Your Guide To 4 DIY-Friendly Weekend Fireplace Makeovers
Give your fireplace a whole new look in just a day or two – whether you choose a soft limewash for an organic feel, a velvety suede finish, metallic paint for a modern shine, or a DIY clay plaster for a matte texture.
We’re known for the high-quality decorative paints and Venetian plasters that professionals rely on -but we also have a wide selection of products DIYers can use easily and confidently, well beyond our popular Limewash.
We’ve expanded our DIY-friendly finishes to include shimmering metallics, velvety pearl textures, rich clay plasters, and a modern Lime Wash that allows you to use it on drywall as well as masonry – providing you with endless possibilities for a custom fireplace makeover.
Whether your home leans modern, modern rustic, coastal, organic, transitional, minimalist, or eclectic, here are 4 easy DIY fireplace transformations you can start today.
1. Pearlas Velvet Paint – a smooth, velvety look with a hint of metallic shine
If you love a smooth, elegant finish with subtle depth, Pearlas Velvet is a showstopper for fireplace surrounds. This velvety, suede paint is infused with a subtle metallic powder, making it easy to apply while giving your walls a smooth, elegant finish with a soft glow.
Why DIYers Love It
- Easy, trowel application – can be brushed on for a different look
- Subtle shimmer without feeling glittery – picture a faux Venetian plaster aesthetic
- Perfect for modern, glam, or transitional homes
- Easy to combine several colors for an ombre effect
- Low VOC
Best For
DIYers who want a smooth, chic look without committing to plaster.
2. Lime Wash for Drywall Fireplaces – Soft, Cloudy Movement or Update Builder Grade Brick and Stone
Most people associate limewash with brick and stone, but Meoded Lime Wash delivers a stunning Old-World, cloud-like movement even over drywall on a simple fireplace.
Our authentic mineral-based formulation creates a breathable, matte, movement-rich surface that works especially well in modern organic or European-inspired interiors.
Why DIYers Love It
- Extremely DIY-friendly
- Easily brush applied with a traditional cross hatch technique
- Comes in 88 curated colors and can be custom tinted
- Works beautifully on drywall with Meoded Lime Wash Base Coat
- Soft texture and gentle tonal variation
- Creates a soothing atmosphere
- Natural, non-toxic
Best For
Fireplaces that need natural warmth, movement, and a hand-painted European feel.
Use it on brick to create a traditional antiqued brick aesthetic, or update outdated stone to create a modern rustic finish ready for HGTV!
3. Sapphire Metallic Paint + Sahara Effect – A Bespoke Metallic Fireplace Finish
Want something bold, artistic, and one-of-a-kind? Meoded Sapphire Metallic Paint combined with the Sahara Effect additive creates a dramatic, shimmering, textured look-think custom Venetian hotels or boutique luxury interiors.
And the best part: you don’t need to be a professional to pull this off, but this is the most “advanced DIY” application of the 4 listed.
PRO Tip: Your first coat can be rolled on plain or mixed with glass beads and brushed—both approaches work. For a fabric-like look, brush your beaded first coat in one direction, then apply a second beaded coat brushed in the opposite direction. If you want a softer, less textured finish, add beads only to the second coat and brush them in the pattern you prefer. With bead sizes ranging from subtle to bold, you can fine-tune the texture and overall effect.
Why DIYers Love It
- Layered, dimensional metallic look
- Sahara creates a unique shimmering texture
- Can be subtle or bold, depending on color or bead size
- Ultra-modern without being too glitzy
Best For
Anyone wanting a bespoke statement fireplace with surprisingly simple steps.
4. Moroccan Clay – The Matte, Minimal, Earthy Plaster Finish
If you love earthy interiors, organic modern design, or soft, textural finishes, Meoded Moroccan Clay gives you the perfect matte clay plaster look – all with beginner-friendly application.
This product creates a calming, tactile surface reminiscent of Mediterranean homes.
Use Meoded Quartz Primer, first.
Why DIYers Love It
- Very forgiving and DIY-friendly
- Easy to apply with a trowel in 2 easy coats
- Matte, smooth, natural clay texture
- Soft warmth and subtle movement
- Works with any neutral color palette
Best For
Fireplaces that need warmth, texture, and organic modern beauty without complicated multi-step plaster techniques.
How Do I Choose the Right Product for My Style?
There’s no right or wrong answer as to which Meoded product to use in your home. But we know having more than one option can be overwhelming. Here is a quick rundown of how we suggest you choose. Unless you’re creating a ton of texture with Moroccan Clay or or Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect finishes, you can always repaint and update your fireplace as your style evolves.
- For soft, cloud-like movement: Lime Wash
- For shimmer and light reflection: Pearlas Velvet
- For bold, bespoke statement looks: Sapphire Metallic Sahara Effect
- For earthy, natural textures: Moroccan Clay
Why Meoded Has Become the New Standard for DIY Decorative Finishes
We offer a full spectrum of products that allow everyday homeowners to create professional-grade finishes without a lot of fuss. Whether you want subtle movement, bold metallics, matte clay textures, or soft pearl sheens, we have made high-end finishes more accessible than ever.
Ready to Transform Your Fireplace?
You can achieve any of these looks with just a weekend, a few tools, and the right Meoded products. Shop online now for products and tools to start your fireplace makeover, or find your nearest Meoded stockist with our Store Locator.
Additional Resources & FAQs
Moroccan Clay vs Lime Wash: DIY Finishes Compared
Moroccan Clay, DIY-Friendly Matte Finish Plaster
Suede Revival – Use Meoded Velvet Paint to Create Suede-Like Walls
Lime Wash: How to Apply. A DIY Guide
DIY Fireplace Makeovers FAQs
Q: Can you lime wash a drywall fireplace?
A: Yes! You can lime wash drywall as long as you use Lime Wash Base Coat first. Meoded Lime Wash works beautifully on drywall fireplace surrounds and creates soft movement similar to a plastered or old-world finish.
Q: What’s the easiest decorative finish to apply to a drywall fireplace?
A: For beginners that have never used a trowel, and want to use something other than Lime Wash, Meoded Pearlas Velvet is the easiest to conquer, that helps you learn to use a trowel as well.
Q: Do I need heat-resistant paint or plaster for a drywall fireplace?
A: You only need heat-resistant materials if you’re applying them directly to surfaces that get extremely hot, like firebox interiors or metal surrounds. The outer drywall bump-out or chase typically does not exceed temperatures that require special coatings.
Q: Can I use clay plaster on drywall around a fireplace?
A: Yes. Products like Moroccan Clay adhere well to properly primed drywall and create a beautiful, matte, earthy texture. Ensure to use a PVA primer over the drywall, and then an additional coat of Meoded Quartz Primer. Clay plasters are safe for most fireplace surrounds because they’re applied on the outer, non-heated surfaces.
Q: Is sanding required before applying decorative finishes to my fireplace?
A: Most of the time, no. As long as the drywall is smooth and primed correctly, you can apply lime wash, pearlescent paints, metallic textures, or Moroccan clay plaster without major prep. Just patch, clean dust, and prime. Note: make sure to do all patch work prior to priming and adding your decorative finish.
Q: What finish is best for a modern or contemporary drywall fireplace?
A: Smooth, shimmering finishes like Pearlas Velvet or bold metallic effects like Sapphire + Sahara are perfect for modern interiors. They create a clean, sleek appearance and add depth without overwhelming the design. If you want a modern organic finish, Moroccan Clay is the high-end DIY finish to choose.
Q: What finish works best for an organic or earthy look?
A: Clay plasters – such as Moroccan Clay – are ideal. They offer soft texture, warmth, and movement that fit organic modern, Mediterranean, and Japandi-inspired interiors. If you prefer a brush-applied finish, Lime Wash creates the earthy, organic look of aged plaster with a simple two coat application.
Q: How long does it take to update a drywall fireplace?
A: Most DIY-friendly finishes can be completed in a single weekend. Lime wash and Pearlas Velvet are typically one-to two-day projects. Metallic Sahara and Moroccan Clay may need an additional day depending on layers and drying times.
Q: Do I need special tools for these DIY fireplace makeovers?
A: Not really. Most projects require only a roller, box brush, and small trowel all available from Meoded. Pearlas Velvet and Moroccan Clay benefit from a stainless steel trowel or whiteout trowel for smoother textures.
Q: Can I paint over a decorative finish later if I want to change the look?
A: Absolutely. All of these finishes can be coated over with primer and a new finish in the future. This makes them great for DIYers who want the flexibility to update again later. If you apply Moroccan Clay on thick or use glass beads in the Sahara Effect finish, you may need to sand or smoothen the surface before priming for your next look, but it’s not overly complicated to start fresh.