Call or Text(201) 701-8248Text UsRequest a Free Estimate
Completed Project · Cedar Grove, NJ
Palladino Lime Plaster Fireplace in Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Palladino Lime Plaster Fireplace · Cedar Grove, New Jersey
This Cedar Grove homeowner wanted to replace her builder-grade fireplace design with something warmer, cozier and more modern. The original fireplace featured crown molding, faux wood paneling, base molding and an electric fireplace insert.
To create a cleaner architectural feature with natural movement and depth, the homeowner selected Meoded Palladino lime plaster. The completed fireplace now has a seamless, hand-applied stone finish that feels more refined while complementing the existing room.
Share this projectPhoto coming soonThe finished Palladino plaster fireplace anchors the Cedar Grove living room, with the TV mounted above the black floating mantel.Project Details
- Location
- Cedar Grove, NJ
- Surface
- Fireplace surround
- Original finish
- Faux wood paneling and decorative molding
- New finish
- Meoded Palladino lime plaster
- Preparation
- Demolition, mesh reinforcement and skim coating
- Primer system
- Fresh Start Primer and Meoded Quartz Primer
- Finish coats
- Two coats of Meoded Palladino
- Protection
- Sealed after approximately 18 hours
- Completed by
- All Time Paint & Plaster Co.
Materials
Meoded Products Used on This Project
The same materials we used here are available from our Wayne, NJ studio shop.
The Original Builder-Grade Fireplace
The original fireplace surround was constructed with decorative faux wood paneling, vertical wood slats, crown molding and base molding. Although the feature added visual detail, the homeowner wanted a simpler and more timeless design with fewer decorative elements.
Photo coming soonThe original fireplace featured crown molding, base molding and faux wood paneling.Preparing the Fireplace
Proper preparation was essential because Palladino plaster requires a stable, continuous substrate.
- Removing the crown molding
- Removing the base molding
- Removing the faux wood paneling
- Repairing and skim coating the exposed surfaces
- Reinforcing the fireplace with fiberglass mesh
- Creating clean outside corners and straight architectural lines
- Sanding and inspecting the substrate before priming
After removing the decorative molding and faux paneling, the entire fireplace was repaired, reinforced with mesh and skim coated to create a stable, continuous substrate.
Applying the Palladino Lime Plaster
After the fireplace was properly prepared, we applied Fresh Start primer followed by Meoded Quartz Primer. The quartz primer creates the textured mineral surface needed for proper adhesion of the decorative plaster.
We then hand-applied two coats of Meoded Palladino lime plaster. Each coat was shaped and refined to create subtle movement, natural texture and the appearance of a seamless stone fireplace surround.
The system included Fresh Start primer, Meoded Quartz Primer, two coats of Palladino lime plaster and a protective sealer applied after approximately 18 hours.
Sealing the Finish
After allowing the Palladino finish to cure for approximately 18 hours, we applied the appropriate protective sealer. Sealing helps protect the hand-applied surface while maintaining its natural mineral appearance and subtle variation.
The Finished Palladino Fireplace
The completed fireplace has a warm, modern appearance with soft movement and natural depth. Removing the decorative molding and faux paneling allowed the fireplace to become a cleaner architectural feature while the Palladino finish introduced the character and warmth the homeowner wanted.
From Builder Grade to Custom Palladino Plaster
Removing the decorative paneling and molding created a cleaner architectural form, while Palladino lime plaster added warmth, texture and natural movement.Plaster Fireplace Finishes in Northern New Jersey
All Time Paint & Plaster Co. creates Venetian and lime plaster finishes, fireplace transformations, specialty architectural finishes and custom fireplace surrounds throughout Cedar Grove, Essex County and Northern New Jersey.
You can see more hand-applied work in our specialty finish gallery and project case studies, or review the towns we cover on our North Jersey service area page.
More Plaster & Specialty Finish Projects
Travertine Plaster Fireplace
A hand-textured Meoded Palladino fireplace built in Bernardsville, NJ.
Fluted Plaster Fireplace
A floor-to-ceiling fluted Marmorino Intonaco surround in New Brunswick, NJ.
Microcement Basement
Seamless Meoded Concretta across walls and ceilings in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
Specialty Finish Gallery
Venetian plaster, limewash and microcement work completed throughout NJ.
Plaster Fireplace Questions
What is Meoded Palladino lime plaster?
Palladino is a lime-based decorative plaster from Meoded that is applied by hand in coats over a primed substrate. Worked with a trowel, it produces a seamless surface with the soft movement and depth associated with natural stone.
Can lime plaster be applied over an existing fireplace?
Often yes, but only after the surface is made suitable for it. On this Cedar Grove fireplace the crown molding, base molding and faux wood paneling were removed first, then the exposed surfaces were repaired, reinforced with fiberglass mesh, skim coated and sanded so the plaster had a stable, continuous substrate.
Why is primer needed before Palladino plaster?
The primer system creates the surface the plaster bonds to. Here we used Fresh Start primer followed by Meoded Quartz Primer, which leaves a textured mineral surface that the decorative plaster can key into.
How many coats of Palladino plaster are applied?
This fireplace received two hand-applied coats. Each coat was shaped and refined so the finished surround reads as one continuous stone-like surface rather than a flat coating.
Does a plaster fireplace need to be sealed?
Yes. After the Palladino finish cured for approximately 18 hours, we applied the appropriate protective sealer. Sealing protects the hand-applied surface while keeping its natural mineral appearance and subtle variation.
Does All Time Paint & Plaster finish fireplaces in Cedar Grove, NJ?
Yes. All Time Paint & Plaster Co. creates Venetian plaster, lime plaster, limewash and microcement fireplace finishes in Cedar Grove, Essex County and throughout Northern New Jersey.
Planning a Similar Project?
Interested in a similar decorative plaster finish? Contact All Time Paint & Plaster Co. to discuss your project and review finish options.
Request an EstimateSchedule a Finish ConsultationText PhotosProject completed by All Time Paint & Plaster Co., Wayne, New Jersey.