How to Faux Paint Cast Concrete Fireplaces

Prepare the concrete for paint. Clean the concrete with mild dish soap and water. Scrub it well with the stiff bristled brush. Rinse with the sponge and fresh water. Let dry completely.

Use painter's tape to mask off the area you plan to paint and pour primer into a paint pan. Prime the concrete with a masonry primer. Use a roller for the larger areas and a brush to reach the edges, also known as cutting in. If the concrete soaks up most of the primer, add another coat of primer. The primer helps the paint stick to the concrete, providing an even finish. Let the primer dry completely.

Pour base paint color into a clean paint pan. Paint the base coat the same way you did the primer with a roller and brush. For the leather look, use warm browns in cinnamon or caramel. Let the base coat dry.

Mix three parts glaze with one part dark brown paint in the small paint can. Working in small areas from the top down, brush on a coat of the glaze and paint mixture. Lay a piece of newspaper flat on the glaze. Rub the paper with the palm or edge of your hand. Remove the paper.

Repeat the glaze and paper procedure until the entire area is covered and the overall effect is achieved. When one piece of newspaper gets saturated with the glaze, toss it out and use a new piece.