Carrara Marble Epoxy | DIY Carrara White Marble Epoxy Countertops

How to Mimic the Look of Carrara Marble with Epoxy 

Create a timeless, elegant look for your countertops with Stone Coat Countertops! This step-by-step guide will show you how to replicate the classic beauty of Carrara marble using epoxy. By following our detailed instructions, you’ll learn the hand-meld technique for blending colors and creating realistic veining, along with tips for celling and lacing effects that add depth and dimension. Ready to transform your countertops with a sophisticated marble finish? Follow along with our tutorial and video below.

Before you start:

Whether you’re pouring epoxy over an existing countertop—like tile or laminate—or fabricating a new surface from MDF, each approach has unique preparation steps to ensure maximum adhesion. For detailed instructions, check out our specific tutorials. This recipe begins with your surface fully prepped and ready for a stunning epoxy transformation. 

Step 1:  Clean and Prep Surface

Sand and smooth any bumps or rough areas, then clean thoroughly to remove all dust and debris. For new MDF countertops, place them on a level surface and apply two coats of Stone Coat Countertops White Epoxy Undercoat. Allow the second coat to dry for at least 4 hours. This specially formulated, ammonia-free undercoat bonds perfectly with our Countertop Epoxies and substrate materials for the best results (other products may not achieve the same effect). Once the undercoat is dry, lightly sand with 220-grit if needed and clean off any remaining dust. 

Step 2:  Pour Epoxy (Carrara Marble Hand Meld Method)

Prepare the Epoxy: 

• Ensure the Undercoat is Dry: Before you begin, make sure the undercoat on your countertop is completely dry (minimum 4 hrs. after 2nd coat). This is crucial for proper adhesion and a smooth finish. 
• Mix the Epoxy: Calculate the amount of Art Coat Epoxy you'll need, typically 3–4 ounces per square foot of countertop surface. Measure equal parts of resin and hardener. Combine them in a clean mixing container. 
• Mix Thoroughly: Stir the epoxy mixture for at least 2–3 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to ensure all components are fully integrated. Proper mixing is essential for the epoxy to cure correctly. 

Separate for Tinting: 

• Divide the Mixture: If you're planning to use multiple colors or effects, pour the mixed epoxy into separate containers. This allows you to customize each batch with different pigments, dyes, or additives. 

Add Metallic Pigment Powder: 

• Measure the Pigment: Add 1–2 tablespoons of Polycolor Metallic Pigment Powder per 16 ounces of epoxy. Adjust the amount based on the color intensity you desire. 
• Incorporate the Pigment: Stir the pigment into the epoxy until it's fully dispersed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to prevent unmixed particles, which can affect the appearance and curing. 
• Understanding Pigments: Metallic pigments add depth and a shimmering effect, creating a dynamic look that changes with lighting and viewing angle. 

Create Opaque Resin Dye Colors: 

• Using Resin Dye: For a solid, opaque color—especially with lighter shades like white—add 5–10 drops of Stone Coat Countertops Resin Dye per 16 ounces of epoxy. Pro Tip: A transparent white (skim milk) epoxy cup adds marbling and visual interest in the white epoxy 
• Mix Carefully
• Important: Avoid Excessive Dye: Adding too much dye can prevent the epoxy from hardening properly and may result in a sticky or soft surface. 
• Understanding Dyes vs. Pigments: Dyes provide uniform color without shimmer, while pigments offer metallic effects. Combining them can create unique finishes. 

Test the Mixture: 

• Use the Mixing Stick Test: After mixing, lift the stir stick out of the epoxy and hold it horizontally. As the epoxy levels out to about 1/8", you'll see how the color and additives will appear when applied. 
• Evaluate Opacity and Effect: This test helps you assess whether the epoxy has reached your desired opacity and effect. It's easier to adjust the mixture now than after it's poured. 
• Adjust if Necessary: If the color is too light or not vibrant enough, add small increments of pigment or dye and mix thoroughly before testing again. 

Proper Color Ratio for Carrara Marble: 

• Use Minimal Black Metallic Powder: For this epoxy finish, only a small amount of Black Metallic Powder is needed, a little goes a long way. 

Example Mixture for 48 Ounces of Epoxy: 

• White Dye Mixture: 22 ounces 
• White Metallic Mixture: 22 ounces 
• Black Metallic Mixture: 4 ounces (you'll likely use only about 75% of this amount) 
• Application Note: The black metallic is used sparingly to create depth and contrast. It's common to have leftover black mixture, so it's advisable not to mix more than necessary. 

Applying the Base Layer of White Epoxy: 

• Spread the White Tinted Epoxy: 
• Pour 75% of the white tinted epoxy onto your project. 
• Evenly spread the material over the surface using your gloved hands or a Stone Coat Notch Trowel. 
• Add the White Metallic Epoxy: 
• Pour the white metallic epoxy onto the surface as desired. 
• Meld it into the white tinted epoxy using your gloved fingertips. 
• Control the Melding/Blending: 
• You can maintain larger areas of either white metallic or white dye based on your preference. 
• The more you meld the colors, the more they blend into a single hue. 

Add in Black Metallic Accent Epoxy: 

• Use Sparingly: A little black metallic epoxy goes a long way. Add a small vein of black metallic epoxy onto the surface. 
• Meld with White Epoxy: Use your gloved fingertips to meld the black metallic into the white epoxy, blending it gently with the surrounding white. 
• Create Subtle Marbling: Run your fingertips through the black vein and then swipe them across the white base epoxy to add subtle black marbling. Continue this technique until you achieve the desired look. 
• Adjust If too dark: If areas become too dark, use some of the leftover white dye or white metallic epoxy as an eraser. Pour ribbons of the white epoxy over the dark spots and lightly meld them with your gloved hands to lighten the area. 

STEP 3: APPLY CLEAR ART COAT EPOXY

Seal and protect your design with a clear coat of Stone Coat Countertops Art Coat Epoxy. When using the Carrara Marble Kit, you will have enough leftover epoxy for the clear coat at 3 oz per square foot.    

Mix Clear Epoxy: Follow the instructions to mix the clear Stone Coat Art Coat Epoxy thoroughly using a drill with a paddle mixer.   

• Measure 3 ounces per square foot of countertops to be covered. Pour in Part B first at a 1:1 ratio by volume followed by Part A.   
• Mix for 90 seconds with a paddle mixer and drill, scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing bucket with a paint stick. Mix again for an additional 40-90 seconds.   
• Pro Tip: In colder months, warm the epoxy to room temperature before mixing. Place it 3-4 feet from a space heater to gradually warm the material, making mixing easier.  

Pour the Epoxy: Pour the mixed epoxy into the center of your countertop in a large ribbon.  

Evenly Spread the Epoxy & Remove Air Bubbles:  

• Use Stone Coat’s 1/8’’ x 1/8’’ square notch trowel to spread epoxy evenly across the surface.   
• Use Stone Coat’s Chop Brush and dap the surface of the project to remove the subtle trowel lines left behind spreading the material evenly.  
• Ensure full coverage for a smooth, professional finish.  
• Take time to check the surface for any lost brush bristles. Remove them before the epoxy cures.   
• Use a heat source to eliminate air bubbles trapped during epoxy mixing and spreading. A propane torch is recommended for the most efficient bubble removal, but a heat gun works too.  
• Hold the torch head 2” from the surface and sweep it across in a steady motion, covering the entire area. You'll see bubbles popping—slightly overlapping each pass to ensure no bubbles are missed.  

Step 4:  Apply ultimate Top Coat

For maximum durability, we recommend coming back overtop the clear coat of epoxy once cured with a scratch-resistant protective layer of our Ultimate Top Coat. The Ultimate Top Coat will need to be purchased separately to achieve our highest performing finish.  

For high-detailed written instructions, see our Ultimate Top Coat Instructions HERE.

Enjoy your new countertops!   

From all of us here at Stone Coat Countertops,   

You Got This!