 2:
Deepen the dimension of your finish, by creating
drifts of glaze B that slightly overlap the first
drifts. Use a second 3" latex brush to apply
glaze B in the same manner as step 1, covering the
remaining base coat. |
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Step 3:
Saturate your sponge with water ringing out thoroughly
until slightly damp. Delicately tap the surface
with your sponge, blending the colors into one another
until you have achieved a soft, mottled effect.
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Step 4:
Continue to work the two colors together by quickly
pouncing the entire surface with a stippling brush. |
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Step 5:
Add subtle touches of glaze C, to recreate the depth
of marble. Dip the nubbly side of your sea sponge
into glaze C, off-loading excess paint onto a paper
plate. Apply glaze C lightly and sparingly to areas
you wish to intensify. |
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Step 6:
Use a badger softening brush to blend glaze C into
the surface. Hold the brush with a loose wrist and
use a delicate touch. Make light diagonal and figure-8
motions with the brush until glaze is gently clouded. |
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Step 7:
You are now ready for the veining process. Dip the
end of a feather into glaze B, off-loading excess
paint onto a paper plate. Hold the feather loosely,
dragging in a diagonal line, flanking the drifts.
Remember - realistic veins vary in length, thickness
and intensity. You can gently blend some of your
veins (see step 6) if you feel they are too harsh.
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Step 8:
You may add additional white veins by dipping a
squirrel hair swordliner brush into the base coat
and repeating step 7. When you are satisfied with
your faux marble, let dry for at least 24 hours.
Seal the entire surface with two coats of Faux Like
A Pro varnish for protection and sheen. |
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Tip 1
1. Before you start your project, find a real
piece of marble that works with your décor.
Study your piece of marble and become familiar
with its coloring and veining patterns.
Tip 2
When veining marble, variety
is key. One helpful trick is to vary the pressure
you apply to the brush or feather - this will
produce different vein widths. Let your hand tremble
slightly while dragging the veining tool. Remember
that veins never join at right angles, and avoid
making your marks unnaturally repetitive.
Tip 3
Marbleizing is a gradual
process of layering subtle tones of color. When
using your blending tools (sponge & stippling
brush) it is important not to overwork your area.
This will prevent the marble from appearing too
muddy.
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FINAL FINISH |
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Supplies:
- gallon of glaze
- gallon of varnish
- two large sea sponges
- badger hair softener
- small stippling brush
- varnish brush
- Squirrel Hair Swordliner
- feather
You will also need the following
basic supplies from your local hardware store:
- two 3" latex all purpose brushes
- paint roller
- medium nap
- roller tray
- 3" latex cutting brush
- large bucket for water
- 3 containers to hold glaze/paint mixture
- painter's tape
- paper plates for off loading paint
- latex gloves
- rags for clean up
- drop cloths
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