Marble surfaces are elegant and timeless, but sometimes you may want to refresh their look or match them to your décor. The good news is that you can paint marble with acrylic paints. Whether it’s a countertop, fireplace, or another marble object, acrylic paint can adhere to marble surfaces. However, due to marble’s smooth and non-porous nature, proper preparation is essential to achieving a long-lasting finish.
How to Paint Marble with Acrylic Paint
You can paint marble with synthetic, acrylic, spray, or epoxy paint. However, acrylic paint is the easiest to use. It dries quickly, leaves no streaks, and is a safe choice.
Acrylic paints, especially all-purpose ones, are excellent for painting marble. They are versatile and suitable for both indoor and outdoor marble items, such as garden ornaments, countertops, tables, or decorative pieces.
All-purpose acrylic paints can adhere to many surfaces, but priming is still necessary before applying them to marble. Marble surfaces can be either polished or unpolished. Unpolished marble tends to produce dust, while polished marble has a smooth, glossy finish. In both cases, these characteristics can weaken the adhesion of acrylic paint.
Materials Needed
- All-purpose acrylic paint.
- Bonding primer.
- 2-inch soft-bristled brush.
- Stiff sponge or short-nap roller.
- Acrylic varnish or epoxy varnish.
How to Paint Marble with Acrylic Paint?
- Clean the marble surface and ensure it is completely dry.
- If it has a glossy finish, lightly sand it and wipe away any dust.
- Apply a transition primer, a primer for glossy surfaces, or a bonding primer to help the acrylic paint adhere better to the marble. Allow the primer to dry for at least 3 hours. “Related article: Do you need primer?”
- Apply 2-3 coats of acrylic paint, waiting 4 hours between each coat. “Related post: How long to wait between coats of paint?”
- After a day, seal the surface with a water-based varnish to improve resistance to water, scratches, and stains. Choose a water-based varnish in either matte, satin, or gloss finishes. Additionally, for surfaces like kitchen countertops, you can use epoxy varnish to achieve water-resistant surfaces.
- This technique is ideal for large indoor marble surfaces like kitchen countertops or tabletops.
Tip: Sealing the painted marble with varnish enhances its durability and protects it from daily wear. The marble will take at least one day to be ready for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about marble painting below. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
What Kind of Paint Can You Use on Marble?
You can paint marble using various types of paint, such as synthetic, acrylic, and spray paint. Each type has unique qualities and methods for application.
Can Marble be Painted Black?
Marble can be painted black. However, black paint tends to leave roller marks. To avoid this, use high-quality paint and a high-quality roller. Additionally, we recommend using a short-nap roller to minimize streaks.
What Primer to Paint Over Marble?
The type of primer you use to prime the marble should be the same as the type of paint you plan to use. If you’re considering using synthetic-based paint, a synthetic primer is recommended; if you plan to use acrylic paint, an acrylic primer is best; and if you’re thinking of using spray paint, a spray primer would be a better option.
Can I Use Epoxy on Marble?
Yes, one of the best options for painting marble is epoxy paint. It’s durable and long-lasting, making it highly suitable for marble. You can maximize its durability by using an epoxy primer before painting and an epoxy varnish after painting.
How Long Does Painted Marble Last?
Acrylic paint on marble can last for years if sealed with an epoxy or acrylic varnish. However, make sure to check the varnish every year and renew it if necessary.
