How to Do a Faux Stone Finish On a Fireplace

Example of Faux Stone Painting

Faux finishing is a painting technique meant to fool the eye into thinking something is real, using only paint. Homeowners who don't want to buy expensive stone to cover a fireplace can create the same look for much less money with a faux stone finish.

Things You'll Need

• Rag or dust cloth Drip cloth Painter's tape 2 paintbrushes (1 artist and 1 flat) Paint roller Paint pan Chalk or pencil Low-luster or satin paint for base coat color Paint/glaze mixture paint(s) in accent color Stones to trace Cardboard Scissors or X-Acto knife

Instructions

Getting Started With Painting a Faux Stone Look

1. Find stones in the shape you are looking to create on your fireplace. Trace the stones' shape onto the cardboard to create a stencil. You will use this stencil to create a pattern to fill in with paint on the fireplace. If you cannot find any stones, simply draw a shape you would like to use. Cut out the shape using scissors or an X-acto knife.

2. Clean any dust, wood shavings or mildew from the surface you intend to paint. Use a dust cloth or rag with soapy water. Dry the area completely before applying paint.

3. Lay the drop cloth around the area where you will be painting to protect your floor or furniture. Apply painters tape to surfaces around your fireplace that you do not want to get paint on.

4. Paint two layers of a base coat color with your paint roller. The base coat should be a neutral low-sheen color. Use your paintbrush to reach into corners and edges to get complete coverage. Wait until the paint is completely dry before starting Step 5.

5. Using the accent color(s) you have selected, take a crumpled rag or piece of paper and dab it onto the fireplace to create a textured look. Cover the entire surface. If painting more than one color, wait until each layer is completely dry before using the next color.

6. Use your stone stencils to trace shapes onto the surface using a chalk or pencil until you have covered the entire area.

7. Paint the outlines of your stenciled area with your artist paintbrush in your accent color. Try to blend several colors to create a more realistic appearance. For a rustic look, try to feather and blur the lines a bit.

Tips & Warnings

• Faux painting is a specialized technique that will take some trial and error before achieving the look you desire. Do not get frustrated if you have to start over.

• It is very important to let each layer of paint dry before painting another. If you do not leave sufficient time between coats, the colors will smear together or, worse, take off the layer you are trying to paint over.

References

• Definition of Faux Painting with Graphics
• Photo Gallery of Faux Stone Painted Fireplaces