fireplace hearth repair and paint advice

JeffMason

Hi All,

I've got fireplace hearths in both bedrooms - neither are in use - the main bedroom has had the entire fireplace removed and the second bedroom hasn't. Both need some work but I'm not sure what to do.

Here's a photo of each as they are:
https://imgur.com/a/HQfyb0y

The colour / look of the second bedroom one is quite nice (I like the rustic look) but the main bedroom has just had the surface redone by someone, but it still looks a little rough and has a brown look, rather than the grey of the other one. What can I do to repair the second bedroom one (there are a few cracks and lose bits which look like they've been repaired before but not well) and what sort of paint or glaze should I be using? And what can I do with the manin bedroom to make it look good?

I've been googling to try and figure this out but haven't got anywhere, and I don't even know what kind of pro I would contact to have a look if I can't sort out myself. So, any advice appreciated!

FreeBear

That is a concrete slab, probably cast in-situ. Originally, it may well have had some glazed tiles level with the floorboards and someone has removed them and slapped a bit of cement in. You could try chiselling the cement out with a scutch chisel. Your options would then to retile or put down a bit of self leveling compound.

JeffMason

FreeBear said:

That is a concrete slab, probably cast in-situ. Originally, it may well have had some glazed tiles level with the floorboards and someone has removed them and slapped a bit of cement in. You could try chiselling the cement out with a scutch chisel. Your options would then to retile or put down a bit of self leveling compound.

Which one are you advising on? I don't think I want to tile it, just making good and painting would be easiest. Would self leveling compound make the main bedroom one look like the second bedroom? And would it work to fill in the gaps in bedroom two too? 

stuart45

You would probably be better to cut down the sand/cement  superimposed hearth down to what is known as the constructional hearth which is normally about a 6 inch concrete slab, That way you can get a better finish, rather than filler in the cracks.

JeffMason

stuart45 said:

You would probably be better to cut down the sand/cement  superimposed hearth down to what is known as the constructional hearth which is normally about a 6 inch concrete slab, That way you can get a better finish, rather than filler in the cracks.

Thanks for the advice. So you're talking about the hearth in the second bedroom? So filling in the gaps won't work? I don't mind cracks and an imperfect finish, I'd like to have a rustic look but just not the bad filling job that is currently in place.

And any ideas on the other hearth? Or what type of paint etc I should use to finish them?