Asked on Feb 20, 2020

How do I paint over marble?

Sherry Kearns
by Sherry Kearns

It is a small accent table shaped like a flower. Type of paint? Do I sand it?


  11 answers
  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Feb 20, 2020

    Hi Sherry, this tutorial will show you how to paint over marble - https://www.hunker.com/13413067/how-to-paint-cultured-marble-countertops Have fun

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 20, 2020

    Paint over marble with chalk paint:

    Step 1

    Conduct a trial run with Chalk Paint before you apply it to the marble. Ideally, you can apply it to an inconspicuous place on the marble itself. If this option isn't practical, apply some Chalk Paint on a poster board so you can get accustomed to its texture. It may be thicker than other paints you're used to, which allows it to cover the marble with ease.

    Step 2

    Lay a drop cloth or old blanket around your marble painting project. Protect your marble surface by circling it with painter's tape.

    Step 3

    Sand the marble with a fine-grit sandpaper only if it is glossy. This is a subjective measure, so if your marble is dull and worn, it probably won't need to be scuffed up before painting.

    Step 4

    Dust the marble surface to remove dust. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it dry. Wipe it again with a microfiber cloth, which picks up and holds dust, right before you're ready to paint.

    Step 5

    Apply a thin coat of Chalk Paint to the marble, keeping a wet edge. Let the paint dry for about 48 hours -- longer if it is cold or if there is a lot of humidity in the air. Chalk Paint's longer-than-usual drying time will give you time to decide whether to apply a second coat.



  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 20, 2020

    Here's what this lady did to paint her marble:


    https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/paint-cultured-marble/

  • Here is some information to help you. https://youtu.be/vUXz5KreQ64

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Feb 20, 2020

    Maybe if you paint other wood or metal parts of the table you will be happy with the marble. I don't know if painting over marble would hold up. And also, isn't that like painting over mahogany or real silver? It's totally up to you...just throwing that out there. ;)

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Feb 20, 2020

    I think it would definitely scratch off. Marble is so pretty embrace it!

  • Em Em on Feb 20, 2020

    There is no doubt that painting over marble can be challenging, but only if you do it the old-fashioned way, with hours of preliminary sanding. With Chalk Paint, you can cover marble in one or two coats with little to no sanding beforehand.

    I would still sand the top.

    Others say they painted their marble fireplace.

    Clean the surface of the marble well. Use urethane-based primer and topcoat to seal the paint job.

  • I would use oil based paint. Spray paint could work too.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Feb 20, 2020

    Hello this may be a difficult surface to paint. I would suggest using a quality bonding primer. Responding primer worked very well on my smooth slick PVC pipes. It may be an option for you. Speaking with someone at the hardware store painters might be the most advisable option.

  • William William on Feb 20, 2020

    Scuff up the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any gloss. Wipe off with a damp cloth. prime with Kilz primer. Then paint you color. You can use any paint. Seal with three coats of a water based polyurethane.

  • Linda Linda on Feb 25, 2020

    You can paint over marble with chalk paint. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RzpjUTWlkg