Hi,
I’m new to this site and forum – it came highly recommended by a Home Depot employee.
Here’s my situation….
I have an outdated, peach colored, stacked stone fireplace. I wanted to update to a more contemporary look with clean lines and a smooth finish. After doing some research online and asking around I ultimately decided to go with a concrete finish (smooth w/ clear sealer). See pic below…This is what I’m trying to accomplish (this was done with venetian plaster but I like the smooth lines)
The problem…
The stone was sooo staggered that it’s taken about 4 coats of concrete to get the face of the fireplace level…and it’s still not quite level. I’ve been using a mixture of ‘portland cement’ and a bit of sand to fill out the fireplace.
1. Should I continue with that mixture until the face is level?
2. What should I use as the ‘final’ top coat? cement w/o sand? mortor
THANK YOU!!
Replies
Buy a bag of stucco base coat (brown coat mix). Use that to build up to the flat surface you want.
Then use wall plaster for a middle layer, and drywall joint compound for the final surface.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, but that's how thick buildups are done.
Cool - thanks for the feedback
You might already have done this, but...
It's very hard to get a flat surface freehand. Set a board at each side of the fireplace 2x4, 1x6, whatever it takes. Screw or nail them in place temporarily, and use them as a guide. Use a level to make sure they're plumb.
If you've ever seen a section of sidewalk replaced, you'll know what I'm talking about: you'll put on a bit too much mud, then pull a third board across your two guide boards, scraping off the excess as you go, to leave a flat surface.
Kind of like scraping off a cup of flour with a knife, only harder!
After you've got it flat, you can switch to your finish coat, and get it smooth -- two slightly different things.
AitchKay
THAT is a great idea!! Thank you!!
Results?
Hi Tabatha ~
I've been looking for someone who has the same issue with covering up ugly stone as we do. I wondered if this technique worked for you or if you have any suggestions for things you figured out along the way. We have a stone fireplace that is turquoise and have been puzzling over a way to change it. We had decided that cementing over it and putting a skim coat over the top would work, but like you we have stones that jut out farther than others and it's a very uneven surface to cover over.
Thanks!
Sandy
p.s. I've attached a photo. It is MUCH more blue/green than it shows here.