Sarah Brown
Concrete mushrooms are a fun DIY project that can bring a whimsical touch to your garden, patio, or home. Before painting, ensure your cement mushroom is thoroughly dry and free of cement dust. Use spray paint or hand paint to add your desired colours and patterns, such as spots or streaks, to the mushroom cap and stem. You can also create a glossy finish with a sealer. Let the paint dry completely before handling and displaying your concrete mushroom creation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of paint | Acrylic paint |
| Paint colours | Base coat: Cocoa; Shadow: Burnt Sienna; Third colour: Celery Green; Red; White; Gold |
| Paint tools | Brush or sponge; Spray paint |
| Other tools | Mixing spoon; Plastic tub; PVC pipe; Caulking gun |
| Paint tips | Paint stem first; Paint cap second; Use stickers to create spot design; Create a glossy finish using a sealer |
| Safety | Wear gloves to prevent chemical burns |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the concrete
To prepare the concrete for your mushrooms, start by digging a shallow hole for each mushroom. The hole should be a few inches deep and around 8-9 inches wide. Place a piece of plastic sheeting in the hole to keep your mushroom clean and help you remove it later. Next, mix your concrete. Pour the concrete mix into a bucket and add water. The ideal consistency is similar to that of wet peanut butter or muffin batter. Be sure to thoroughly mix the dry concrete from the bottom and corners of the tub, gradually adding water to ensure it is completely wet.
Once your concrete is mixed, pour it into the holes and use a piece of scrap wood to smooth it out. Stick a screw into the centre of the concrete, with the head of the screw in the mix. This will help you remove the mushroom from the hole later. Leave the concrete to cure for a full day. It will be hardened within an hour, but you must ensure there is no remaining moisture before painting.
When the concrete is dry, remove the mushroom tops from the holes and flip them upside down. Place them on a flat surface to ensure they are balanced and can stand straight. Before painting, wipe down the mushrooms to remove any cement dust. If you want a smoother finish, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the pieces.
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Choosing paint colours
Choosing the right paint colour is essential to achieving the desired look and feel for your cement mushrooms. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect paint colours:
Lighting and Room Direction
The direction of the room can impact how the mushroom paint colour appears. South-facing rooms have warmer light, enhancing the mushroom colour's warmth while retaining its unique character, especially with a hint of grey. In contrast, north-facing rooms with grey-blue light can make mushroom paint colours appear cooler. East and west-facing rooms experience changing light throughout the day, so a warmer mushroom shade is recommended for east-facing rooms, while west-facing rooms will benefit from a shade that warms up in the afternoon sun.
Interior Design Style
Consider the style you want to achieve. For a contemporary look, a darker palette with green or brown undertones can make a bold statement. If you prefer a minimalist approach, a muted grey or taupe-inspired hue like "Maybe Mushroom" can provide a subtle and elegant touch. For a traditional or rustic aesthetic, earthy tones and rustic wood accents pair well with mushroom paint.
Room Function and Size
The purpose and size of the room can guide your colour choice. For bedrooms and lounges, richer mushroom shades with warm undertones, such as Tawny Mushroom, create a cosy atmosphere. If you're working with a smaller space, a mid-greige shade like Pumice H487 can add depth without overwhelming the area.
Personal Preference and Experimentation
Ultimately, choosing a paint colour is a personal decision. While trends and recommendations provide guidance, following your heart and experimenting with colours that resonate with you is essential. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, like a moody mid-to-deep-toned mushroom, Plymouth Rock by Benjamin Moore, or a red-based medium grey like Bottle Rack White.
Remember, paint samples are your friend! Test different shades on various walls throughout the day to see how the colour changes with the light. By considering these factors and trusting your instincts, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect paint colours for your cement mushrooms.
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Painting the stem
Prepare the Surface
Before painting, ensure that the concrete mushroom stem is completely dry and free of any moisture. The cement mix may cure within an hour, but it's important to allow sufficient time for the concrete to dry thoroughly. This typically takes about 24 hours. Once dry, wipe down the top of the mushroom to remove any dust or debris.
Protect the Mushroom Cap
To prevent paint from getting on the mushroom cap during the painting process, cover it with a plastic bag. Secure the bag in place with blue painter's tape. This step is crucial to achieving clean lines and preventing overspray on the cap.
Spray Paint the Stem
Follow the instructions on your chosen spray paint can. Hold the can at the recommended distance from the surface of the stem and spray evenly. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area or outdoors during this step. Allow the paint to dry for about an hour before carefully removing the plastic bag from the mushroom cap.
Add Dimension with Additional Colours
Once the base colour is dry, you can add depth and dimension to your mushroom stem. Using a brush or sponge, apply a darker shade around the stem, streaking it gently to create a natural shadow effect. Then, dab on a lighter accent colour to enhance the three-dimensional appearance. You can use acrylic paints for this step, as they are suitable for concrete surfaces.
Seal and Protect Your Work (Optional)
If desired, you can apply a sealer to your painted mushroom stem. Sealants come in various finishes, such as flat, medium gloss, or high gloss, allowing you to choose the desired level of sheen. A sealant will not only enhance the appearance of your mushroom but also provide additional protection against the elements.
Care and Handling
Concrete mushrooms can be heavy and somewhat fragile, so always use both hands when moving them. Place one hand under the cap and the other under the solid part of the stem base to ensure a secure grip. When setting down the mushroom, place it on a level surface to avoid putting too much weight on one side.
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Painting the cap
When it comes to choosing paint, acrylic paints are a popular choice for concrete mushrooms. You can use spray paint or hand paint with a brush, depending on your preference. If you opt for spray paint, follow the instructions on the label for the recommended distance and application technique. Be sure to cover any areas you don't want to paint, such as the stem, with a plastic bag secured with tape.
If you want to create spots on your mushroom cap, there are a few different approaches. One method is to use round stickers. After spraying the base layer of paint, place the stickers all over the cap, then spray a different colour over it. Once the paint is dry, remove the stickers to reveal the spots. Alternatively, you can simply paint the spots by hand after the base colour has dried.
For those who want a glossy finish, consider using a sealer. This will not only give your mushroom a shiny appearance but also provide an extra layer of protection. If you're painting by hand, you may want to attach the cap to the stem first, but if you're spray painting, it's recommended to paint the cap before securing it to the stem to avoid any overspray.
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Finishing touches
Before painting, ensure your concrete mushroom has cured for a full day and that there is no remaining moisture. Painting before the concrete has dried will affect your paint finish. If you are painting the mushroom cap and stem different colours, it is recommended to paint the cap before securing it to the stem to prevent any overspray. Conversely, if you are hand-painting your mushrooms, you may want to attach the cap to the stem first.
When painting, it is important to wear gloves to prevent the possibility of chemical burns from the wet cement. You can use acrylic paints or spray paints, depending on your preference. If you are using spray paint, cover the part of the mushroom you are not painting with a plastic bag and secure it with tape. If you are painting spots on your mushroom, use round stickers to create your design, paint over the mushroom with a different colour, and then remove the stickers to reveal the spots.
If you want a smoother finish, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the pieces. You can also create a glossy finish using a sealer. To add a whimsical touch, consider painting your mushrooms in natural tones, pastels, or bright colours.
Once the paint is dry, use a caulking gun to squeeze landscape block adhesive onto the top of the mushroom stem and lay the mushroom cap on top. Allow the adhesive at least 24 hours to set before moving your mushroom.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic paints are suitable for concrete mushrooms. You can also use spray paint, and leftover spray paint from other projects will work just fine.
You can paint your concrete mushrooms any colour you like. Popular colours include red, with white spots, brown, and gold.
Painting the cap and stem separately may be preferable as it can prevent overspray. Painting the cap first and then attaching it to the stem can save you from having to tape up the stem.
Yes, sealing your concrete mushrooms will give them a glossy finish. You can use a product like Daichcoat sealer, or an alternative of your choice.
You should wait until the concrete is completely dry before painting. The cement mix will cure within an hour, but you should wait until there is no moisture remaining before painting.
