How to Faux Finish a Fireplace in a Mobile Home

Prepare the fireplace for a paint job by using a sponge to wipe down the entire outside of the fireplace. Scoop all ashes from the inside and clean the inside well with a bristle brush. Though the inside will not be painted, the ashes may become stuck into the wet paint. Use a soft-all purpose cleaner to remove any difficult stains and spots. The fireplace will be painted over, so a perfect cleaning isn't necessary.

Cover the flooring surrounding your project area. Put painter's plastic tarps over carpet. Lay drop cloths over tarps for additional protection. Ensure you have an extra drop cloth and area set aside for your tools, and a walk way to a sink for rinsing tools.

Sand the entire fireplace surround lightly in the direction of wood grain. Do not apply uneven pressure. The scratch coat is only to give the next layer of paint some adherence. Once you've lightly sanded the entire surface, wipe the fireplace with a damp cloth to remove the dust. If dust particles are extreme, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the area.

Roll on one or two coats of eggshell latex paint. For hard-to-reach areas, such as fluted architectural elements, an angle paint brush works well. Paint edges near wall surfaces and carpet with an angle paint brush. You can paint tight corners by dabbing the surface with a small piece of sea sponge or tiny paint brush. Allow to dry for 2 to 4 hours, or as directed on the paint can.

Apply plaster to the fireplace with a drywall trowel or putty knife. Skim joint compound or the surface to create an uneven textured look. Cover the entire fireplace. Dry 6 hours or more. Touch the plaster -- if it is cold to touch, the underneath layers are still wet and a longer drying time is needed.

Mix together clear glaze and latex paint, then stir well. The ratio for clear glaze and paint is 2 to 1. Brush the glaze over the plaster with a rough chip brush or sea sponge. Dab the brush into the plaster to ensure all areas are covered in color. Once finished, do not touch or retouch the areas. Allow the glaze to dry between 24 to 48 hours.