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A Brick Fireplace adds a charming personality to the house. It creates a warm and cozy environment in the interiors. But just like every other household item, a brick fireplace also demands a timely upgradation like painting or cleaning.
The look of the room can be changed by a single layer of paint color on the bricks of the fireplace. If you have a little free time on your schedule, upgrading your brick fireplace is the best-renovating trick for your house.
Painting on a brick should be done carefully with the right types of tools and supplies. The paint color also plays an important role in deciding the outcome of the look of the place. If you want to know how to paint a brick fireplace, then look no more because we have made a comprehensive guide on how to paint a brick fireplace.
Follow the tips given below to achieve your perfect fireplace where you can relax and enjoy.
What is the Best Paint to Use for Painting a Brick Fireplace?
Painting a brick fireplace is simple, but the materials and paints used should be appropriate for the bricks. Using the right paint will help in preventing unwanted problems like chipping or flaking.
Heat-resistant paint is the best paint for a brick fireplace. It is used for safety purposes and enhances the aesthetic looks of the fireplace. This type of paint will tolerate any heat damage and sustain the paint in good condition for years.
Whether your fireplace is functional or not, heat-resistant paints are the best choice for it. But if you are sure that the fireplace does not work and is only for decorative purposes, then you can consider using other paints. However, heat-resistant paints are the ideal type of paints for the brick fireplace, as is also suggested by professionals.
Interior acrylic latex and masonry paints are the appropriate types of paints for the brick fireplace. There are many color options available in these types of paints. You can choose according to the theme of the interiors of the house. White and colors like grey, deep green, and neutral colors look great on a brick fireplace. These paints are durable and are easy to clean.
Supplies Needed for Painting a Brick Fireplace
Before starting to paint the brick fireplace, it is necessary to have gathered all the supplies needed for painting. Below we have compiled a list of materials and tools needed for the painting of the brick fireplace. Let us have a look at them:
Tools
- Stiff wire brush
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Vacuum cleaner
- Large sponge
- Cloth or old towel
- Paint roller for textured surfaces
- Paintbrush
- Old sheets or drop clothes for surrounding surfaces
- Small Paintbrush
Materials
- Interior acrylic latex paint or masonry paint
- Fireplace cleaner
- Oil-based primer
- Painters or masking tape
How to Paint Brick Fireplace
Painting a brick fireplace is the easiest way through which you can give your room a makeover. Just apply a fresh coat of paint over your brick fireplace that matches the decor of the room. Make sure that you have all the supplies that are required for painting a brick fireplace. However, the task of painting a brick is a little different than painting a wall.
We have made a comprehensive list of instructions that you need to follow to paint successfully on the brick fireplace.
So let us read and try to follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Clean the Fireplace Surface
The first step is to clean the brick fireplace surface thoroughly. It will give a clean base for painting and won’t cause any discoloration issues in the process. Before cleaning, cover the floors with a drop cloth or old clothes and put masking tape all over the areas that you want to protect from the paint.
Start by scrubbing the stiff wire brush to remove all the dust and dirt. Make sure to remove all the soot and residues from the fireplace and bricks. Vacuum the entire fireplace to eliminate grease and debris on the surface of it. Then use any fireplace cleaner to clean the fireplace properly.
Thoroughly spray the cleaning solution onto the surface and clean it with a large sponge to deduct any leftover dirt. After cleaning, rinse the fireplace and let it dry.
While performing this step, keep in mind to wear goggles and hand gloves for your safety. Also, leave the fireplace for 24 hours to let it dry completely before priming and painting.
Step 2: Prime the Brick
Once you have covered all the areas surrounding the fireplace with old clothes and masking tape, also ensure that the fireplace is completely dried off. It’s time to start with the priming process. An oil-based primer protects the paint from soot stains. Use a paint roller to apply the primer on the brick, and it helps in covering the large surfaces of the fireplace. Make sure to use a paintbrush to get the primer on the corners and the crevices of the brickwork.
You have to apply at least two coats of the primer because the surface of the brick is porous. That is why it requires more amount of primer. After proper application of the primer, let the fireplace dry overnight.
Step 3: Paint the Brick
Once the primer is dried off, you can move on to the final part of this process, painting. You can start painting the fireplace with latex paint. Just like the primer, start applying the paint to the crevices of the brickwork with the help of a paintbrush. After that, use a paint roller to paint the large surfaces of the brick fireplace. Make sure to apply a minimum of two coats of paint for a better color pay-off and durability.
Always use good-quality paint for your brick fireplace. Not only will it look good aesthetically, but it will also last longer.
Step 4: Paint the Mantel
This step is for the people who have mantel above their fireplace. The mantelpiece of the fireplace is usually used for keeping things like books, decorative items, family photographs, and paintings on it.
Make sure to upgrade the mantelpiece, too, when painting your fireplace. It will give a clean and finished look to the entire room. Make sure to paint the mantel with the same color or the color that complements the scheme of the fireplace. After painting, let it dry and check out for any errors.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
After the paint has been dried off completely, take a look at the brick fireplace to see if it needs any final touches. Check for any blemishes and missed spots during the painting. If there is any missed spot, you can fix it with a paintbrush.
Conclusion
Painting the brick fireplace is a great way to give your house a brand-new look. And it is also very easy to paint the brick fireplace. We hope that you liked our effort of creating a comprehensive guide on how to paint a brick fireplace. The guide included every detail of how to paint and what types of supplies, especially paint, to use while painting the fireplace.
If you are also inspired by the tips and tricks given above on painting the brick fireplace, then do start the process. You can start this mini project of painting the fireplace with your family as a fun hobby. It will not only create a beautiful-looking fireplace but also wonderful memories for you to cherish for a lifetime.
Good Luck with painting a masterpiece that is your brick fireplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Seal a Brick Fireplace After Painting It?
Sealing the brick fireplace after the painting is a good preventative measure to take, but it is not necessary. You can use a sealer to lock all the paint on the brick fireplace. The sealer will help in preventing any damage, like dampness in the bricks, which can make bricks crumble over time.
Is Painting a Brick Fireplace a Good Idea?
Painting a brick fireplace is surely a good idea. It can give an uplift to the interior design of the room. The paint color that complements the room’s color scheme will add a refreshing look to the house. It is also very easy to paint your brick fireplace, so you can give it a try.
Is Painting a Brick Fireplace Expensive?
It is free if you already have some supplies and tools available in your house for painting a brick fireplace. Regardless of the availability of the paint colors at your house, the process of painting a brick fireplace is not very expensive and affordable. It is surely an inexpensive way to update your outdated brick fireplace.
Is High-Heat Paint a Necessity for Painting the Brick Fireplace?
No, it is not needed if you are only painting the face of the fireplace, which usually does not get very hot. Although if you wish to paint the firebox itself or the metal fireplace cover, then high-heat paint is required.
