White quartz countertops can look absolutely stunning in kitchens and bathrooms, providing a clean, bright, and elegant backdrop. However, quartz is also one of the most expensive countertop materials on the market. If you love the look but not the price tag, faux quartz provides a budget-friendly alternative. With the right techniques and materials, you can fake the look of real quartz countertops to get the high-end style you want without breaking the bank.

Gather Your Materials

To achieve the look of white quartz, you’ll need:

Primer – To prepare the surface for painting. Look for high adhesion primer for the most durable results.
White basecoat paint – A bright white paint will serve as the base layer. Be sure to choose a bathroom and kitchen friendly formulation.
Tinted glaze – This will create the “veining” effect in the finish. Pick a color like gray or tan that resembles natural quartz patterns.
Protective sealant – After painting, seal the surface with water-based acrylic sealant for washability.
Paint supplies – Paintbrushes, paint tray, rollers, painters tape, and rags for stain application.
80-100 grit sandpaper – To sand between coats for smooth results.

Choose the highest quality paint products within your budget for maximum durability. Consult with paint store professionals for product recommendations.

Prep and Clean the Surface

Thorough surface preparation is crucial for a paint job that will withstand heavy use and cleaning in a kitchen. Here are the key steps:

Wash – Use a degreaser to clean away any existing grease, dirt or residue. Rinse and let dry fully.
Sand – Lightly sand glossy surfaces to roughen them up for better paint adhesion.
Fill holes and repairs – Use spackle or filler to patch any holes, chips or cracks. Allow to dry fully and sand smooth.
Remove hardware – Take off faucets, soap dispensers, etc. to paint the full surface.
Tape edges – Use painters tape around the edges to protect walls and backsplashes.

Proper cleaning and prepping ensures the new paint job sticks well and lasts.

Apply Primer

With the surface ready, it’s time to prime:

Read the primer label and follow instructions carefully. Use a roller or brush to apply an even coat across the entire surface.
Allow primer to dry fully. Then sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper to smooth away any drips or rough patches.
Clean away sanding dust. Apply a second coat of primer and allow to dry thoroughly before painting.

The right primer provides a uniform finish and prevents the white topcoat from showing through unevenly.

Paint the Base Coat

Now you’re ready for the bright white base layer:

Again, read paint label instructions. Pour the paint into trays and use high-quality rollers to apply the basecoat in long, even strokes.
Apply two coats, allowing each to dry fully before adding the next. Lightly sand between coats for a perfectly smooth finish.
Inspect closely and touch up any missed spots. Be patient – rushing can lead to drips in the finish.

Take your time with the basecoat for flawless results. The bright white will reflect light beautifully to mimic natural quartz.

Create Veining with Tinted Glaze

Here’s where the magic happens! The tinted glaze over the white base creates the signature veining of quartz:

Pour the glaze into a paint tray and use a stain rag to apply it across the surface. Work in random, swirling motions.
While the glaze is still wet, go back over it with a clean rag, twisting and wiping to create variations in color intensity.
Softer pressure results in more intense glaze color, while firm pressure lightens the effect. Work all over the surface.
Allow the glaze layer to dry fully before sealing or adding any other topcoats.

Play around to achieve the natural, multi-toned “veins” in the finish. The glaze tint blends beautifully into the white for a remarkably realistic look.

Seal and Protect the Finish

To keep your painted quartz counters looking like new:

Apply 2-3 coats of water-based acrylic sealant, allowing drying time between coats. This seals the finish and creates a washable surface.
Avoid abrasive cleaners. Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and water for daily cleaning.
Reapply sealant once a year or as needed to maintain the protective barrier.
Use trivets and hot pads to prevent damage from hot pots and pans.

The sealant locks in your paint job so your counters can withstand years of use. Handle with care to maximize the lifespan of the faux finish.

Maintaining the Look

With the right care, your painted counters can mimic the beauty of real quartz for extended time:

Make timely touch ups. Use leftover paint to quickly fix any chips that occur.
Consider redoing the job every 2-3 years as needed when you see signs of wear. Light sanding allows the new paint to adhere.
If applying to laminate, be prepared to fully replace counters after 5-7 years when paint no longer adheres well.
On solid surface materials like wood, maintain the paint finish for many years before needing full redo.

Refreshing the paint maintains the like-new look over time. With proper prep and products, even painted counters can deliver lasting beauty.

Achieve the White Quartz Look Affordably

With some supplies and effort, you can transform existing counters into gorgeous white quartz imposters. Follow these tips and techniques:

Use the highest quality paint products within your budget. The durability makes a difference.
Dedicate time for proper cleaning and surface prep for great paint adhesion.
Apply multiple coats in all steps – primer, base white, glaze, sealant – allowing thorough drying time between coats.
Work slowly and carefully as you apply the glaze for natural looking “veins.”
Seal thoroughly and make minor touch ups regularly to maintain the beautiful finish.

Common Questions and Answers

Still have some questions about faux white quartz countertops? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What paint sheen should I use?

For durability, use satin or semi-gloss finishes. High-gloss can show imperfections, while flat is prone to staining. Satin or semi-gloss offer the best of both – shine and protectiveness.

What surfaces can I paint?

Existing laminate, cultured marble, tile, concrete, wood, and other solid materials can all be painted. Laminate has the shortest lifespan for painted finishes. Avoid painting engineered stone.

How long does the painting process take?

From start to finish, expect the project to take 2-4 days. It requires careful preparation, multiple coats, and drying time between each step. But the results are well worth the time investment.

Should I hire a pro or DIY?

An experienced refinishing pro can complete the project quickly with ideal results, but DIY is very feasible if you have painting skills. Either way, use top quality paints to get a durable finish.

How soon can I use the counters after painting?

Let the final sealant cure fully for at least 24-48 hours before using the counters for cooking, cleaning, etc. The sealant needs time to reach maximum durability.

Transform Your Kitchen on a Budget

Beautiful kitchen upgrades don’t have to break the bank. With some patience and effort, you can use faux painting techniques to completely change the look of your existing countertops. White quartz offers a luxurious yet classic style to contemporize your space. Follow the process step-by-step to ensure your painted counters look amazingly convincing and stand the test of time. Soon you’ll have a kitchen worthy of a top home design magazine without spending a fortune. Get ready to enjoy the quartz look you love with more money left in your wallet for other projects.

Conclusion

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know to successfully fake the look of white quartz countertops affordably. With the right preparation, high quality paints, and careful technique, you can completely transform your existing counters. Maintain the finishes properly over time and you can enjoy the dramatic update for years before needing to redo. White quartz adds light and elegance wherever it’s used. Now you can fake that luxury look beautifully, even on a budget. Follow these tips and with a little patience, you’ll soon have an updated kitchen to enjoy without breaking the bank.

How to Fake White Quartz Kitchen Countertops