Concrete

• Concrete as a countertop material has grown in popularity in recent years. It is significantly less expensive than stone and may be stained, stenciled or painted to resemble just about any kind of natural stone on the market. Stamps and stencils will most likely require some practice to get right, and require foam mats to be placed over partially dried concrete. These materials are available from most home-improvement stores or online. Concrete counters are durable and, if stained correctly, will resist scratching, staining and water damage. They are generally heavier than other materials, so additional support within the cabinet below is usually required.
  
  

Granite

• Laminate materials require just a thorough cleaning and a few layers of properly applied paint to resemble granite. The process requires at least three shades of paint, preferably in contrasting colors. Oil-based paints are the best for use in the kitchen, and are available in a variety of colors from most hardware or home-improvement stores. The base coat is applied first, followed by flecks of the contrasting colors. These flecks are made using bits of sea sponge or a small paint brush. Before attempting this on the counter, practice on a piece of disposable material.
  
  

Stone

• To accomplish a traditional stone pattern, complete with the pebbly look, laminate should be thoroughly cleaned and primed in preparation for the paint. Several companies, including Rustoleum and Krylon, make spray paint collections with a stone finish. Additionally, a paint color that resembles natural stone -- gray, certain blues and browns -- will make a good foundation. Stippling this coat with a sea sponge or roller coated in a slightly darker hue will duplicate the look and feel of stone.
  
  

Marble

• Creating a marble effect means a light, neutral base tone goes down first. Once this base coat has dried, a feather or sponge coated with paint will help create marble's characteristic veining. This feathering will require two or three colors to duplicate the look and natural shading of the real thing. A clear glaze applied on top of the paint will give the counter a sheen similar to that of marble.