How to Get The Granite Look: DIY Painted Countertops

What you need: 

• Fine sandpaper: 220 grit

• Wood filler (optional) 
• Frog tape
• 6 paper plates
• 2 small paint trays
• Giani Countertop Paint Kit (includes:)
  • Roller frame & roller covers                      
  • Brush
  • Sponge 
  • Primer
  • 3-4 paint colors
  • Topcoat

Step 1: Read the directions all the way through. 
You know you should!

Step 2: Fill your counter cracks with wood filler. 
If you have perfectly smooth countertops, with no knife marks, congratulations! You can skip this step and move on to Step 3. If you have a few knife marks, it only makes you human. Just use a small bit of wood filler in the divots and let it dry for an hour. 

Step 3: Scuff-Sand. 
Do you want smooth countertops? Scuff it. Do you want the paint to stick to the countertops? Scuff it. There’s no getting around it. It’s a necessary step, and it's worth your time, so start sanding.

Step 4: Clean your counter tops. 
Even if you have clean countertops, wash them down. Use warm water and a degreaser. You’ll want to start with a pristine surface: no toaster crumbs or sticky little fingerprints allowed. 

Step 5: Primer Coat. 
No matter which paint kit you choose, the primer coat is going to be black. (Trust us on this! It covers your original countertop color well and will give a good base.) This should dry 8 hours before sponging.

Step 6: Bust out the color kit! 
Pour each paint individually onto 3 separate paper plates. Blot some paint onto 3 clean paper plates to avoid getting the paint on to heavy. Depending on the look you want, mix and match the colors with your sponge to overlap, working in 2’x2’ sections at a time, to get a consistent look.

PRO TIP: Having trouble getting the paint into the corners? Cut your sponge in a triangle, to fit. 

Step 7: Apply the topcoat. 
Is the paint dry? The recommended time is 4 hours. Scuff any peaks and put the topcoat on. It will roll on with a blue tint, but don’t worry. It dries clear! Let it dry overnight and add another topcoat in the morning. After 3 days, you can set light appliances on it (toaster, cutting board, etc.), but we recommend waiting a full 14 days before heavy use.

PRO TIP: Remember, no hot pans or excessive water may sit on the counter. You can thank us later.