Marbling Techniques

[Benjamin K. Smith]

Hello everyone. My name is Ben Smith and I am fairly new into the concrete countertop industry. I have been working in my shop for the last 6-8 months on tops and have learned a lot from my mistakes along the way. I recently just sold my first job and have a potential client for a second job. The problem is that they are looking for a marbled surface through the use of waterbase or mineral base stains. I have been trying for a while to get a good marbled surface through the use of brushes, rags, sponges, ect but have not had any success that i was happy with. The colors just don't seem to blend as naturally as they should. I was wondering if anyone would be open to share some techniques on how to achieve a marbled look on a polished top. Thanks for the help.

Ben

[jschuler]

my first suggestion would be to walk away from trying achieve all your marbling from dyes and stains. Focus on your mixes....marble them first. Then use dyes and stains to enhance your already marbles top. You color will be more true and flow all the way through the top...not just a surface treatment.

[Chris Eanes]

Ben,

Absolutly agree with what John just said. All your marbleing should take place in the mix not on the surface. It will actually be a marbled top and not just mimic one. If you go to John's website incretetech.com. Under the videos, he has an instructional video on the counter-hard/first sealz application. I have seen either that same piece or another one just like it at Delta Performances place that he was using during the experimental stages of first sealz. It looks beautiful and would give you a real good understanding of why this is the only way to acheive this look. Im sure John wouldn't mind sending you a pic of it.

[Benjamin K. Smith]

Guys - thank you for your input. The top that john works on in those videos is exactly the kind of thing i was trying to mimic with stains which didn't work out so well. Now let me ask, when using the mix to marble is it as simple as mixing a few colors and just pouring them into the mold at the same time. Is there any methods I should know as i go forth in experimenting with this. For instance is there a proper way to marble or simple whatever i choose to do. Once again thank you so much for your help. I can't wait to give this a shot tomorrow.

[Chris Eanes]

Ben,

Its as simple as that. However like anything else there is quite a bit of trial and error involved, because as you know there is no way to see if a technique you are using works until the top is done. See what works and see what doesn't and adjust next time. John has a little bit more experience in this than I do. 99% of the work I have have done has really just been 1-2 color pours. Though I do know that aside from just mixing around the colors in the mold there are other things you can do to the bottom of the mold that would repel or blend the colors adding a cool affect. I would suggest also getting on the Benjamin Moore color chart with Delta Performance Products. This way you can play with color swatches before you order your pigment and make sure that you are not introducing a colors that will clash together.

[Ryan Waxman]

I have two marbleing techniques, the first is random, building the form so the top side is cast face down i mix two or more colors, in a seperate 5 gallon bucket i scoop a one gallon pitcher full of each mix and then pour that into the mold starting in one place and ending in another, so it flows from oneside of the casting to another and the repeat till the mold is full, the key is to not over work it.

Another technique, use a self leveling mix, casting so the top side is cast top side up. I usually mix one big batch which acts as the background color and then one or more other colors for marbling. After i fill the mold most of the way I gently lay in the other colors, its important that the mixes be the same consistency, then you can use a stick or other utensils to manipulate the colors, you can just about paint a picture with this technique. Its best to have a fluid mix, that will self level because you wont want to trowel, this also requires a lot more polishing.

Be sure not to pick colors that will turn browny mud when mixed together or you can end up with colors you didnt want, always good to test in samples first.

[Benjamin K. Smith]

hey guys thanks a ton for the feedback. i have been experimenting over the last few days and using the mix as opposed to stain is much easier. although i have yet to get anything i am happy with i am learning. once again thanks for the help and generous offering of your techniques.