How to Paint a Brick Fireplace

Have you ever thought about painting your fireplace? We do this quite often during home stages and the end result is amazing. If you are looking to give your home a makeover, but don’t want to do a full-on renovation, this is an amazing idea to execute! All it takes is a little elbow grease, a few tools, and some fireplace paint.

Make sure the paint you use is made for higher temperatures and is good on brick surfaces! A brick surround is the best bet for painting. Next, choose your fireplace paint color. A whitewash brick fireplace is a classic choice, but a black-painted fireplace adds drama. Pick a color that matches the unique style of your home and the room’s decor. Then follow these steps on how to paint a brick fireplace.

How to do it

Step 1 – Clean The Fireplace Surface

To make sure your paint adheres and dries properly, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the brick. We recommend using a wire brush to clean the debris. Then make sure to vacuum around the area to clean up any remaining dirt. Next, you will want to wash the fireplace with a cleanser or degreaser. Make sure to let it dry completely before moving on! Next, cover your floor with a drop cloth and tape off any areas you want to remain paint-free.

Step 2 – Prime The Brick

A stain-blocking, oil-base primer protects your paint against future soot stains from fireplace use. Apply primer to the entire surface, following the manufacturer’s directions. We recommend using a small brush to get the primer in the small crevices!

Step 3 -Paint The Brick

Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint. Choose indoor, latex, heat-resistant paint (either flat, semigloss, or gloss) that’s rated to withstand temperatures generated by the fireplace (generally about 200°F). Remember that this type of paint is only appropriate for the exterior of a brick fireplace, not the interior firebox. If you want to paint the firebox, you’ll need a special heat-resistant paint. Use a roller designed for textured surfaces to cover the surface of the brick. For any spots that are smaller, you can touch up with a small paintbrush. Apply a second and third coat as needed, allowing plenty of drying time between coats.