How To: Resurfacing a Fireplace

Before: The stone fireplace was stained and looked dated.

Steps:
1. Jackhammer the fireplace to create a more even surface by chipping off some of the larger projecting stones.

2. Pour one bag of stucco mix (base coat) into a large mixing container. Slowly pour water into the stucco mix on one side and mix it with a hoe. We used approximately a quart of water mixing from left to right. Using a trowel, continue to mix the stucco mix with water until it is the consistency of cake batter. It is better to have the mixture too thick rather than too thin.

3. Pour the bonding agent into a smaller bucket, and use paint brush to apply the bonding agent to the existing fireplace to ensure the concrete adheres to the fireplace securely.

4. Trowel stucco mixture to fireplace, and smooth it out to a consistent level.

5. Once the stucco mix is smooth and begins to dry, score out a pattern on the fireplace to secure the topcoat. Let the stucco mix cure.

6. Slowly add water to the topcoat stucco mix. Slowly add tinting to change the color, mixing with a trowel until you reach the color you desire in the topcoat.

7. Trowel the top coat stucco mix on the fireplace in an even level and smooth with trowel.