How to make concrete Black?

3 years ago

Hey Everyone- I am in need of some help. My husband and I are planning a DIY fireplace with an electric heater insert because we love the coziness and ambiance of it. Our home has a transitional, rustic, and vintage mix vibe so for the fireplace we were deciding between a faux black marble (paint) or a black concrete fireplace. We decided on the black concrete fireplace- after watching a ton of YouTube videos- people either use FeatherFinish or PlaniPatch to skim coat a layer over the cement boards. All the videos I have seen never add any color. I have listed some photos of how we want it to look. Is this possible? I read about pigment that can be added to concrete but will be work the same with PlaniPatch or FeatherFinish? Or should we just paint the concrete once it dries? Any advice help.

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PRO

BeverlyFLADeziner

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I like the look but it would be easier to accomplish with tile. Doing concrete plaster finish is an art. It's not really a DIY project for such an important feature.

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Comments (10)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
IMo this could be ahuge mess if not done right . Why not just look at concrete look tile or even just black tile
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
Which fireplace have you decided upon? Have you consulted the recommended installation instructions? Some are much better than others in terms of appearance.
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kj s
3 years ago
We used pigment to diy ardex feather coat our old horrid countertops. I poured pigment in and we still never got close to a black this rich. I would practice color and skimming on a vertical surface before you try on your fireplace. Sanding will also greatly improve the finish, but you will need to massively tape/plastic off and expect a huge dust mess. If you are up for that, I do think it could look cool.
deb s
3 years ago
You could try this product http://www.umaco.com/sites/umaco.com/files/pdf/data/Paver-Saver%20Plus%20Brochure%202022.pdf
kj s
3 years ago
This is the darkest we ever git them using carbon mica pigment for artists off amazon. 2 years if heavy abuse later, masses of pigment doesn't seem to disrupt the integrity of the concrete even though it is just feathercoat mix. No cracking, chipping, etc. I'd invest $$ in a true black pigment for concrete. We also used the Cheng sealer. It really changed the surface appearance in a shiny way I don't love. I'd test before you commit.
Rachel M
Original Author
3 years ago
@Patricia Colwell Consulting we love rustic elements in our home so thats why we decided on concrete to carry that and to bring texture into the space.
Rachel M
Original Author
3 years ago
@kj s i wonder if the pictures i posted if they stained or painted over the concrete to get a darker effect. i have seen its not the best to use carbon pigment inside for long term reasons, but maybe that was for a different kind?
RedRyder
3 years ago
Using tiles that @BeverlyFLADeziner posted (but choosing a darker grout) will give you the look you want without the mess and headache. Plus you will know EXACTLY what color it will be.
PRO
User
3 years ago
The dark textured look of Delegate will give you that rougher appearance that you are looking for, in a 24x24. https://www.daltile.com/products/stone-look/delegate/black

If you want an exposed aggregate look. https://www.daltile.com/products/monochromatic-look/harmonist/rhythm

The look of waxed steel. https://www.daltile.com/products/metallic-look/ironcraft/sable-black