CLEAN THE COUNTERTOP 

Begin by thoroughly cleaning your melamine countertop to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. Once clean, lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture for better adhesion. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and let the countertop dry completely.

PROTECT THE SURFACES 

Don’t take this step lightly – it’s very important!  You’ll need to tape all around the countertop and cover the backsplash, sink, faucet, cabinets and floor with plastic. Use the best painters’ tape you can buy. If you can remove your sink, even better. Make sure you don’t leave any gaps, as epoxy will run and stain anything it touches.

APPLY PRIMER 

Epoxy can be applied to virtually any type of
material: wood, melamine, tiles. The trick is to prepare the surface well. First, fill any holes with a stick of epoxy putty. Next, sand the old countertop with 220-grit sandpaper. Finally, apply your Benjamin Moore “STIX” primer, the best for all types of surfaces. Wait 24 hours.

MARBLE BASE

Measure precisely as indicated, otherwise your epoxy will remain sticky. For a marble effect, mix about a liter of epoxy and add the white pigment until it is no longer transparent (about 1/3 of a bottle). Apply the white base to your entire worktop evenly. If you have several countertop sections, work on each section separately.

MARBLE VEINING

After applying the white mixture with a foam roller, prepare another liter of white. Pour about half a cup into three different small cups. Add a few drops of black
to each to create different shades of gray.  Don’t apply the epoxy to the edge of the countertop before it starts to stick. If you do, you’ll lose too much product, which will run onto the floor. To create the marble look, drip
the epoxy onto the end of a stick and create diagonal lines with the grey mixes.

BLENDING & TEXTURE 

To achieve a more realistic marble effect, lightly blend the veining using a soft brush or sponge. This will help soften the edges and create a natural appearance. You can also add texture by lightly dabbing the surface with a sponge or other textured material. Go over with your white and grey mixture if necessary. Get inspired by the image of a real marble countertop.

ELIMINATE BUBBLES 

You have approximately 30 minutes to create your design. When you’ve finished, use a ProPane torch at a distance of at least 5 inches. If you get too close, you risk burning the epoxy. Use rapid circular movements to
eliminate bubbles.

NICE EDGES 

Then, for at least 2 hours, go around the edges with a stick to remove drips. After 3 hours, using a utility knife, remove the tape around the sink and backsplash, but leave the protective plastic on the cabinets and floor.

CURE & SEAL

Allow the epoxy resin to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Once cured, apply a clear sealant or topcoat to protect the surface and enhance the glossy finish. Follow the recommended drying times for each coat.  Usually, you should be able to use your countertops after at least 48 hours. Caulk all joints for a beautiful finish.

With a bit of creativity and some DIY spirit, you can transform your ordinary melamine countertop into a stunning masterpiece that resembles luxurious marble.

This budget-friendly project allows you to enjoy a high-end look without the highend price tag. Embrace the creative process, and soon you’ll be reveling in the beauty of your newly upgraded countertop.