Your home deserves a microcement fireplace—join the DIY trend!

Lit microcement fireplace in Nordic style

When the cold sets in and the evenings grow longer, the fireplace becomes the king of the living room, doesn’t it? That corner that offers it all: warmth, style, and that cozy vibe we love so much. But let’s be honest, don’t you think it’s time to give it a twist and bring it up to date? Cladding a fireplace with microcement is one of the easiest ways to renovate it. No construction work required, while achieving a modern, durable and seamless finish.

Microcement fireplaces are all the rage, and here’s why. They’re modern, versatile, and come with so many advantages that you’ll end up coating it yourself. Yes, you can do it DIY-style! How? With ready-to-use microcement.

Forget about hiring a professional. Stick around, because you’re about to discover why microcement fireplaces are booming, which decorative styles they pair perfectly with, and, best of all, how you can create one yourself. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know everything you need to turn your old fireplace into the centerpiece everyone talks about.

Advantages of Having a Microcement Fireplace at Home

Choosing microcement for your fireplace comes with so many advantages that it’s hard to resist. Microcement fireplaces stand out for their heat resistance, easy maintenance and seamless finish. Here are its standout qualities:

Microcement fireplace in a minimalist living room

Impeccable, seamless finish

Forget about joints and cuts that break the aesthetic. Microcement creates smooth, continuous surfaces that integrate perfectly with the rest of the living room.

Resistant to daily use

Microcement fireplaces handle the passage of time, the heat generated during use, and daily wear and tear effortlessly. More than enough reasons to jump on this trend.

Easy to clean

Your microcement fireplace will look spotless with just a wipe of water and soap. For deeper cleaning, we recommend using Smart Cleaner.

Always personalized

Industrial gray? Rustic sand? Minimalist white? With a wide range of colors, microcement adapts to every decorative style.

A faster project with ready-to-use microcement

If the microcement is ready-to-use, you’ll complete your microcement fireplace project much faster than if you had to hire a professional.

4 decorative styles for your microcement fireplace

Did you know that microcement fireplaces are the latest trend in coatings? This material has it all: it’s durable, beautiful, and adapts to any style—rustic, modern, or somewhere in between. If you want your microcement fireplace to become the undisputed star, here are some ideas you’ll love:

Industrial style

Do you love urban aesthetics? The industrial style is perfect for you and your microcement fireplace. Exposed brick walls, metal details, and a fireplace coated in gray tones create a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. Tip: Add iron and distressed wood furniture for an authentic effect.

Microcement fireplace on a brick wall in a Scandinavian living room

Nordic style

Bright, cozy, and functional. The Nordic style favors soft colors like off-white or mustard-hued microcement. The fireplace becomes a warm and serene focal point that aligns with Scandinavian decor. Tip: Add wool blankets and cushions to enhance the cozy feeling.

Rustic Style

If you prefer the warmth and charm of the countryside, microcement pairs beautifully with aged wooden beams and stone walls. Choose tones like sand or terracotta to create a microcement fireplace that invites you to spend hours with a good book. Tip: A natural fiber rug adds the perfect finishing touch.

Microcement fireplace in a rustic-style living room

Modern minimalist style

Less is more. If you’re looking for a microcement fireplace with clean lines and a tidy aesthetic, the white or light gray color range is your best ally. With a smooth and continuous coating, the fireplace will be a functional and elegant piece that seamlessly integrates into your living room. Tip: Pair it with light sofas and neutral-toned decor.

What materials can you cover your fireplace with microcement?

If you’re wondering, ‘What material does my fireplace need to be for microcement application?’ here’s the answer. One of the advantages of this coating is that it can be applied to almost any surface. However, it’s essential to choose the right microcement kit according to the type of your fireplace is made of:

  • Absorbent materials:
    • Drywall
    • Plaster
    • Mortar
  • Non-absorbent materials:
    • Marble
    • Tiles

No matter the size of your fireplace or what it’s made of, at Smartcret we have multiple kits to fit your needs. Just calculate the square meters and get started!

How to Coat or Cover a Fireplace with Microcement Yourself Step by Step

The process of coating a fireplace with microcement is so simple that it can be done without prior experience or DIY knowledge. Giving your fireplace a second life with microcement is easier than you think. If you’ve always thought only a professional could bring your dream to life, you were wrong. At Smartcret, we make it super easy for you to transform your old fireplace into a masterpiece in just a few steps.

With our ready-to-use microcement kits, you’ll achieve a professional finish with your own hands. A DIY project that’s not only simple but also fun and incredibly rewarding.

So get comfortable, prepare to unleash your creative side, and follow this application guide. We promise that once you finish your microcement fireplace, you won’t be able to stop admiring it.

1. Clean and prepare the fireplace: the first step matters!

Before starting, make sure your fireplace is dry and free of dust, grease or any residue. Also, check whether the surface has defects or cracks. If so, don’t worry—fill them with putty to achieve a smooth, even surface.

If your fireplace is made of marble, terrazzo, mosaic tiles, porcelain or ceramic tiles, it will have joints that need to be covered. Use a spatula or trowel to fill the joints with Smart Jointer. Let it dry for 24 hours, sand with 40-grit sandpaper and apply a coat of Smart Primer PLUS.

If your fireplace is made of plaster, cement, concrete or drywall (absorbent material), you will need to apply a coat of Smart Primer ABS directly. Wait 30 minutes, and you’re ready for the next step!

This step is key: the primer ensures that the microcement adheres perfectly to your fireplace and delivers a magazine-worthy finish. So don’t skip it!

Microcement fireplace in the process of creation

2. Apply three coats of microcement

It’s time to shape your fireplace with microcement! Follow these steps and get ready to enjoy the process:

Mix: Stir the Smart Base with a spatula until it becomes uniform.

Apply: Dampen the Smart Roller and apply a thin coat. Smooth it out with the trowel using gentle movements.

Dry and sand: Let it dry for 6 hours, then sand with 40-grit sandpaper for a perfect finish.

Repeat: Apply a second coat, let it dry and sand again.


3. Protect your microcement fireplace

This step is essential to ensure your new fireplace withstands daily use and looks magazine-worthy. So don’t forget to protect it with Smart Varnish.

The sealing varnish is responsible for protecting your microcement fireplace so it looks flawless. You should apply 3 coats as follows: apply, let it dry for 4 hours before applying the next coat, and sand with 400-grit sandpaper after the first and second coats.

It is important that after applying the final coat of varnish, you let it cure completely for 7 days so it reaches its maximum performance.

Microcement fireplace in rustic style living room

Considerations to keep in mind for your microcement fireplace

Before diving into transforming your microcement fireplace into the centerpiece of your home, there are some important details you need to know. Take note!

Where to apply microcement

Never, never, never apply microcement to the surfaces of a fireplace that are in direct contact with flames or extreme heat.

You should coat the front part of the fireplace and all the areas surrounding its opening, the surrounding zones, with microcement. Remember, it is not fireproof, so avoid using it in areas that come into direct contact with fire.

Types of fireplaces compatible with microcement

Do you have a wood-burning, gas, or electric fireplace? Great! Microcement works wonderfully with all of them, as long as it’s applied to the exterior and decorative parts, as we’ve explained.

Microcement fireplace in an industrial-style living room

How to clean and maintain your microcement fireplace

To keep your microcement fireplace looking flawless, it’s essential to follow these tips:

- Perform regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. A damp cloth with a bit of mild soap will suffice, although for a more thorough maintenance, you can always follow our recommendation and use our Smart Cleaner.

- Maintaining the hardness and natural shine of microcement will be a breeze with a maintenance wax like Smart Wax. Applying it twice a year will not only protect the microcement, but also make cleaning much easier.

- Avoid abrasive products, heavy objects, or sponges that could scratch the surface of your microcement fireplace.

Get inspired by real microcement fireplace projects by Smartcret

Are you already convinced that microcement fireplaces are the ultimate trend? Many of our clients have already jumped on the bandwagon—what are you waiting for?

To help you take the final step, we’re here to tempt you with some of the most stunning transformations made with our Smartcret kits. Swipe through each photo in the gallery and enjoy imagining which style best suits your taste and how your dream microcement fireplace would look.

Don’t get left behind! Create your own DIY microcement fireplace and impress everyone

Can you imagine showing off a microcement fireplace made by you? With Smartcret, not only will you transform your living room, but you’ll also crown yourself as the DIY king or queen!

It doesn’t matter if you’re going for a modern, rustic, or minimalist vibe—our kit includes everything you need to create a masterpiece worthy of a magazine cover.

Turn up the music, unleash your creativity, and get to work. Your living room has never looked this good!

 

Back to blog