Faux Finishing Instructions: Marbleizing
Marbleizing is a process of layering tinted glazes over a white or colored basecoat to create a marble like finish. This technique can be used on a variety of surfaces; fireplace mantels, columns, furniture, walls and more. A very luxurious look can be created when using this technique.
1. Apply base coat.
Use a quality latex semi-gloss paint such as Hirshfield's Heavy Duty, Pratt & Lambert's Accolade Interior Semi-Gloss or Benjamin Moore's Aqua Glo. Make certain that all surfaces not to be painted are taped off and well protected. Do not leave masking tape on overnight.
SAMPLE BOARDS: Apply base coat color to two or three poster boards. Hirshfield's recommends that your always experiment on sample boards painted with your base coat color to find color combinations you like and to practice and perfect your technique before starting on the wall.
2. Formula for glaze.
Use the same type of latex paint as used for the base coat in the color(s) of your choice. Thin as described below. Dilution ratio is affected by heat and humidity. Experiment to find out what works best for you. Write down your dilution ration in case you need to make more glaze. The basic formula is:
1 part latex paint
2 parts water
6 parts Blend & Glaze
(latex formula)
3. Prepare for marbleizing.
Use 4" Easy Mask at ceiling and baseboard. Glazes are runny and a bit messy. Take extra time to be certain that surfaces not be to painted are taped off and well protected. Do not leave masking tape on overnight. Cover all heat registers to prevent glaze from drying too quickly.
4. Applying the glazes
Step 1: Dab on the first glaze color with a damp sponge over the entire work area. Allow base coat to show through. Let dry.
Step 2: Repeat this process with your second glaze color. Apply this color (and subsequent colors) a bit more randomly so that the first sponged color and base coat are visible. You may use up to four glaze colors. However, colors should be close in shades.
Step 3: Veining. Put a small amount of Blend & Glaze on a plastic plate. Add a very small amount of white paint to color it. Load the tip of an artist brush with the mixture. Drag brush across the surface to create veins. For a subtle change in your marbleizing look, you may also use a turkey feather. Dip the turkey feather in the glaze mixture and drag in the same manner. This will give you a variety of veins
Step 4: With a lint free rag, lightly smear some of the veins in a few spots. This will create a softer, more natural look.
Step 5: After the walls have dried completely (24 hours), apply a top coat of clear acrylic finish like Hirshfield's Clearcoat or Pratt & Lambert's Acrylic Varnish. A gloss finish is recommended.
5. Allow yourself plenty of time.
If you choose to do this marbleizing technique on walls remember it isn't necessary to complete an entire room in one day. However, once you start on a wall, be prepared to finish that wall.
6. Practice first.
Remember to use sample boards (all professionals do) painted with your base coat color to practice this technique.
TOOLS NEEDED:
Latex paint for base coat
Latex paint for glaze colors
Blend & Glaze (Latex Formula)
Brush, roller & paint tray
for basecoat
Containers for glaze colors
1 Natural sea sponge
1 Pointed artist brush
1 Turkey feather
1 Cotton lint free rag
1 Small plastic plate
4" Easy Mask tape
Plastic drop cloth