LDResinista White Flowing Marble Epoxy Floor

Black Galaxy Granite is a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. However, it can be an expensive investment, with costs ranging from $60 to $120 per square foot. Fortunately, by using a DIY approach with epoxy, you can achieve a stunning Black Galaxy Granite look for a fraction of the cost.

Below, we’ll discuss Black Galaxy Granite (and other natural stones like black marble). Next, we’ll review some alternatives and cover some FAQs. Finally, we’ll show you how to create granite alternatives for any DIY project.

About Black Galaxy Granite

Real granite is an igneous rock made of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. (Some black granite isn’t technically granite, but it’s still an igneous rock.)

It ranges from almost white to nearly black and everything in between. It can also feature eye-catching accent colors such as red, pink, green, or even blue.

Black granite is suitable for both interior and exterior environments because it’s dense and durable. Granite is an excellent choice for heavier-wear flat surfaces like countertops, showers, or even floors. It resists some of the chipping, scratching, staining, and etching that plagues marble.

Granite countertops have been gaining a following for several decades now, with black granite being one of the most popular looks. The glittering minerals embedded in black look like beautiful sparkling stars.

However, granite is not the best choice for everyone—or for every project. Often it costs more than $100 per square foot, and that doesn’t include installation. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

Black Granite Alternatives

Cost isn’t the only concern with installing black galaxy granite. It’s also heavy and difficult to work with. Although it’s hardier than marble, it’s still susceptible to chips, scratches, and etching.

Many people look for other options instead. Some granite alternatives can go right over MDF board, tabletops, concrete floors, and other smooth surfaces. 

1. Marble or Other Natural Stone

Marble, quartz, and other stones are viable granite alternatives. But they feature most of the same strengths and weaknesses—including price and difficulty to work with.

Maintenance can be tough, too. Natural stone must be sealed often to protect the surface. Like granite, you’ll need to be careful about stains, acidic foods, and chipping.

2. Laminate

Laminate can be made to look like many other materials. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to install. The only real downside of laminate is that it looks like laminate. It doesn’t offer the same depth and luster that epoxy or natural stone provide.

Laminate is often what renovators and DIYers are upgrading from.

3. Ice Stone and Concrete

Ice Stone and concrete are much cheaper alternatives to luxurious stone. However, they can be difficult for DIYers to install and even in dark colors, they don’t look really resemble black galaxy granite.

These options are durable, but they’re very heavy. And their looks typically push them toward professional and industrial applications where aesthetics aren’t as much of a concern.

4. Epoxy with Metallic Pigment

Epoxy with metallic mica powder looks just like black granite, but it’s much less expensive, is easier to care for, and is fully customizable. As a bonus, it’s incredibly easy for DIYers to work with. You can often complete a full kitchen counter in less than 24 hours.

One of the great things about epoxy is that it also works well for showers and even floors.

FAQs About Granite Alternatives

We’ve helped people epoxy numerous things, from live-edge epoxy tables with solid wood to shower walls. In that time, we’ve also helped people decide between epoxy and natural stone.

So, we’ve answered a lot of questions about black galaxy granite! Here are the few we’ve heard the most:

• Is black galaxy granite expensive? Yes. Next to marble and other exotic stones, it’s among the most expensive options out there. Some granites cost more than most marbles!
• Does real black granite need to be sealed? Yes, it does. Because granite isn’t as porous as other stone, it doesn’t need the same kind of sealer or as much of it. But most people recommend sealing it every few years.
• Are real black granite countertops hard to keep clean? No. However, they should be cleaned shortly after cooking so that food residue doesn’t affect the minerals. Not only should you avoid letting citrus sit on the surface, you should also avoid using citrus-based cleaners. (Even Clorox has citric acid, so don’t use Clorox on your granite!)
• Should kitchen floors be darker than countertops? If you’re worried about a design faux pas when working with black galaxy granite, here are some tips. First, dark floors look great with dark countertops! Second, hardwood and light floors look great, too. Either way, your interior will pop if you allow for a bit of contrast.
• Are epoxy countertops cheaper than granite? Epoxy is much cheaper than granite. Plus, it doesn’t require professional installation.
• How much does it cost to do epoxy countertops? Some of our customers have created their own amazing countertops, floors, and more for just a couple hundred dollars. Our Black Galaxy Granite kits start well below $100.
• Does epoxy make a good countertop? Yes! It can look like galaxy granite, Carrara marble, fractured jade, soapstone, and more. It’s stain-resistant, heat-resistant, impact-resistant, and moisture-resistant.

Follow along with our tutorial to create your own DIY Black Galaxy Granite epoxy design!

How to Mimic the Look of Black Galaxy Granite with Epoxy 

Materials & Supplies Needed

**We do not recommend using Ultimate Top Coat on Black Galaxy Countertops. This protective product creates a textured surface that does not show the depth a clear coat allows.  

Before you start:

It makes a difference whether you’re pouring over an existing countertop or fabricating your own. Pouring over an existing countertop, be it tile or laminate, have additional preparation steps for maximum adhesion compared to fabricating your own out of MDF. Please visit our corresponding tutorials for optimal results.  This recipe will start at the point of surface preparedness.  

Step 1:  Clean and Prep Surface

Make sure to sand and smooth out any bumps or rough areas. Next, thoroughly clean to remove any dust or debris contaminants. Place onto a level surface. Apply two coats of Stone Coat Countertop Black Epoxy Undercoat and allow to dry completely. This product is specially formulated to bond with our Countertop Epoxies. Results may differ if using another base product. When the Undercoat is dry, sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.

Step 2:  Pour Epoxy and Glitter Layer

With the undercoat completely dry, mix a batch of Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy (we recommend 3 ounces per square foot). Be sure to mix thoroughly including scraping the sides of your mixing container. Add equal parts Silver and Black Polycolor Glitter to the desired coverage and continue to mix. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to glitter.

Step 3:  Final Top Coat

*Note: The Glitter Epoxy layer must cure for 16-24 hours before the top coat is poured. We recommend it be slightly tacky to the touch when the top coat is applied. If you allow it to set for more than 24 hours, you will need to lightly scuff the surface with 220-grit sandpaper for improved adhesion.  

For Black Galaxy Countertops, you will need to pour a topcoat, which is an additional pour of Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy at 3 ounces per square foot. We do not recommend our Ultimate Top Coat Matte or Gloss product. In order to see the glitter effect you will need the additional top coat of Countertop Epoxy.  Ultimate Top Coat leaves a slight texture which obscures the galaxy effect.  

Once thoroughly mixed, pour the epoxy mixture into the center of your project and spread with a trowel, and then pull over the edges with a gloved hand. Using another chop brush, chop the surface to break trowel lines. Wait a few minutes and then remove bubbles with the torch. Repeat at least 3 times.