DIY Faux Concrete on Home Decor

Whether you are looking for decor pieces to compliment your home, make as a gift or resell for profit this easy “faux concrete” DIY technique is a simple way to do that.

This simple method is a great way to give a new look to an item that you love in design but lacks surface appeal.

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New Concrete Look for Home Decor

For today’s projects, I will be using paint I already have on hand & creating a faux concrete mixture that I will be applying to all four pieces. We will be trying this mixture on thin plastic, ceramic, glass, and metal. I think the end results are spectacular so let’s get started!

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Materials & tools I used for this DIY

Rustoleum Chalk Paint in Linen White 1/2 cup
Baking soda 1/2 cup
Gray floor paint 1/2 cup (I used what I had on hand)
Cinnamon (metal tray)
IOD ink stamps (flower pots)
Paintbrushes
DIY white wax (metal tray)
Spray sealer (added 2 coats to each piece)

I used two very thick types of paint so I added less baking soda than I did when using only latex paint previously. (I did half paint & half baking soda). Just eye your mixture & add baking soda in small amounts until you achieve the thickness you want.

Other options for faux concrete texture

The following can help provide specks of color as well as texture

Black pepper
Salt
Nutmeg
Using a toothbrush & flecking paint in small areas
Dry brush colored wax or paint over the top & wiping back to add depth.

Before faux concrete

Here are photos of the four items we will be upcycling today, using the faux cement

How to make & apply faux concrete

Mix your paint then add half of that amount in baking soda. For example, I used 1 cup total paint and 1/2 cup of baking soda. The longer this mixture sets the firmer, the more “clay-like” it becomes.
Be sure to clean your surface prior – if you are concerned about the paint adhering to your piece you could try spraying your item with a sealer first. You could also apply Slick Stick by Dixie Belle, other brands of primer or even sand the surface with fine-grit sand paper.
Apply the “concrete mixture” with a paintbrush any way you choose. The purpose of this first coat is to establish some texture, but mainly you want a good full coverage
Apply your second coat any way you want to achieve the texture you wish
Don’t worry if it dries with too much texture for you, it can always be taken back with fine-grit sandpaper.
Applied spray sealer twice (even on the black tray where I had applied some white wax & so far it has adhered and holding up well)

1. Ceramic pitcher with faux concrete

This piece has a perfect cottage style shape & while the floral design was bright & cheery I wanted to give this piece a more neutral look.

This piece now fits into many decor styles from boho to cottage.

2. Glass decanter with faux concrete

I love my glass carafes that are similar to this one. We fill them with water & ice then place them on the table for refills at meals. I tried removing the label but to no avail so I did the next best thing! Lol

This piece fits in nicely with farmhouse & shabby style decor.

3. Plastic pots with faux concrete

Too often, these cheap thin plastic pots get thrown out, but I keep them & use them in the winter to plant seeds indoors. I wanted to spruce their look up a bit & maybe use them to hold smaller indoor plants.

Sure do love the vintage appeal this piece has have now and they look great as farmhouse or cottage decor.

4. Metal tray – faux concrete DIY

I completely stepped out of my comfort zone when recreating this metal tray. I wanted to offer a different look for this 4th DIY that wasn’t like the rest and I think I achieved that! What started out as a hot mess turned into a piece that looks like antiqued rusted cast iron.

The key here is to apply the white wax with a dabbing motion then apply cinnamon on top wiping back any extra. This process took about half of an hour till I achieved the look I was happy with.

This piece can be styled to fit along with w primitive decor or even dark cottage core.