Fireplace Makeover with Roman Clay

If you’ve been following the blog for some time now, you may remember our first fireplace makeover. Fast-forward a few years later and here we are, tackling yet another version of the same fireplace! This time around I’m adding Roman clay for an old-world vibe. Here is a little before and after look!

STEP 1: DRYWALL OVER THE EXISTING FIREPLACE SURROUND

Everyone’s fireplace situations will look a little different, but it seemed easier for me to cover all the existing moulding and trim work (except for the crown moulding) with sheets of drywall rather than removing it all. It gave me a flat surface to work with and completely simplified the overall look of our fireplace.

Drywall is very easy to cut down to size with a utility knife and hang with drywall screws. After that, it’s just a matter of taping, mudding, and sanding until you have a smooth surface to work with.

STEP 2: APPLY ROMAN CLAY TO THE FIREPLACE

Priming the raw drywall before we start is an absolute must! I am using Portola Paints roman clay in the color Piano Room. Portola Paints recommends using a high-quality primer before applying their roman clay products, so I used this Kilz primer.

This is my first experience with roman clay, and while there is a little bit of a learning curve, it’s fairly easy to do. The consistency of roman clay is much like drywall compound. I am using two plastic putty knives to apply it to the fireplace, one to scoop the roman clay out of the bucket and the other putty knife to spread it on the wall. There is no rhyme or reason to how you spread it on the wall. Start from the top and work your way down, keeping a wet edge as you go. Spread the roman clay on thin, crisscrossing the motions with your putty knife. For the first coat, focus on getting a light, even coverage.

After the first coat has dried for 24 hours, you can do a light sand with a 220 grit sanding block to knock down any high points or ridges. Once you’re done sanding, wipe off any dust and apply the second coat of roman clay. A dry sponge works really well to get the fine dust off the wall. The second coat should go on just like the first coat, with a slightly heavier application to cover any spots that might have gotten missed the first time around. I did lightly sand again after the second coat to knock down any high points. After it has tried for 24 hours, you can apply the topcoat.

STEP 3: APPLY THE TOPCOAT TO THE FIREPLACE

The roman clay topcoat is a completely optional step based on your personal preference. The topcoat will add a slight sheen to the finish, but it will keep it protected from water and dirt and give you a more wipeable surface. The roman clay topcoat has a similar consistency as Elmer’s glue and it is applied with a putty knife in the same fashion as the roman clay.

THE FINISHED FIREPLACE MAKEOVER

Do you prefer the previous shiplap and moulding look or the new roman clay look? Would you consider giving roman clay a try? I am loving the character and simplicity it adds to the space. Be sure to also check out my DIY frame tv tutorial here!

Project supplies

Portola Paints Roman Clay in the color Piano Room | Kilz Primer | Drywall | Drywall Joint Compound | Drywall Screws | Utility Knife | Sanding Sponge | Plastic Putty Knives

Room sources

TV | DIY TV Frame | Battery Operated Candles | 10″ Antiqued Brass Candle Holder | 12.5″ Antiqued Brass Candle Holder | 15″ Antiqued Brass Candle Holder | 24″ LED Battery Operated Picture Light | Floor Lamp | Rug Ceiling Fan

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