This is the Part II post, where I will explain how to Backlight faux Marble (Epoxy Resin Marble).
Shown here with lights on behind it.
For perspective, here it is below with the same light turned off.
Here is the Part I post, that shows you how to create faux Marble (Epoxy Resin Marble)
This is Backlit Natural Marble/Onyx
Bright Idea 😊
Somehow I got it into my head that my countertop for my new closet island would be my opportunity for this backlit idea.
In the next few paragraphs, I will explain how you can do it with success. And also explain why it didn’t work for me.
Translucence is KEY for Backlighting
Firstly, the DIY Epoxy Resin counter or artwork needs to be poured onto a translucent surface. I will show you how to do that in this post.
Next Step: Lighting!
This was my first Epoxy Resin project. I was so excited for the countertop to cure so I could do the lighting step.
But I was worried the dark seams between the dressers would show, so I taped the seams.
Then I unrolled the LED strip lights. Did the math so I could figure out how many rows I would be able to do. And I stuck the lights to the top of my IKEA dressers.
Then I set down ¼” thick wood spacers. And laid the counter on top.
Here’s what I saw. Not exactly what I was going for ☹
Does Light Intensity Make a Difference?
I quickly had to move into problem-solving mode. I tested all sorts of things. I did try setting the LED strip lights at their lowest setting. To no avail, you could still see every tiny bulb.
I also tried less intense fairy lights. But you could still see the little lights through the counter.
So I started additional tests.
Spacing is Crucial to Backlight Epoxy Resin Marble with A Soft Glow
You could spend a lot of money to purchase an evenly diffused light source. But I’m a chronic DIYer! In my testing, I found at least 4” of space between my LED strip lights and the Epoxy Resin Marble surface was the sweet spot.
Light Diffusion is Also Important to Properly Backlight Epoxy Resin Marble
I found you not only need sufficient space between your light source and the Epoxy Resin Marble surface. The light source ALSO needs to be diffused.
In my tests, I covered the LED strip lights with various things including: white paper; bubble wrap; parchment paper; wax paper. At one point, I even tried a white plastic tablecloth.
In the end, white paper seemed to work best to cover the LED lights. BUT it only worked when I also included the 4” of distance described in the previous step.
In the following photos I’m going through the various light settings with the remote for the LED strip lights. It’s providing a soft glow because I have applied both distance and white paper diffusion.
Unwanted Visuals Discovered with My Backlighting Plan
In my post where I describe how to create an Epoxy Resin Marble countertop on Plexiglass. I found that spray paint worked great as a base layer because spray paint adheres so well to Plexi.
And since I spray painted a light coat, it “dusted” the entire surface AND remained translucent. Double Yay!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Epoxy Resin does not adhere well to plastics.
However, what I did not realize is that my heavy spray-painted swirls would provide good depth and dimension as a base layer. But the heavy swirls would look terrible when lighted from behind in a dark room.
These are the spray-painted swirls prior to me adding the Epoxy Resin
And here’s how BAD they look when the finished counter is lighted from behind in a dark room.
If I had it to do again, I would lightly spray paint the whole surface of the Plexi and NOT do the heavy swirls.
So Why Did the Backlighting Ultimately NOT Work for My Closet Island?
Even though I was able to figure out how to create the soft glow I was looking for (using distance and diffusion). I still couldn’t use the solution for my closet island.
My closet island is already 39.5” high. Using the ¼” thick wood spacers under the countertop would prevent the LED lights from getting crushed.
And I was going to enclose all the sides with 1.5” high trim. This trim was going to help prevent dust from accumulating under the counter.
But if I added another 4” of space – that would make the closet island too high for me to easily work on. Plus, it would have created a giant gap under the counter.
Sadly, I had to admit defeat ☹ But I learned some things, so it wasn’t a total loss.
How Could You Use This Backlighting Idea?
A fancy backlit bathroom vanity would be a fabulous application! Because you could set the light source down, far enough away from the Epoxy Resin Marble surface.
Backlit wall art would also be awesome. And very economical if done with DIY Epoxy Resin Marble. You could drill (4) small holes in your Plexi panel and install it on the wall with “stand offs”. The sides could either be left open or concealed with strips of matching Epoxy Resin Marble.
But I would recommend using Plexi that’s thicker than 1/4″ to prevent bowing in the middle.
And check out this amazing fireplace surround! A great application for backlit DIY Epoxy Resin Marble 😊
Materials Used and/or Mentioned
LED strip lights (2 rolls 65.6ft per roll)
Take Away
Even though I did not get to backlight my counter for my closet island. I did figure out how to backlight a DIY version of marble. So that’s a win 😊
Here’s to trying new ideas and Making it Fabulous!
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Feeling Motivated? Find Even More Inspiration……
Check out this post for creating faux Marble (Epoxy Resin Marble)
You might also be inspired from other posts in my DIY lighting category