Roman Clay
A soft, matte and quietly varied finish. Roman Clay gives the fireplace a warm stone-like presence without a polished surface. It is the most restrained option and works especially well in calm contemporary rooms.
Explore Roman ClayArchitectural feature · Fireplace finishes
The hearth,
made architectural.
Roman Clay, Marmorino Venetian plaster and microcement—three hand-applied ways to give a fireplace depth, continuity and presence.
Request a Quote01 / A focal surface
More than a surround.
A center of gravity.
A fireplace already organizes the room. The finish determines whether it reads as an applied decoration or as one continuous architectural form.
We finish properly prepared fireplace surrounds and chimney breasts in systems selected for the intended texture, sheen, touch and level of use. Existing tile, painted masonry, drywall and new board assemblies each require a different preparation strategy; the finish is only as dependable as the surface beneath it.
Our scope is the decorative surround—not the firebox, flue, appliance or combustion system. Clearances, substrate requirements and temperature limitations must follow the fireplace manufacturer, applicable code and the approved finish system.
02 / Three finish levels
Choose the surface
by character.
The three options are not imitation versions of one another. Each creates a distinct relationship with light, touch and the architecture around it.
Marmorino
A true lime-and-marble plaster built in multiple coats, compacted and refined by hand. Marmorino has greater depth, movement and luminosity, with a honed or softly polished stone character.
Explore Venetian plasterMicrocement
A seamless cementitious system with a more architectural, concrete-like expression. Its layered base and protective sealer create the most robust, contemporary option of the three.
Explore microcementNot sure which?
We review the existing substrate, fireplace type, desired movement, sheen, color and maintenance expectations. A physical sample makes those choices visible before installation begins.
03 / Heat, substrate and protection
The finish is only
one layer of the assembly.
A fireplace surround must be evaluated as a complete system—not simply as a color and texture.
We inspect cracking, soot, loose tile, incompatible coatings, corners, transitions and likely movement. Where the existing surface cannot provide a stable base, repair, removal or a new approved substrate may be required before decorative work begins.
Sealers improve cleanability but do not make every plaster suitable for every heat condition. The appliance manufacturer’s required clearances and approved surrounding materials govern the work. We do not coat inside the firebox.
04 / Our process
Designed first.
Built in layers.
Each fireplace is sampled and installed as a complete finish system rather than a decorative topcoat.
Evaluate
We review the fireplace type, dimensions, existing material, access, cracking, soot and manufacturer requirements.
Sample
Color, movement, sheen and sealer are approved on a representative board before production.
Protect and prepare
Floors, firebox, mantel and adjacent work are masked; the substrate is repaired and primed for the selected system.
Apply
Successive hand-applied coats build the chosen depth, movement and continuity across faces, returns and edges.
Refine and seal
The surface is sanded, compressed or burnished as specified, then protected with the approved finish or sealer.
05 / Typical starting investment
Three levels.
One custom result.
For a standard fireplace surround with typical access and no major repair, our current packages begin at the following levels. Final pricing follows site review and approved samples.
Roman Clay · $2,850
Protection, light preparation, primer as needed, multiple thin coats, refinement and matte protective sealer.
Marmorino · $4,450
Detailed preparation, mineral primer, multiple lime-and-marble plaster coats, hand refinement and selected protection.
Microcement · $6,550
Preparation, bonding primer, base work as needed, multiple cementitious coats, sanding and protective sealer system.
Custom conditions
Demolition, major repair, tall access, mantels, complex geometry and work beyond the decorative surround are scoped separately.
06 / A related architectural feature
Bring the same language
into the kitchen.
Custom range hoods offer another opportunity to turn a required building element into a sculptural mineral surface.
Explore plaster range hoods07 / Common questions
Before the first coat.
Can you apply plaster over existing fireplace tile?
Sometimes. The tile must be secure and the complete preparation system must be compatible. Loose tile, deep joints, movement or unsuitable clearances may require removal or a new substrate.
Do you finish inside the firebox?
No. Our decorative finishes are for approved surround surfaces outside the firebox.
Which option is most durable?
Microcement generally provides the most robust sealed surface. Actual performance still depends on the substrate, heat exposure, sealer and care.
Will the finish crack?
No thin decorative finish can prevent movement in the assembly below it. Stable substrates, proper joints and correct preparation reduce risk, but structural movement must be corrected separately.
Can the finish be cleaned?
Yes, within the limits of the selected product and sealer. We provide project-specific care guidance after installation.
Begin with the existing fireplace
Tell us what is there
and what it should become.
Send clear photographs, overall dimensions, fireplace manufacturer information when available, and the finish direction you are considering.
Request a Quote