Fireplace metal surround

[Krys Rehab Crazy]

I just installed a new wood fireplace and am getting ready to put upmymeatl lathe. I'm going for an old world look and want to cover the black metal that surrounds the opening of the fireplace box. Can I lath right over top of that with metal screws or should the installers moved it back instead of flush with the cement board? I hate to have to cover it with more cement board since everything is flush. I would end up losing anoth 1/2 of my barn mantel. Any ideas? Maybe i can just mortar over the metal with the scratch coat? Any ideas i'm desperate.

 

[begreen]

I'd leave the faceplate metal exposed.