Create concrete surfaces that look like stone, wood or brick using hand carving and stamps. Learn how to texture, mold and color concrete to reproduce real rock formations for waterscapes.
When choosing a vintage design style, research actual designs from the era you want to emulate. This will help you choose colors and combinations that evoke the right feelings and characteristics.
Vintage and Rustic Concrete Finishes
Concrete is best known as a structural building material, but decorative finishes also enhance this versatile product. Its ability to take on color, texture and patterns lends itself to designs that complement a wide range of residential architectural styles.
Concrete in earth-toned colors and rough stonelike textures accentuates the rustic charm of ranch, farmhouse and country home styles. It can be used to “antique” existing surfaces, such as porches and patios.
To achieve a rustic, aged look, paint your faux concrete creations with a mixture of stucco patch and plaster of Paris or joint compound. Dip a cloth or sponge into this mixture and apply it to your concrete items in small areas, stippling the paint. This technique allows for a mottled, uneven finish that replicates real concrete.
Versatile Design with Faux Aged Concrete
The bang gia son gia be tong is easy to clean and is a versatile option for any room. Use it to add a touch of industrial style to your bedroom or bring the look of a modern art gallery into your living room. It can even be used in commercial spaces where a trendy atmosphere is desired. Faux paint can also be applied to outdoor planters, spheres and pedestals to give them the look of being naturally aged over time.
Aged Patina and Texture Replication
Staining techniques can give concrete a timeworn, farmhouse look that mimics the patina of aged wood flooring. Colors ranging from soft pastels to deep saturated hues enhance the aging effect.
Concrete is a relatively porous material that easily absorbs stain. To help stain last, it is important to allow concrete to cure fully and prepare it for painting by scuffing or roughing it up so that paint will adhere properly.
Using a stippling technique can also create the appearance of concrete texture. To achieve a more bronze-like patina add a little green to the stippling process as it will make the colors appear darker.
To protect the finish of your faux concrete wall panel from harsh weather, a clear coat can be applied. GT Refinishers recommends using a non-toxic water-based polyurethane like CRC 3-36 or Boeshield. Both use volatile aliphatic hydrocarbons rather than aromatic (benzene-like) chemicals that are more sensitive to the environment.
Cost-Effective Vintage Design Solutions
Faux concrete wall panels are a budget-friendly option to add an industrial look in any room. They’re also a good choice for projects that would be difficult or impossible to do with real concrete.
Identify the design methods used in the vintage era you’re trying to emulate. This will help you design and re-design more efficiently. Also, ask for feedback from a community of fellow designers who can correct, direct and inspire you. Kittl is a great platform for this!
Layer your paint colors to achieve an aged concrete look. Remember that old concrete has layers of color, blemishes and variation so don’t be afraid to overdo it a little! Use a wet wipe to smooth and blend. Repeat this process until you’re happy with your results.
Faux Aged Concrete Applications and Tips
Faux concrete wall panels are a great DIY-friendly alternative to real concrete and provide the modern industrial design you’re going for. They can be used in a number of settings including man caves, furnished basements and garages. If you’re painting a faux concrete wall, it helps to use a dry wipe to apply the paint. The wipe absorbs the moisture in the paint and blends the colors together. If you’re working with a lighter color, be careful not to get too heavy handed – old aged concrete has layers of paint and texture so less is more here. It’s also helpful to use a darker colored base coat to help the light color stand out.