Romabio masonry paints are known for being mineral-based and formulated to absorb into unsealed, non-painted brick or stone.
But what if your fireplace is already painted? Even if you have a painted drywall fireplace, don’t worry! You can still achieve a beautiful, modern, organic finish with Romabio products. Here’s how:
Step #1. Prime your surface with Romabio MicroGrip Primer
As with any painting project, make sure your surface is clean and dry. In order for Romabio masonry paints to adhere to a pre-painted surface, you will have to first prime the surface by adding one coat of Romabio MicroGrip Primer. No other primer will work. MicroGrip Primer is designed to bond to both an acrylic / latex surface and is a mineral– based paint.
Step #2. Decide the texture and finish you want
Since you have a pre-painted surface, you will not be able to achieve an ‘antique limewash’ look with Romabio Classico Limewash. However, we have other options for a beautiful, flat solid coverage finish our paints are famous for.
Masonry Flat
A high-performing, full coverage mineral-based masonry paint, Masonry Flat provides a beautiful, permanent, solid finish with a flat sheen (not shiny). It is extremely durable, environmentally friendly, and designed for little to no maintenance. It can be custom tinted to light or dark colors so you can achieve a designer look.
Masonry Textured
It is a lightly textured version of Masonry Flat, Masonry Textured has all the same qualities and customization options, except it has a slightly textured finish. Perfect if you want just a little bit of extra texture.
Lime Slurry
Wildly popular, Lime Slurry is an authentic, slaked-lime paint used for beautiful, heavily textured finishes in just two easy coats. Uniquely formulated to create an authentic slurry finish for a unique European aesthetic that you can’t achieve with other paints
Venetian Glaze
Venetian Glaze is a versatile, easy-to-apply, authentic Italian slaked lime paint that produces multiple finishes. Create movement and plaster-like effects with a trowel on smooth Interior painted or unpainted drywall.
Velatura Mineralwash
A unique blend of history and modern elegance, Romabio’s self-priming decorative limewash paint, Velatura Mineralwash, is easy-to-use and creates a stunning, cloud-like movement of color on new or pre-painted drywall. If you have a builder-grade painted drywall fireplace, this PRO-preferred paint will allow you to create a luxurious and sophisticated finish.
Step #3. Protect your finish
Once you’ve updated your fireplace with your dream, organic finish, it’s time to protect it. We have a couple of options depending on the products you use.
Mineral Shield
Ideal for Romabio masonry paint finishes, Mineral Shield is an invisible topcoat that will protect your fireplace from liquids and stains. Yes, even red wine spills!
“This product is awesome. I can see the water droplets on the surface and can tell it will protect anything! We’ve been wanting a waterproofing solution for Romabio lime based products so this is perfect.” – Superior Fine Finishes
Decorative Topcoat Flat
A Zero VOC, washable, clear coating ideal for use on Romabio Classico Limewash, Velatura Mineralwash, Venetian Glaze, and Italian Slaked-Lime Plasters, Decorative Topcoat Flat protects and resists water for interior and exterior surfaces with a low sheen finish.
Trending Fireplace Ideas
Moody & Modern
HGTV designer, Egypt Sherrod, fell in love with the luxurious look of a limewashed fireplace that mimics the Italian plaster aesthetic. She chose Romabio Velatura Mineralwash for this beautifully moody and modern drywall fireplace her husband and design partner, Mike Jackson built for an episode of “Married to Real Estate.”
Engineer and DIY Designer, Nicole Pankopp of @simplyalignedhome had a vision when she bought a project home outside of Denver, CO with great bones and a beautiful view. One of the first projects she tackled was a modern fireplace makeover with Romabio MicroGrip Primer to create a consistent base on both her pre-painted brick and drywall, then painted over it with Romabio Masonry Flat in Celtic Stone for a cohesive, modern and really sophisticated look.
Textured Beauties
From heavily textured paint like Romabio Lime Slurry, to creating texture with lime-based paints and plasters, designers are finding new ways to incorporate organic textures and natural finishes into all styles of design. Textures are a great way to add a unique architectural feature without having to go outside of your comfort zone with color.
HGTV design duo, Lil Jon and Anitra Mecadon chose Romabio Lime Slurry for a fireplace feature for Season 2 of their hit show, “Lil Jon Wants to do What??” The heavily textured lime paint allowed Anitra to achieve a stunning, texturied focal point for this modern living room.
Romabio Preferred PRO and decorative plaster artist, Kristin of @scratchfinish used Romabio MicroGrip Primer, then Romabio Venetian Glaze, applied with a trowel, to add depth and dramatic texture to this drywall fireplace. With your imagination and a little artistic ability, the sky’s the limit with Venetian Glaze.
Organic Neutrals
These days you cannot turn on HGTV or open your Instagram or Pinterest app without seeing beautiful fireplaces and walls in neutral colors sporting organic finishes. Romabio is the ideal brand that offers multiple options to achieve an organic finish in the color of your choice. And our mineral-based paints are especially stunning in neutral tones.
Longtime decorative painter and Romabio Preferred PRO, Angela of Divine Rooms, limewashed this entire room including the drywall fireplace surround in a beautiful, soft ‘griege’ to compliment the white painted brick. Organic, neutral designs provide a serene setting that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Velatura Mineralwash makes it easy to achieve this look.
Decorative artist and Romabio Preferred PRO, Douglas Ardon of DA Paint Service, is a leading expert on jaw-dropping limewash applications that mimic microcement and Italian plasters. This Velatura Mineralwash application was exactly what the homeowners were looking for once they built out their dream drywall fireplace which needed a more organic finish. They opted for this cement-like gray to add a neutral showpiece to their living room.
Have a beautiful Romabio fireplace you want to share? Make sure to tag us on Instagram and Pinterest for a chance to be featured in our social feeds. Need more help figuring out how to update your fireplace? Email [email protected] or connect with a Romabio Preferred PRO to help you find the right product to achieve your design goals.
Additional Resources
Fireplace Makover Tips & Inspiration
Young House Love’s Painted Brick with Romabio