I did this marble sample in 1985.
No sign of yellowing or deterioration yet.
The finish was built up using artist oils separated with CAB lacquer.
Then an acrylic in clear medium was used for the veining,
then top coated with a urethane.
The urethane is directly on top of the acrylic.
The white veins are still white, not off white.
This sample has not been treated well.
I would estimate it's done at least 10,000 hours
in a trunk at around 140 degrees.
It's real age is probably closer to 50.
Give Delta a call and see what they say.
(305) 887-4393
Mark Howard
Miami
Later Mark wrote:
This finish can be done on just about any smooth surface that can
be placed horizontal. The sample is MDF. MDF is the best substrate,
but wood will work. With wood you should close any grain pattern
because most of the finish is done with very thin oil colors that would
highlight a grain pattern.
I used automotive gray lacquer primer to surface it, then two color
coats of lacquer. Fill two or three glass jars with naptha and add a
separate tube oil color in each. approximately 1 part color to 10 parts
naptha put the lid on tight and shake.
Take a cheap touch up gun and fill it with naptha. Pour small puddles
of each color onto different areas then use the gun to blow the pigments
back and forth in a diagonal pattern moving the pigments around where
you want in a puddle of naptha spraying more naptha if needed until the
colors intermix a little.
You'll notice as you blow air on the naptha the pigments collect on
the dry edge. Once you get the hang of it you can get some very
realistic marbling effects by accident in just a few minutes.
If you don't like it wipe it off and start over.
Start with smooth color patterns then you can just spray a little more
naptha to create sharper patterns. As it flows over the edge you can
lightly blow upward holding the pigment on the edge until the naptha
evaporates to prevent it from looking like drips. Once you like what
you see hit it with a coat of CAB and save it. (Only one level of undo).
On this particular sample I added some light sponging, a coat of
CAB and some feather veining before I top coated with the urethane.
It gives the finish more depth. I've never worked off pictures, I have
copied existing marble onto surfaces that it would not be structurally
sound to use real marble. Like on doors, accent pieces or edge
treatments on veneered plywood.
I used to do a lot of this for Restaurants and Bars but It's been awhile.
I would get a $100 for a 24" table top in large quantities.
$25 a foot for bar tops, finish only.
I get $300 to match a stone then I have to figure my time.
I really haven't gotten much call for this lately.
But It'll be back in style someday.
Mark Howard
Miami
