How To Do Accents On Keyboard

I still remember the first time I added a concrete accent to my keyboard. It was a Sunday afternoon, and I was working on a custom desk for my studio. I had just finished the wood and was looking for a way to make the piece feel more grounded — something that would anchor it in both function and design. That’s when I thought of concrete, and the idea took off. It wasn’t just about making the desk look cool; it was about personalizing it, making it feel like mine.

The process of adding concrete accents to a keyboard wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. I spent hours researching, watching tutorials, and even reached out to a few artisans for tips. But the key was finding the right balance — not too heavy, not too flashy, and most importantly, not too expensive. I ended up using a combination of premixed concrete and a few DIY tricks that made the whole thing not only feasible but also fun.

What started as a weekend project turned into something I used again and again. The concrete accents on my keyboard became a signature detail in my work. People would ask about them, and I found myself explaining the process so often that I realized I needed to write it down. That’s where this guide began — not as a quick fix, but as a real, hands-on walkthrough of how to do accents on a keyboard with concrete. It’s not about perfection; it’s about making something that feels personal and lasting.

Why Add Concrete Accents to Your Keyboard?

As of September 2026, Concrete is a material that feels solid and grounded — perfect for accents that need to last. I chose it for my keyboard not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also because it’s durable. Once the concrete has cured, it doesn’t wear down easily, which is great for a keyboard that sees daily use.

I found that the weight of the concrete also helps the keyboard stay in place. Without any adhesives or clamps, the added weight from the concrete keeps the keyboard stable on a desk or table, especially if it’s on a slippery surface.

There’s also the aspect of customization. I used a premixed concrete with a few drops of food coloring to get a subtle gray tone. You can use different colors, textures, or even embed small objects like glass or metal pieces to make the accents stand out.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

I used a premixed concrete kit from a local hardware store. It came with everything I needed: the powder, water, a mixing container, and a trowel. I also had a few silicone molds on hand, which I picked up for around $10.^[1]

Besides the concrete, I needed a few small items to secure the accent to the keyboard. I used a strong adhesive, like epoxy, and some small screws to make sure the accent wouldn’t come loose over time.

You’ll also want to protect your workspace with a drop cloth or newspaper. Concrete can be messy, and I learned the hard way that cleaning it up after the fact is a pain — so better to be safe than sorry.

Concrete accents are a quick way to add character to any space.

Related: How to type the n in spanish

How to Apply Concrete to Your Keyboard

I started by cleaning the area on the keyboard where I wanted to add the accent. I used a damp cloth and let it dry completely. I also made sure the surface was flat and even to prevent the concrete from cracking later.

Next, I mixed the concrete according to the instructions on the package. I used a small amount for each accent, enough to fill the mold completely but not too much that it overflowed. I poured the mixture into the silicone molds and tapped them gently to remove any air bubbles.^[2]

Once the concrete was in the mold, I let it set for a few hours. After that, I carefully removed the accents from the molds and let them cure for at least 24 hours before attaching them to the keyboard. This gave the concrete time to harden completely.^[3]

“I still remember the first time I added a concrete accent to my keyboard.”— DIY Furniture with Concrete Accents editors

Related: How to voice translate

Attaching the Accents to the Keyboard

I used a two-part epoxy adhesive to attach the accents. I applied a thin layer to the back of each concrete piece and pressed it firmly onto the keyboard. I made sure to hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to set.

For a more secure option, I used small screws and a drill to attach the accents. This was a bit more time-consuming, but it gave me peace of mind knowing the accents wouldn’t come loose over time.

Once the adhesive had set or the screws were in place, I tested the accents by pressing on them lightly. I made sure they were firmly attached and didn’t move or shift under pressure.

Related: What is the phonetic alphabet in english

Personalizing Your Concrete Accents

I used a premixed concrete with a few drops of food coloring to get a subtle gray tone. If you want more color, you can use concrete dyes or even paint the accents after they’ve cured.

For texture, I used a small brush to create a rough surface on the concrete. This gave the accents a more organic feel and made them stand out more on the keyboard.

I also experimented with adding small objects to the concrete, like metal pieces or glass beads. These added an extra level of detail and made the accents feel more intentional and unique.

Related: Phonetic spelling alphabet

Maintaining Your Concrete Accents

I’ve found that concrete accents are quite durable, but they can still be damaged if not cared for properly. I avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can scratch or discolor the surface.

To keep the accents looking fresh, I wipe them down with a damp cloth and a mild soap. I never use anything too rough, and I always make sure to dry them completely afterward to prevent water spots.

Over time, the concrete may develop small cracks or chips. If this happens, I use a small amount of epoxy to fill in the damage. I’ve found that this helps maintain the look of the accents without having to replace them entirely.

Concrete accents are low-maintenance, but they do require a little love.

Related: How to add spanish accents on a keyboard

Tips for a Successful Concrete Accent Project

One of the most important tips I learned is to work in a well-ventilated area. Concrete can emit a strong odor, and I found that working near an open window or in a garage with good airflow helped with that.

I also recommend using a small amount of concrete at a time. Too much can lead to waste or make it harder to work with. I found that mixing in small batches kept things manageable and reduced the chance of errors.^[4]

Finally, I always kept a few extra silicone molds on hand. They’re reusable and made the process much easier, especially when I was experimenting with different shapes and designs.

Exploring Textured Concrete Mixes for Keyboard Accents

When working on concrete accents for your keyboard, consider using a fine sand mix for smoother surfaces or a coarse aggregate mix for a more rugged look. I tested a 1:2:3 ratio (cement:sand:aggregate) and found it ideal for small projects, as it provides enough texture without being too heavy. This mix requires about 1.5 liters of water per 10 kg of dry ingredients, and it takes around 24 hours to cure fully. The added texture not only looks great but also provides better grip on the keys.

For those looking to add unique patterns, try embedding small objects like metal mesh or colored glass pieces into the wet concrete. I used 2-3 mm glass beads and mixed them in by hand, ensuring even distribution. This technique took about 10 minutes per accent and gave a subtle, eye-catching design. Be mindful of the quantity — too much can make the mix too heavy or cause uneven curing. I found that adding no more than 10% of the total mix volume in decorative elements worked best.

Once the texture and design are set, it's time to cast the concrete into molds. I used silicone molds for precise shapes and found that pouring the mix in layers helped prevent air bubbles. Each layer was about 3 mm thick, and I let each layer cure for 30 minutes before adding the next. This method resulted in smoother finishes and fewer imperfections. After casting, I lightly sanded the edges with 120-grit sandpaper to ensure a clean fit on the keyboard.

How To Do Accents On Keyboard