How to Create the Look of Quartz Countertops on a Dime

Transform your countertops into stunning works of art at a fraction of the cost! Our step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the entire process of applying a durable, high-gloss epoxy finish that mimics the look of natural white quartz. Whether you're refreshing an existing countertop or creating a new surface from scratch, this guide will help you achieve professional-grade results with ease. Follow along with our tutorial or video below to learn how to prepare, pour, spread, and cure your epoxy countertop for a luxurious and resilient finish that will bring a touch of elegance to any space. Let’s get started!

How to Mimic the Look of Quartz with Epoxy 

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 Countertop 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:  Epoxy Pour (White Quartz Method)

Mix Clear Epoxy: With the undercoat completely dry, mix a batch of Stone Coat Art Coat Epoxy (we recommend 3 ounces per square foot.) Follow the instructions to mix the clear 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. 

Add Glitters and Diamond Dust: 

• Add Silver Glitter: Begin by adding a small amount of silver glitter to your epoxy mixture to prevent the entire batch from becoming overly silver. Typically, 1–2 tablespoons per 48 ounces of mixed epoxy is sufficient. Mix thoroughly. 
• Add Black Glitter: Incorporate an even smaller amount of black glitter into the mixture and mix again. 
• Add Diamond Dust: Add the desired amount of Diamond Dust and mix thoroughly. 
• Remember: A little goes a long way with these additives. You can always add more if needed. 

Pro Tip: After mixing in all the glitters, lift the mixing stick out of the bucket and hold it horizontally. As the epoxy levels to about 1/8", you'll see how the coating will look, helping you decide if you need to add more glitter of a particular color. 

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. This also makes the glitter more uniform and random.  
• 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. 

Let the Project Cure: After spreading the glitter epoxy and chopping the top with a chop brush, use a heat source to remove any remaining air bubbles. The Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy will cure and be ready for the next layer in 18-24 hours with no need to sand. If curing exceeds 24 hours, lightly hand sand the surface with 220-320 grit sandpaper to ensure good adhesion for the next epoxy layer.  

Step 3:  Apply Seal Coat of Epoxy

Seal and protect your design with a clear coat of Stone Coat Art Coat Epoxy. When using the White Quartz Epoxy Countertop 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!