Marbling adds a luxurious feeling to any room. Many different color combinations and techniques can be used to add an air of sophistication to any interior surface.

Below is everything you need to complete your marbling project.

Shopping List:

• 1 Natural Sea Sponge
• Pointed Artist Brush (Available at art supply stores)
• Goose Feather
• 1 Paint Tray
• Plastic Plates
• Paper Towels
• Gloves (disposable)
• 3 different colors of interior latex paint or interior oil-based paint
• Floetrol® or Penetrol®

Tips:

• You'll want to choose three colors for this technique: two colors for sponging, and one accent color for veining.
• The paints look best when they are from the same color family. Experiment with samples to choose the best colors for your project.
• Using an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device, mix 3 volumes of latex (acrylic) paint to 1 volume of Floetrol* or 3 volumes alkyd (oil-base) paint to one volume Penetrol.*

Directions:

1. Start with a light sponging coat, allowing the off-white base coat to show through.
2. Apply the second coat over the first coat, in the same manner, but allowing the base coat to show through.
3. Put a small amount of veining color into a plastic plate. Dip the tip of the artist's brush into the paint, and drag, push or roll it across the surface to suggest marble veins. Then drag a feather through the veins while they are still wet, shifting the feather's position across the surface to create interesting patterns.
4. Add finer veins last, crossing over larger veins in different directions. Be sure to step back occasionally to survey the overall look of the piece. It is better to understate the veins rather than overdo it with too many veins. The same applies to choosing colors. Less is more! Colors and patterns will amplify their effect as you increase the surface area over an entire piece of furniture or wall. Roll the handle of the artist brush between your fingers and thumb to get contrasts in your veining.

*These are approximate ratios. Surface conditions, temperature, humidity, direct sunlight and application methods vary widely and may affect performance. Experiment on samples using different ratios.