Desperate Q? - How to Achieve painted wall surround

[IowaHawkEye]

I bought a simple basic Kingsman/Marquis propane fireplace for new construction living room. Fireplace will be against an exterior wall.

Has anyone been able to achieve an install where the area surrounding the fireplace has the appearance of simple/sleek painted drywall as in the rest of the room?

• Normal drywall is not allowed around the edge of the fireplace - the paper backing makes it "combustible"
• Manufacturer suggests Durock cement board. Durock people say their product can't be painted, can't exceed 200degrees F.
• With an install similar to the design below, there will be 4 cut/rough inside edges of the cement board surrounding the fireplace glass. How can those be made smooth and with a finished and painted look?
• Anyone able to successfully do this with Hardiebacker, Durock, or similar? Any tips on priming, painting, texturing etc etc?
• relevant epic failure

Like this:

 

[Spencer7]

I bought a simple basic Kingsman/Marquis propane fireplace for new construction living room. Fireplace will be against an exterior wall.

Has anyone been able to achieve an install where the area surrounding the fireplace has the appearance of simple/sleek painted drywall as in the rest of the room?

• Normal drywall is not allowed around the edge of the fireplace - the paper backing makes it "combustible"
• Manufacturer suggests Durock cement board. Durock people say their product can't be painted, can't exceed 200degrees F.
• With an install similar to the design below, there will be 4 cut/rough inside edges of the cement board surrounding the fireplace glass. How can those be made smooth and with a finished and painted look?
• Anyone able to successfully do this with Hardiebacker, Durock, or similar? Any tips on priming, painting, texturing etc etc?
• relevant epic failure

Like this:

Were you successful in achieving this look?