If you are looking to transform your kitchen on a budget, then consider using Giani epoxy marble countertop paint kit. In this blog post, I will review my use of this product to transform my kitchen, how it has held up over the years, and my honest opinion of the product. I am not affiliated with the company.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Several years ago, I took on the task of changing the look of my kitchen. I had no money to spend on a major renovation, so I searched for alternative methods. After watching several videos on both Heirloom Traditions all-in-one paint for cabinets and Giani brand epoxy countertop kits, I was impressed with their claims. I must apologize in advance for my “before” photos, as they were taken long before I started blogging and didn’t have the best camera. You can read my review on Heirloom Traditions All-In-One paint HERE.
My Kitchen Idea
So sorry for the blurry pics!
My kitchen was a typical early 2000’s model. The design was “rustic Italian” with faux tin backsplash and dark red paint. The cupboards were solid maple and the countertops were inexpensive laminate in dark green. I searched for something to lighten and brighten the kitchen and started with repainting the walls in Sherwin Williams Blonde. I also LOVE the modern farmhouse look, and wanted to incorporate as much of the look into my tiny kitchen.
Giani epoxy marble countertop paint kit
Giani makes several kits to transform your countertop. The most popular is their granite roll-on kit that comes in a variety of colors. I chose the epoxy marble kit in Carrara White. In my research, I found many people complained about the durability of the roll-on kits, citing chips, cracks, and staining. Customers highly recommended the epoxy kits for surfaces that receive heavy usage, such as kitchen countertops. The roll-on type is very easy to apply and the process can be completed in one weekend. The epoxy type of application requires more effort and takes up to a week for a fully completed finished, but I think it is well worth that effort!
Painting kitchen countertops…not the easiest task I have done!
This renovation is a PROCESS! The epoxy type kit contains a “pour over” epoxy mix that, when cured, provides a durable hard and glossy finish. The finish still looks beautiful after 5 years, and I highly recommend it! BUT, although you can complete the process in a weekend, the epoxy needs a full week of time to cure.
Tools needed to paint countertops
The Giani epoxy marble countertop kit contains everything you need to paint and finish your countertops. The extra items I needed were painters masking tape and tools to remove the kitchen sink (optional).
Painting kitchen countertops with Giani epoxy marble paint
First, I removed the kitchen sink. You do not need to do this, but I recommend it. If you do not remove the sink, be sure to mask around it completely. Next, I taped off all areas surrounding the countertops…backsplash, underneath, and cabinets. Be sure to tape well so no paint “bleeds” underneath. Apply the included plastic sheeting to the underside of the counters, covering cabinets and flooring below. If you did not remove the sink, cover it with plastic also. Now you’re ready to make your countertops beautiful!
Brief overview of how to use the kit
Giani provides excellent instructions on how to use their products and they also provide a YouTube video on the process overview. If you follow their instructions you will have no difficulty in achieving a beautiful new countertop. Here is a brief overview of the process:
- Thoroughly clean the countertops using a good degreaser. I used Krud Kutter which also helped de-gloss the surface. Wipe the surface multiple times to ensure removal of any residue or tiny particles. This is VERY important to ensure the paint sticks to the surface and results in a smooth finish.
- Open the can labeled White Primer. Stir thoroughly and using a sponge applicator, apply to the backsplash, corners, and trim areas. Next use the fabric roller to work your way across the counters. Apply two coats, allowing it to dry between coats.
- While the paint is drying, I highly recommend researching marble patterns and what you want your pattern to look like. Giani has a good video on YouTube on how to create the marble veins. I highly recommend watching this video prior to starting this process.
- Create the vein patterns on your countertops. Take breaks, step back and look at your patterns to ensure you are getting the look you want. Take your time on this process. I waited until evening and the next morning to review and add to the patterns I created in different lighting.
- The Giani kit also provides a can of white highlight mineral paint to add a little sparkle to the marble effect. Allow this step to dry thoroughly, about 4 hours.
The epoxy coat
Now comes the fun part! The kit comes with multiple cans of epoxy resin and activator. Mix only one can at a time to use, as this will begin to harden after a couple of hours. Be sure to turn off all fans or anything circulating air, as dust, lint, and hair will adhere to the counter surface. Apply as directed, covering all countertop surfaces. Allow to surface dry for 2-3 hours, then remove all tape and plastic coverings. The epoxy coating needs to dry a full 24-48 hours untouched. After that, you can set light objects onto the counter, but wait a full 7 days before full usage of the counters.
The pros of Giani epoxy marble countertop finish
I used the Giani epoxy on my countertops over 5 years ago, and I can honestly say I’m still in love with them! The surface has remained glossy and bright. As with any countertop, never place hot pans onto it or cut with a knife on top of it. I always use a cutting board and hot-pads when cooking. The finish is durable and super easy to clean. The kit does produce a realistic marble look. My friends really had to take a close look at the countertops to actually see they were not real marble. I only use mild cleaner when needed and the surface over the laminate has not yellowed.
The cons of Giani epoxy marble countertop finish
After the epoxy cured, I notice a few spots where lint or hair had fallen. The lint/dust spots have chipped off leaving the original counter underneath. These spots are very small and few. I fixed the spots by applying the white base paint to the spots and allowed to dry.
I have a wooden kitchen island, and decided to also finish the top of it with the Giani product. It turned out really nice, but I noticed the center of the island has a pink-ish brown tinge to it. I’ve discovered that my wood cutting board has bled into the finished surface. My wooden spoon rest beside my stove also has a brownish stain where it sits. It looks to me like this product does not mix well with wood surfaces sitting on top for long periods of time. Because this is an epoxy finish, I would not recommend use on counters that are exposed to bright sun. This may cause yellowing of the epoxy.
Where to buy Giani epoxy marble countertop paint kits
Conclusion
I have had this product on my counters for over 5 years and they still look fabulous! They still shine like a new penny and remained very durable. Although it was a process and there was a small downtime for counter use, I think it was well worth it. Just be mindful of wood cutting boards or other wood items sitting on it for a long time. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to change the look of your existing countertops that produce a beautiful, durable finish, then get yourself the Giani epoxy marble countertop kit and give it a try! Already used this product? Let me know in the comments your pros/cons experience. As always, thanks for stopping by!
Leave a Reply