Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Paint Magic with Fireplaces...

Cement cast fireplaces...
in so many homes,
 and people just aren't sure what to do with them!

I say...paint em out!






Here is one example of a cement fireplace I just painted.
It had already been faux painted by another painter, 
but the new homeowner just wasn't down with the green.



First I had my favorite water based primer tinted 
so it was closer to the color I was using for my base coats.

Then I rolled and brushed on my eggshell base colors,
the tan bottom for a travertine finish, and rust for the mantel wood finish.



And there you have it, a completely different feel and look.
Much warmer than the stony green of the past.



The pits in the cement fireplaces really lend themselves to stone painted finishes.



So many possibilities!
Here are a few more "before and after" fireplaces I've worked on.

Before...
White plaster fireplace.


After...
Faux wood grain and marble.


Before...
white plaster with a few wood detail additions.


After...
faux rosewood.

Before...
this fireplace had no detail, just a box on the wall.
A new surround was built with wooded appliques added on the mantel.



After...
soft faux antiquing and a painted wood grained mantel.

Before...
another white plaster fireplace.




After...
a wood applique as added to faux wood grain including a burl wood inset.

Before...
a cast cement fireplace base painted.


After...
a simple stone finish to warm it up.

Before...
a two sided fireplace.
Believe it or not, you need a nice orangey color like this one 
to make the wood undertones come to life.




 After...
this side was in the formal living room.
Painted faux wood with stencil details to match and mirror that will hang over the fireplace.



After...
this side was in the dining room, 
with a simple faux wood grain painted over that bright orange.

And here I am...fauxing away on one of two fireplaces in this home...

...with my then lovely assistant (daughter in law) Lucinda.



Another example of what you can do with a cement cast fireplace...
and a little paint magic.




6 comments:

  1. All so beautiful! ~Lee

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  2. Found you via Pinterest.
    Your transformations of these fireplaces are incredible. I think you're right, people get these big, concrete fireplaces and just don't know what to do with them after the novelty of concrete wears off! Just beautiful. Nice to see your work!

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    1. Thank you so much Christine, and finding me on Pinterest too! You never know where you're gonna show up! Fireplaces are fun, and you have a finished product in a day...very rewarding! Thank you for commenting.

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  3. please tell me you live in North Texas! you are an amazing artist!

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    Replies
    1. No...I'm happy to say I live in beautiful San Diego CA north county. Though thank you so much for the kind compliment...so nice to read and be appreciated.

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