Granite countertops aren't cheap. If you want the look without the price, you may want to try vinyl adhesive film that mimics the look.
Here's a before-and-after project that shows how to apply the film:
Before: Old Salvaged Countertop
Image: Lisa Kaplan Gordon for HouseLogic
This countertop in a mudroom was salvaged from an earlier demolition project.
The film, EZ Faux, comes in a roll along with a plastic squeegee tool and a utility knife.
Image: Lisa Kaplan Gordon for HouseLogic
It uses a wet mthod of applying, so you can reposition the film when you don’t get it right the first — or second — try:
- Wipe the surface clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Measure and cut the film.
- Spritz the adhesive side with water.
- Working from the middle to the edges, run the smoothing tool along the film to remove any puckers.
- For the edges, heat up the film with a hair dryer to soften it and mold it to grasp the lip.
After: It Looks Like the Real Thing
Image: Lisa Kaplan Gordon for HouseLogic
Compared to the old countertop, the new faux top looks 100% better.
Only when the sun hits the surface at a certain angle, you can see a few bubbles and puckers and realize it’s not real granite. But you've got to look at the right time.