Applying a Faux Stone Finish

• Faux Painting Stone
• Faux Painting Glaze
• Faux Painting Prep
• Faux Sponge Painting

This is page two of the Faux Painting Stone Tutorial. Go to Stone Faux Finish Prep for surface preparation and glaze mixing instructions.

Stone Finish Chart

For each of the stone finishes we create here, you will need to base coat the project with one of the paint colors. For brown stone, base coat with the brown paint. For black and gray stone use the gray paint. Use the glaze colors in the order listed in the following chart for the Black, Gray and Brown granite effects.

Creating the Stone Finish

Prime and base coat your project with the appropriate paint. While you're at it base coat a piece of cardboard to use as a test board.

Pour some glaze into a paint tray or other container. Submerge the sponge in water and wring out the excess. To avoid adding any excess water to the glaze, dry the sponge well on a clean rag. If the glaze runs, immediately wipe the surface with a clean, wet rag. Dry the sponge thoroughly and try again.

Use the test board to test your sponging technique before applying it to your project. Swirl the sponge around on the paint tray to spread the glaze evenly. With the sponge held as shown, dab at the test board. Touch the surface lightly with the sponge and lift it immediately in a light pouncing action. Avoid rocking or dragging the sponge while it is in contact with surface. Leave a dense impression of the sponge texture on the surface while allowing the base color to show thru.

When you have the technique right move to the project. Apply the first glaze coat and let it dry for about half an hour or use a hairdryer to speed the process.

Apply the second glaze color in the same manner. Use a lighter touch with the second coat, allowing the underlying colors of the basecoat and the first glaze coat to show thru. Allow the second coat to dry. For some stone finishes a few more glaze colors will be required. Let each color dry before applying the next. Apply each new color a little less densely than the one before, allowing more of the underlying colors to show thru. Let the project dry before proceeding to the next step.

To finish the granite effect use a toothbrush to spatter the finish with dots of glaze. Pour about a tablespoon of glaze into a small mixing container. Add a tablespoon of water and mix thoroughly. Dip the toothbrush into the glaze and wipe any excess from the handle to avoid dripping on the finish.

Holding the toothbrush as shown, run your thumb across the bristle several times to remove the excess glaze before moving to the project. Spatter the test board until only tiny specks are produced and then move to the project. Hold the toothbrush above the surface and let gravity assist in even distribution of the specks.

Mix and spatter all the colors called for in the color chart. Start with the darker colors and move to the lighter ones. Each color does not need to dry before applying the next. Allow the project to dry for several hours before applying a clear finish such as shellac or varnish.