8 Easy DIY Faux Marble Projects

Rachel BroughamUpdated: Feb. 03, 2023

You like the look of marble, but its high-price puts it just out of reach. Depending on the surface, you may be able to fake the look of expensive marble. Here are 8 easy DIY faux marble projects to try.

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Coasters

These faux marble coasters use contact paper and paint for a fun look. Change up the colors to fit your style and decor. You can find complete directions with photos at A Little Craft in Your Day.

Photo: Courtesy of A Little Craft in Your Day

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Michaels

Marbled Tray

This stunning marbled tray is made with acrylic paints poured onto clear plastic! You choose whatever colors you want and every tray will be unique. Get all of the project instructions, including a video, here.

One of these trays would make a lovely gift. Here are 14 more DIY gifts you can make in a weekend.

Photo: Courtesy of Michaels

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End Table

You picked up an old end table at a garage sale, now what? You can paint it to look like it’s pricey marble!

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Young House Love

Faux Tile Tray

This gorgeous tray started out as a plain $10 tray from Target! You’ll never guess what the small, marble-like tiles actually are. Find out what they are and how to create this tray here.

Also, check out this DIY industrial serving tray that is beautiful and functional.

Photo: Young House Love

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HandmadeHome on YouTube

Desk

The old desk in the corner of your den needs an update. This video from HandmadeHome on YouTube will show you how to do just that with some paint and sticky-back vinyl. Did you know you can build a simple, modern computer desk in just a weekend? Here’s how!

Photo: Courtesy of HandmadeHome on YouTube

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Cre8tive Designs

Artwork

It looks pricey, but this artwork is easy to make. The website Cre8tive Designs has simple tips on how to turn marbled paper into elegant pieces of artwork you’ll want to display in your home.

Discover how to create more inexpensive DIY artwork in minutes.

Photo: Courtesy of Cre8tive Designs

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Michaels

Marbled Coasters

In about an hour, even a beginner can make these colorful coasters. You do need an oven, in which the coasters dry at 275° F for 25 to 30 minutes. Get complete instructions here.

Photo: Courtesy of Michaels

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Blick

Marble Spray Paint

Montana Marble Effect Spray incorporates fine paint strands for a deceptively realistic marble effect. It can be applied on many different materials such as paper, cardboard, wood, glass, metal and other paintable surfaces. The can features a special calligraphy cap that can be adjusted to create a variety of different lines and the paint can be top-coated once thoroughly dry. Get all the details here.

Make a simple spray painting booth to keep paint where it belongs.

Photo: Courtesy of Blick

Originally Published: June 18, 2018

Rachel Brougham

Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.