How to Paint a Brick Fireplace
Posted on November 20, 2019
As we enter the season where fireplaces take center stage, your brick fixture could be looking tired and worn. While the fireplace used to be an unchangeable architectural element, long gone are the days of old, red bricks. Update your room quickly with a fireplace painting and you’ll be ready to host family around the glow of the fire before the holidays. Here’s how to paint a brick fireplace.
The first decision is what color are you choosing. It’s easy to change the look of the traditional brick fireplace with some white washing or refreshing of the traditional bricks. For a more dramatic approach, consider black. Once you have an idea of color, ask your local paint store for a stone paint that is appropriate for fireplaces and can withstand the temperatures.
Clean
Now, clean the fireplace thoroughly with a trisodium phosphate solution. Make sure it is a non sudsy version. Be sure you read over all of the manufacturer’s directions and wear protective gloves and glasses. This step removes any dirt, dust and grime from fires of last year. Rinse very completely and allow ample time for drying. Because bricks are porous, they will take longer than expected to dry thoroughly. While you’re waiting, get started taping off the areas you want to protect from rogue paint splatters.
Prime
You’ll want to apply a stain-blocking, oil-based primer to the entirety of the area you are planning to paint. This is necessary to prevent soot stains from fires that will be made this season. Make sure the entire surface is painted according to all of the manufacturer’s directions.
Paint
Once the primer has had plenty of time to dry, you can move on to the painting. Let your paint professional at the store know that this project is a fireplace. This means there are quite a few requirements needed of the paint. You’ll be looking for an indoor, latex and heat resistant paint that can withstand fires within. There are rollers designed specifically for textures surfaces such as rocks or bricks. This will help the paint cover fully.
If you are ready to paint your fireplace, but not sure you’re comfortable taking on the task alone, have our experts come see your project. We offer free, in-home estimates on painting projects.
