- 1). Paint bonding primer on the plywood sheets with a paintbrush or roller. Let the primer set for 24 hours.
- 2). Practice combining various complementary shades of acrylic craft paint with the different sizes of paintbrushes and sponges on the plywood sheets to get the look you want. Swirl the sponges, then paint fine lines through the swirls with a small paintbrush.
- 3). Take the small craft paint bottles to the paint or hardware store to color-match them in the acrylic paint that will be used to finish the countertops.
- 4). Clean the countertops thoroughly with ammonia-based cleaner and rags to remove all dirt and oil. Let the countertops dry thoroughly.
- 5). Place painter's tape on the edges of areas adjoining the counters that will not to be painted, including walls, sinks, appliances and hardware.
- 6). Open all windows for ventilation. Paint the bonding primer on the countertops with a paintbrush or roller. Let the primer dry for 24 hours.
- 7). Paint the darkest color of acrylic paint on the countertops. Let the paint dry for two hours. Apply a second layer of the darkest paint. Let it dry for two hours.
- 8). Add sponge and paint effects with your other colors of acrylic paint, as you did on the plywood sheets. Let the paint dry for two hours.
- 9). Paint on polyurethane sealer with a paintbrush. Let the sealer dry for 24 hours. Repeat twice more, letting the sealer dry between coats, for a total of three layers of sealer.