Marble effect on wood Washington DC

The trend of using special effects finished to transform raw wood into impressive accent pieces continues to grow. Finish designers and architects are always on the lookout for a unique styling that will make their project stand out from the crowd.

In this segment of Step-by-Step, we will demonstrate how to create a faux effect that makes raw MDF or particleboard difficult to distinguish from real marble. Here we show the steps to create two different marble effects, each using essentially the technique.

This technique is typically useful for accent pieces, gas or electric fireplace surrounds, pillars and table tops. Variations in color, technique and veining lacquer can be used to create a limitless number of unique looks. With a little practice, most finishers are quickly able to develop the ability to produce an end result with the desired special effect.

1 Raw wood: Standard MDF is typically used as the base material.

In this case we selected particleboard and used a claw hammer to chew up the edges. This creates the end effect of broken marble. Sand the substrate with 150- or 180-grit paper. Be sure to completely sand all sharp edges to a clean, smooth surface.

2 Base primer and enamel topcoat

Apply one heavy coat of primer (post-catalyzed or precat). If primer has limited hide, two coats of primer may be required. Allow primer to fully cure, and then scuff with 320 paper. Apply topcoat in desired color. Allow to fully cure and scuff with 320 or 400 paper.

3 Veiling lacquer (color one)

Select initial color for veiling (veining) lacquer. In this case, we used white Agnico.

Adjust gun to preferred settings and trigger up and down the panel to desired look. Move quickly, as typically less veining creates the best looking effect. This step takes some practice to develop the technique to achieve the specific type of veining desired. It is suggested that beginners produce some practice panels to experience this technique prior to finishing the final substrate.

4 Veiling lacquer (color two)

Select second color of veiling (Rust Agnico shown). Just as in the previous step, quickly move the gun up and down across the panel to apply only the desired amount of veining. Note that this step may be repeated with additional veining colors if desired.

To enhance or change the effect, you can also hand pad and hand stipple:

Hand pad: With a fast-dry alcohol stain, the application is the same as the name.

Stipple effect: Uses a fast dry alcohol stain and cheesecloth as the applicator, always keeping the cloth damp or moist. Depending on the desired effect, use the cloth the same way as the pad. Because of the texture of the cheesecloth, it will give you the stipple effect

5 Apply acid cured clear coat.

Usually 60 sheen or higher gloss topcoats give the best looking end results for the marble effect. This technique is usually only used as accent pieces to address the unique appearance popular with some designers. The effect is used in a niche segment of the higher-end market.