Breathing New Life into Fireplace Surfaces

From Decorative Plaster to a Tuscan Fireplace Makeover in Toronto

At Chromatist, we’re not just painters—we’re surface storytellers. Whether it’s the soft, cloudy elegance of limewash, the polished sophistication of Venetian plaster, or the seamless, industrial cool of microcement, we specialize in finishes that elevate walls, ceilings, fireplaces, and even exteriors into works of art.

Our services include:

  • Limewash Painting – For that natural, breathable, chalky texture that adds depth and softness to any room.

  • Venetian Plaster – A timeless Italian finish with a silky, marbled look. Ideal for refined interiors with a historic flair.

  • Microcement – Durable, waterproof, and ultra-modern—perfect for bathrooms, floors, and statement fireplaces.

  • Decorative Plaster – Custom-blended finishes that can replicate stone, concrete, or aged textures.

  • Whitewashing Brick & Stone – A soft wash of character to tame harsh red brick or outdated masonry while still letting the texture breathe.

But one of our most charming specialties? Turning ordinary concrete fireplace into extraordinary old-world charm.

Speak To Shayan 416 (606) 8060 or Request A Quote

From Painted Concrete to Tuscan Charm: A Fireplace Reinvented

In one of our recent Toronto projects, a client approached us with a decorative painted concrete fireplace. It was functional, sure—but lacked soul. That’s where the designers came in with a vision: let’s transform this into a Tuscan fireplace design with depth, warmth, and history.

Step 1: Set the Tone with White Dove

We began by painting the surface in Benjamin Moore White Dove, a warm, soft white that serves as the perfect neutral base for aged and distressed finishes. Unlike a stark white, White Dove has just enough creaminess to complement the natural warmth of an old-world fireplace style

Fireplace mantel primed with warm white paint before antique glaze application.

Step 2: Apply Antique Glaze

To create that weathered stone fireplace look, we used a custom antique glaze on concrete fireplace surfaces. This isn’t just paint—it’s technique. The glaze is brushed, dragged, and washed in layers to soften edges, deepen crevices, and mimic the natural irregularities of aged stone or plaster.

Chromatist Painters, artisan applying antique glaze to a white-painted fireplace mantel.
Old-World Fireplace Transformation Using Antique Glaze

Step 3: Layer in the History

The glaze gives a subtle patina, evoking sun-drenched walls of Tuscany or timeworn European mantels. With its distressed white fireplace mantel appearance, this fireplace now feels both nostalgic and sophisticated—a perfect balance of rustic charm and modern design.

Rustic Modern Fireplace Mantel with Washed Antique Look

Original fireplace mantel finished in a brown-red multi-color glaze.
Before: Fireplace Resurfacing in Richmond Hill, Toronto
Travertine-look fireplace mantel finished with antique glaze in warm white - Fireplace Mantel Makeover by Chromatist painters in Richmond Hill, Toronto.
After: Distressed White Fireplace Mantel with Antique Glaze – Toronto Project

From Painted Concrete to Character

The final product is more than a decorative accent—it’s a statement. It harmonizes beautifully in both classic and rustic modern fireplace settings. Whether you’re restoring a heritage home or building a new one, this kind of finishing adds character that can’t be faked with off-the-shelf solutions.

This project is also a shining example of Old-world fireplace inspiration Toronto homeowners are increasingly drawn to. It’s timeless, textural, and tactile—exactly the kind of design people want to live with and feel.

Antique Glaze Fireplace Mantel Transformation – Travertine-Inspired Finish

Antique Glaze & Tuscan Fireplace Makeovers: Everything You Need to Know
  • What is an antique glaze and how is it used on fireplaces?

    Antique glaze is a translucent coating applied over a base paint to add depth, warmth, and an aged, weathered appearance. For fireplaces, it’s often hand-brushed or washed on, then selectively wiped or distressed to create a patina reminiscent of old-world stone or plaster.

  • Can you apply antique glaze over a concrete fireplace?

    Yes! Concrete is a fantastic surface for decorative finishes like antique glaze. When primed and painted properly (as we did with Benjamin Moore White Dove), it becomes the perfect canvas for layering glaze and achieving a Tuscan-style fireplace finish.

  • Is this type of fireplace finish safe around heat?

    Yes. The materials we use are decorative and applied on the mantel and surround, not on active firebox surfaces. Always consult with a professional if you’re unsure, but most decorative glaze and paint finishes are safe when applied correctly around non-combustion zones.

  • What’s the difference between a distressed fireplace and a rustic one?

    “Distressed” refers to a finish that has been intentionally weathered — often by sanding, rubbing, or layering glaze — to mimic age. A “rustic” fireplace typically emphasizes natural materials and earthy tones. Our finish blends both: a distressed white look with rustic modern charm.

  • How long does it take to complete a fireplace makeover like this?
    Most decorative fireplace resurfacing projects take 2–3 days, including surface prep, base painting, drying time, glazing, and sealing. More detailed distressing or specialty coatings may require additional time for curing.

  • Can you create this old-world fireplace style in other colors besides white?
    Absolutely. While warm whites like White Dove create a classic Tuscan feel, we can customize the glaze and base coat in earth tones, greys, or even muted greens to suit your space’s aesthetic.

  • Do you only work in Toronto?
    We’re based in Toronto, but we also serve surrounding areas and take on select out-of-town projects. For clients seeking bespoke plaster and paint finishes — including limewash, microcement, Venetian plaster, antique glaze, and distressed fireplace resurfacing — we are open to traveling across Canada and the United States for the right projects.

Looking to transform your fireplace into a work of art?
Let’s collaborate.

Ready to Modernize Your Fireplace?

If you’re looking to transform surfaces in your home or business, we offer a wide range of decorative finishes tailored to your space and aesthetic goals. Whether it’s limewash, microcement, or a handcrafted Tuscan fireplace finish, we’re here to help bring it to life.

Want to learn more or get a quote? Reach out today.