How to Paint Marble Effect on Walls like a Pro

If you've been longing to have a marble wall in any part of your home or office, you’re in the right place. You have nothing to worry about even if you don't seem to know how to go about it as a DIYer.

Even though a lot of people find the process of painting a marble effect on walls quite tasking, it will be a piece of cake once you get a hang of it — and the result is always worthwhile.

The good news is that you don't have to struggle with installing marble walls because there are now easier ways to create a marble effect like the professionals. That's the secret we shall be unveiling in this article as you read on.

Marble walls make a room pop. They give it a brand-new feel and create a sort of atmosphere that makes your visitors comfortable and amused at the same time.

Perhaps, you might have been informed that the procedure for creating marble effect on walls takes days, weeks, or months to complete. Don’t be deterred by this. It’s all for you to have a rewarding outcome in the end.

Aside from the fun you will derive throughout the process, it is a budget-friendly procedure that will save you money. All you need are paint and some supplies.

In the article, we shall be exposing you to what marble walls are all about and how you can conveniently create a marble effect on your walls like a pro.

 

What is a Marble Wall?

A marble wall is essentially a wall made of marble. In a layman's term, it can be called a tiled shiny wall. But if you don't have a tiled wall, you can create a marble-like wall with the use of paint and some tools.

Image credit: diynetwork.com

Once you properly master this type of painting, chances are that you can always give any surface a marble effect, including your furniture. Your wooden shelves and the flat center table right in the middle of your living room can also be given a marble effect if you desire.

So, if you want to know how to create a marble effect like an expert, let's get started.

 

How to Begin

As a beginner, you need to start with the basic effect; this is known as the “pale marbling effect”. It is a great place to start. Chances are that if you’re able to master this technique, you’re practically on your way to painting like a pro.

 

Materials Needed

• Eggshell paint

This paint is essentially recommended if you want to paint walls. However, in a case where you want to paint metal or background, then you should use undercoat material for metal, and wood for background.

 

• Oil paint

This is what is used to create those streaks you see on marble walls. You need the paint to be in various shades of gray. You also need oil paint that comes in amber color. This will, at the end of the day, literally add a spark to your wall.

 

• Brushes

A lot of brushes of different sizes are needed for your painting. Brushes like soft make-up brushes, normal paintbrushes, and the kind of soft flat brushes mostly used by artists will make your work easier and give you the best result.

 

• Clean rags or clothes

These are equally very essential for your painting. However, you must ensure that the rags or clothes are free of elements like lint or common debris. Also, have some sponges by your side. You may not use them but keep them close in case you have to.

 

• Painter’s Tape

The normal tape will do, but it is recommended that you get the type of tape that’s mostly used by painters.

 

• Plastic Tub

You are going to need this for mixing your paint.

Other items that you might need often have to do with your level of creativity and how proficient you are with handling materials to produce an impressive result. Such materials may include feathers, more brushes, wool pads, and glaze to further enhance the marble effect.

Once all your materials are ready, you can prepare to get started. However, remember to cover your hands with gloves to protect you from staining them with paint.

 

Painting Marble Effect on Walls Like A Pro: A Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Room and Wall

Aside from clearing the furniture in the room, you have to prepare the walls with painter's tape. Lay down the rags and apply the tape to the end of the walls. This is to make sure that you don't paint over the tape. It makes the painting more defined and marginalized, which, in this case, is a good thing.

Mix the paints if you haven’t done so already. If the paints are thick, apply some water to loosen up to your preference. A cup of water per gallon is just fine.

 

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Before you begin to paint, ensure that your wall is clean and free from stuff like splinters or wood particles and any paint residue that had been lodged there before.

This seems like a lot of work. But if properly and carefully done, the marble effect of your wall will be further enhanced. It's simple logic. The more careful you work on your wall, the better your outcome or result.

If you have the time, you can equally experiment with what you intend to paint on cardboard paper before getting started. This will give you an insight into how your marble effect will turn out.

 

Step 2: Undercoat

This is where the eggshell paint comes in. However, you have to be careful with it. The undercoat will determine your whole work. So, make sure that the eggshell paint is suitably applied in proper and reasonable color.

Again, you must be careful while doing this. If you think it is necessary, apply another round of eggshell paint after applying the first one. You can also apply a bit of Amber oil paint to give it a tinted effect.

You can then use the sponge, if necessary, to create some deep areas on the wall. This gives it a kind of surreal feel.

 

Step 3: Brush

Now, it's time to paint. Although painting a marble wall depends on your creativity, you must follow some guidelines. For example, your brush strokes must be diagonal when painting.

If you’re going for a dark marble effect, paint the veins white and green. Otherwise, stick to applying dark gray and a little bit of Sierra.

 

Step 4: Be Creative

Now, this is a chance to do something of your own. While painting with the feather, turn it, shake it, and wiggle it to properly mimic the look of natural veining as often displayed on marble walls.

 

Step 5: Finishing

After painting, you might want to make some veins of the wall more obvious. To do this, you should properly and carefully apply more dark colors. This will go a long way in strengthening some of the veins.

Image credit: muralsandfauxingpainting.com

Also, make sure that you give the appearance a kind of softened atmosphere. This means that you should use a feather or a very soft brush to brush over the surface. This will further enhance the wall and bring out the marble effect better.

Once the paint is dry, you can then begin to remove the painter's tape. As indicated earlier, the tape is just to make sure that you don't paint over some areas you don't want to paint.

It's also important to strengthen the lines and make sure that some are more visible than others. This is important in displaying a very good marble effect.

Finally, apply a glaze to make the effect more realistic. To give an appearance that makes the wall look like some areas are reflections, glaze over a few patches.

Apply varnish to the wall while finishing. You can apply gloss varnish at first, then apply satin varnish. They both add more depth and sheen to the wall and give it that awesome marble effect that you’ve wanted all along.

This will go a long way in genuinely making your wall look like it was made of actual marble. And when your friends come over, you can always be proud to say this to them — “I painted that”.

 

Take-Home

Painting a marble effect on a wall is very easy and fun. You don't have to break a bank to achieve that; you can work with your budget to create a masterpiece on your wall.