How to make a faux white marble countertop with TotalBoat TableTop Epoxy

STEP 1 – LAY OUT YOUR MATERIALS

• Put on gloves & other personal protection; work in a well-ventilated area.
• This project is messy – cover your work area with plastic.
• Before you begin, put all your materials within easy reach.

STEP 2 – LEVEL & PREP YOUR COUNTERTOP

• Use a level to make sure your countertop surface is level.
• Scuff-sand the surface with 80-200 grit sandpaper. Grit depends on surface type.
• Remove sanding residue by wiping with acetone or isopropyl alcohol.

STEP 3 – FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH MIXED EPOXY YOU’LL NEED

• To estimate how much epoxy you need, multiply: L x W x Epoxy Pour Depth = Cubic inches of epoxy
• Then look at the conversions in the following list to find out how much mixed TotalBoat TableTop Epoxy you’ll need.
• 1 quart of mixed epoxy = 57.75 cubic inches
• 2 quarts of mixed epoxy = 115.5 cubic inches
• 3 quarts of mixed epoxy = 173.25 cubic inches
• 1 gallon of mixed epoxy = 231 cubic inches

STEP 4 – MIX EPOXY & TINT IT WHITE FOR THE SEAL COAT

• Combine 1 part TotalBoat TableTop Epoxy and 1 part TableTop Hardener, by volume (100:83, by weight), in a clean mixing cup.
• Stir thoroughly 2-3 minutes; pour into a second cup and stir for 2-3 minutes.
• Add a few drops of white pigment dispersion, until mixture is solid white.

STEP 5 – APPLY A THIN SEAL COAT

• Pour a thin 1/16" seal coat of white mixed epoxy onto the surface, and spread evenly.
• Wait for the epoxy seal coat to set up and be tack-free before applying your flood coat.

STEP 6 – MIX MORE EPOXY FOR A FLOOD COAT & FOR THE MARBLING PIGMENTS

• Mix enough epoxy for a 1/8" white flood coat, light gray ‘marbling’, dark gray ‘veins’, and a clear buffer.
• Pour a small amount of mixed epoxy into three cups; leave one clear, tint one light gray, and tint one dark gray.
• Reserve the largest amount for the flood coat. Tint it solid white with the pigment dispersion.
• Optionally, add a small amount of the silver pearl mica powder to the flood coat to make it sparkle a bit.

STEP 7 – POUR THE WHITE EPOXY FLOOD COAT

• Pour the white mixed epoxy flood coat onto the surface.
• Spread evenly to a depth of 1/8".

STEP 8 – APPLY THE MARBLING EFFECT WITH THE LIGHT GRAY MIXED EPOXY

• Drizzle random lines of light gray mixed epoxy on the top and sides.
• Use a clean tongue depressor to control the line of light gray epoxy.

STEP 9 – FEATHER IN THE LIGHT GRAY MARBLING

• Feather the light gray marbling using your gloved fingertips or a dry chip brush.
• To loosen up the feathered lines, wave a heat gun quickly back and forth 2-3 inches above the surface.

STEP 10 – CREATE ‘VEINS’ WITH THE DARK GRAY MIXED EPOXY

• Use a clean tongue depressor to apply thin lines of dark gray mixed epoxy.
• Use the heat gun to manipulate the veins.

STEP 11 – ADJUST THE MARBLING EFFECT, AS DESIRED

• You may wish to add more white on dark areas, or more light gray and dark gray.
• If needed, mix more epoxy and tint, as desired.
• Use the heat gun to blend any additions. Continue until you’re satisfied with the effect.
• Now you can let the epoxy cure completely & go to Step 13, or let the epoxy cure until tack-free & go to Step 12 (APPLY A CLEAR COAT).

STEP 12 – (OPTIONAL) APPLY A CLEAR COAT OF MIXED EPOXY

• Add even more shine by applying a clear coat.
• Mix enough TableTop Epoxy resin and hardener to cover the top and sides to a 1/8" depth.
• Wave the heat gun back and forth quickly, 4-6 inches above the surface to remove air bubbles and move the veins around to enhance the marble effect.

STEP 13 – REMOVE CURED EPOXY DRIPS UNDERNEATH

• Allow 5-7 days for the surface to harden completely.
• Use a sander to remove any unwanted dried epoxy droplets from the bottom edge.
• IMPORTANT: Be sure to wear protective gloves and a proper respirator when sanding cured epoxy.

PUT YOUR BEAUTIFUL TOP TO GOOD USE!

• Place your items on the cured countertop, and show it off!
• IMPORTANT: Do not place items hotter than 125°F on the cured surface or it will discolor and become distorted.