Interior Fireplace Options in Chula Vista

A brick fireplace can give a room plenty of character. But depending on the color, age, and condition of the material, it also tends to make the decor of a room feel dark and antiquated. If you want to give your fireplace new life without breaking the bank, consider these tips and ideas for fireplace painting. It’s a good option for Chula Vista homes to feel updated and fresh.

Why Paint Your Fireplace?

Exposed interior brick in an older home is the longed for dream of many homeowners. But maybe that’s not you. Maybe you don’t like it, or are just not lucky enough to have brick that has aged gracefully.

If you don’t like the appearance of your interior brick wall or fireplace, you are still able to transform it into something that fits your personal style by adding a few good coats of paint. As a bonus, you’ll also be protecting the brick from seeping moisture and residue buildup.

Options for Fireplace Painting

If you want to liven up your fireplace while keeping the characteristic look of the brick and highlighting its unique texture, then you can opt for staining. But if you outright want to change the look of the fireplace or room completely without having to remove the brick, then painting is the way to go.

If you choose to go with paint, elastodynamic paint is among the most popular because it is excellent for filling cracks as well as preventing them. Regular acrylic latex exterior paint will also do the trick. It is quick-drying and easier to clean up, whereas an oil-based paint will dry to a harder finish.

You also have a choice in what tools to use. By far, spray painting is considered the best for painting brick as it provides the easiest and most uniform cover. But you can also paint with a thick brush or a roller that has a sufficiently large nap (at least half an inch). Make sure to fill in all the nooks and crannies present in the brick in order to fill in all the gaps and prevent moisture from seeping in down the road.

How to Choose a Color for Your Fireplace

When deciding on a color, you can choose to keep it neutral with softer-toned colors. You can also create a starking contrast with the surrounding wall with a bold color. Or you can go monochromatic to make the fireplace blend in with everything else and move attention away from it.

Most importantly, you want to think about the kind of mood you want to project. If you’re going for a more dramatic atmosphere, choose bolder, darker colors that will make a statement. Or choose a lighter shade for a more relaxed, contemporary look.

Tips for Painting a Fireplace

-You absolutely must prime before painting a brick fireplace. Primers for masonry are usually thinner so they can penetrate the crevices of the porous surface and better seal it off from moisture.

-Before you even do that, however, be sure to clean the surface, either with soap and water, or a stronger, non-acidic solution for tougher grime. Wait 24 hours after washing to begin priming.

-Also note that it is not advisable to paint a new fire place as the mortar is not yet properly set. The recommended time to wait before painting a recently installed brick fireplace is one year.

-While you can choose any finish you think will go best with the rest of your decor, we recommend choosing semi-gloss or gloss paint. These finishes generally accentuate detail and are easier to clean as time goes by when compared to other paint finishes.

If not done correctly, fireplace painting could result in flaking paint or even an alkali-burned topcoat. Consult an expert at CertaPro during a free estimate on what your best options are for transforming your brick fireplace.