How to Make Carrara Marble Countertops With Resin (Plus a White Granite Bonus)

3 days ago

5 min read

One Recipe, One Technique, Two Classic Looks

Carrara marble countertops are one of the most timeless looks a kitchen can have: a soft white field with gentle gray veins that flow across the surface. Real marble also comes with a real price tag.

The good news is that you can create that same look over your existing countertops with resin. In this video, Mike shows how simple it is with White Platinum, one drop of black, and your gloved hands. Then he shows how one extra step turns the exact same recipe into white granite.

Why Start With White Platinum

For any white or light-colored countertop, the base matters most. Standard white coatings are known for turning yellow over time, and that's what makes a beautiful white countertop go downhill fast.

That's why we developed White Platinum. It's formulated not to yellow, and it comes pre-tinted white at the right opacity, so your white base is consistent every time. It's also extremely self-leveling, which helps give marble that soft, flowing look.

Want to know more about yellowing? Read our post on how to find epoxy that won't turn yellow.

What You'll Need

White Platinum resin
True Tint in True Black
A primed countertop or sample board
A backer pad and 220-grit sandpaper
Gloves and a popsicle stick
A torch
Isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle (for the white granite version)

The Carrara Marble Recipe

The formula is about as simple as it gets:

Base: White Platinum
Vein color: 1 drop of black True Tint mixed into 1 oz of White Platinum

That one ounce goes a long way. Because you're only laying in a few lines, Mike estimates it covers up to about 16 square feet of veining.

Want a darker Carrara? Add a little more black. Start low and work your way up, because it's always easier to add color than to take it away.

You'll find the full Carrara Marble recipe on our recipes page.

[VIDEO: start at 1:39 for the color formula]

Step-by-Step: How to Pour Carrara Marble

Step 1: Sand the Primed Surface

After priming, sand with a backer pad and 220 grit. This removes any nibs and nubs left in the primer coat so the resin lays down smooth.

Step 2: Mix and Pour the Base

Mix your White Platinum and set aside 1 oz for the vein color. When you pour the base, stay about 2 inches back from the edges so the resin doesn't run over too early.

About taping the edges: Mike usually tapes the edges to limit washout. In this video he left them untaped on purpose, to show how White Platinum behaves without tape. If you're new, taping the edges helps you keep from losing extra material over the sides.

Step 3: Spread With Your Gloved Hands

Use your gloved hands to move the white base across the whole surface. Push it right up to the edges, but not over them, so you don't waste material.

Then work across the surface to break all the surface tension. Rub the sides and the front edge so the resin wants to flow evenly over them.

[VIDEO: start at 2:25 for spreading the base]

Step 4: Add the Veins

Dip a popsicle stick in your gray mixture and draw about three lines across the surface.

At this point they'll look stiff and man-made. Mike calls them "barber pole veins." That's fine, because the next step fixes it.

Step 5: Blend by Hand

Push across the veins with your gloved hand. Don't push the excess over the edges. The goal is for the white areas to pick up a touch of that gray, which creates soft, subtle marbling.

Step back and look for anything that still looks man-made, and soften it.

[VIDEO: start at 3:35 for blending the veins]

Step 6: Torch

Pass the torch over the surface to release air bubbles and let everything settle. If you want classic Carrara marble, you can stop here.

The Bonus: Turn It Into White Granite

On this pour, Mike tried a test: half the board with isopropyl alcohol and half without.

Mist a light spray of isopropyl alcohol over the wet resin, then torch it out. The alcohol opens up the surface and creates more movement and texture.

With alcohol: what we call White Granite
Without alcohol: a softer pattern we call White Marble

Same recipe, same pour, two completely different stone looks.

Click on picture to see full video

6:01 for the side-by-side comparison]

Finishing Touches While the Resin Is Wet

Get resin over the edges. If surface tension is keeping the resin from flowing over an edge, grab some of the drips and set them right on the edge so it comes over.

Fix dry spots. If you find a dry corner, rub it out and drop a little more material on top. For dry areas lower on the edge, scrape some material from the bottom and paint it back up the edge.

Watch the veins come over the edge. When the edges are coated well, the veins carry right over the front of the countertop, which makes it look like a real slab.

Soften dark spots. If a spot looks too dark, whether you notice it or a client or spouse does, grab your popsicle stick while the resin is still wet. Move the dark color around a little, and it blends right in.

[VIDEO: start at 4:56 for fixing dry spots and edges, and at 5:41 for fixing dark spots]

See It in Your Own Kitchen First

Not sure whether you want White Marble or White Granite? Try the Countertop Visualizer. Take a photo of your kitchen as it is now (you don't even have to clear the counters), click the recipe you like, and see how it looks.

When you're ready, use our measure tool to figure out how many kits your kitchen needs.

You're Not On Your Own

Every project comes with free project support. If anything comes up while you're planning, after your sample boards, or mid-project, reach out to us and we'll walk through it with you.

If you're brand new to resin, start with our free Remodel Resin 101 training. It covers prep, priming, pouring, sanding and top coat from start to finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the 220-grit sand after priming
Pouring right to the edge instead of staying about 2 inches back
Adding too much black at once (start with one drop per ounce)
Leaving the popsicle-stick veins unblended, so they look stiff and man-made
Pushing the excess over the edges and wasting material
Leaving dry spots on corners and edges
Forgetting to tape the edges on your first pour

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Carrara marble recipe?White Platinum as the base, with 1 drop of black True Tint mixed into 1 oz of White Platinum for the veins.

How far does the vein color go?Because you're only adding a few lines, 1 oz covers up to about 16 square feet of veining.

Can I make the veins darker?Yes. Add more black a little at a time. Start low and work up.

What's the difference between White Marble and White Granite?It's the same recipe. Misting with isopropyl alcohol and torching creates more movement for a white granite look. Leaving the alcohol out gives a softer marble.

Why use White Platinum for white countertops?It's formulated not to yellow, and it comes pre-tinted white so the base is consistent.

Should I tape my edges?Taping helps limit washout and material loss, especially if you're new. Mike skipped it in this video only to test how White Platinum behaves untaped.

How do I fix a dark spot?While the resin is still wet, use a popsicle stick to move the color around a little until it blends in.

Can I make Carrara marble countertops over my existing countertops?Yes. Prime and prep your existing countertops, and you can pour right over them.

Where do I get started?Start with the free Resin 101 course, then find the recipe and products at remodelresin.com.

Question of the day: Which would you choose for your kitchen, White Granite or White Carrara Marble? Let us know in the comments.

You Got This.