A fresh coat of paint can transform your fireplace and completely revitalize the look and feel of your living space.
It doesn’t matter if you’re aiming for a modern, sleek design or a warm, rustic atmosphere, painting fireplace brick offers endless possibilities for customization.
In this guide, we’ll provide 20 essential tips to help you achieve a stunning, professional-quality finish—from preparing the brick to selecting the perfect colors and products.
Whether your goal is to make the fireplace a focal point or have it blend seamlessly into your décor, these expert tips will ensure your fireplace makeover goes smoothly and looks incredible.
1. Evaluate the Condition of the Brick
- Tip: Inspect the brick for cracks, crumbling mortar, or excessive soot buildup. If there are structural issues, repair them before proceeding.
- Products: Use a brick-and-mortar repair compound like Red Devil Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch.
2. Clean the Brick Thoroughly
- Tip: Remove dust, soot, and grime with a stiff brush and vacuum. Follow up with a degreasing cleaner to remove any oils or residues.
- Products: Quick N Brite Fireplace Cleaner is excellent for this job.
3. Remove Old Paint or Stains
- Tip: If your brick has old paint or stains, use a paint stripper or cleaner to remove it. For mildew, consider using a mildew remover.
- Products: Use Citristrip Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel for old paint and Mold Armor Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover for stains.
4. Protect Surrounding Areas
- Tip: Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect the floor, mantel, and nearby walls. Cover any trim with plastic sheets.
- Products: ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape and Trimaco SuperTuff Canvas Drop Cloths are reliable choices.
5. Prime the Brick
- Tip: Apply a high-quality masonry primer to ensure good paint adhesion and smooth out the texture of the brick. This is especially important for darker bricks.
- Products: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer is excellent for masonry.
6. Choose Your Paint Type
- Tip: Use heat-resistant latex paint for areas near the firebox. For bricks further from the heat source, regular interior latex paint works.
- Products: Rust-Oleum Heat Resistant Paint for high-heat areas.
7. Select a Sheen Based on Style
- Tip: Matte or eggshell finishes provide a more subtle, classic look. Semi-gloss adds more shine and is easier to clean, which is useful for high-traffic areas.
- Recommendation: Choose Behr Ultra Scuff Defense in eggshell for a soft finish or Benjamin Moore Regal Select in semi-gloss for a more modern look.
8. Pick a Color Scheme
- Tip: Consider warm tones like taupe or cream for a cozy, rustic feel. For a contemporary look, gray or white are popular choices. A darker accent wall behind the fireplace can also create a dramatic contrast.
- Color Suggestions: Try Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (a light taupe) for a neutral look or Sherwin-Williams Alabaster for a fresh, clean white.
9. Test Paint Colors
- Tip: Before committing to a color, test a few options directly on the brick to see how they look in your room’s lighting.
- Products: Sample pots from brands like Sherwin-Williams or Behr allow you to test colors without purchasing full cans.
10. Use a Quality Brush and Roller
- Tip: A high-quality brush helps you get into mortar joints, while a roller speeds up the process on larger surfaces.
- Products: Purdy XL Series Angled Brush for precision and Wooster Pro Foam Roller for even coverage.
11. Start with the Mortar Joints
- Tip: Use a small angled brush to paint the mortar joints first. This will help avoid missing any spots between the bricks.
- Technique: Work slowly and carefully to avoid overloading your brush and dripping paint into the joints.
12. Roll the Brick Surface
- Tip: Once the mortar joints are dry, use a roller to paint the brick surfaces. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes for uniform coverage.
- Technique: Start from the top and work your way down to prevent drips from ruining lower sections.
13. Apply a Second Coat
- Tip: For rich, even color, apply a second coat after the first has dried. This also helps cover any thin spots.
- Timing: Wait 4-6 hours between coats to ensure proper drying.
14. Address Texture Variations
- Tip: If your brick has rough or porous areas, use a sponge or stippling brush to work the paint into the texture.
- Products: Wooster Foam Brush Set works well for these areas.
15. Consider Whitewashing for a Subtle Look
- Tip: If you prefer a more rustic or farmhouse look, consider whitewashing your brick instead of full coverage. Dilute paint with water for a translucent effect.
- Ratio: Mix 1 part paint with 1 part water to create a whitewash solution.
16. Create a Focal Point with an Accent Color
- Tip: Consider painting the mantel a contrasting color to the brick to create a focal point in the room.
- Color Suggestions: A dark charcoal like Behr Marquee’s “Cracked Pepper” can create a striking contrast against lighter brick.
17. Seal the Brick for Durability
- Tip: If your fireplace is heavily used, consider sealing the brick to protect it from heat, smoke, and soot.
- Products: Use ChimneyRx Paint Sealer for durability and stain protection.
18. Accessorize Thoughtfully
- Tip: Choose fireplace accessories like a screen or ash bucket that complement the style and color of your fireplace.
- Recommendation: Brass or matte black accessories can enhance both traditional and modern fireplaces.
19. Maintain the Painted Brick
- Tip: Regularly dust or gently wipe down the brick to keep it looking fresh. If stains occur, clean with a mild soap solution.
- Products: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner works well for regular maintenance.
20. Embrace Seasonal Decor
- Tip: Update your fireplace seasonally with different mantels and decorations. Garland for the holidays or natural wood accents for fall or halloween can enhance the look of your painted fireplace.
- Styling Idea: To create a cozy atmosphere, consider adding plants, candles, or a decorative mirror above the mantel.
Painting your fireplace brick can be a game-changer for your home’s ambiance. It offers a budget-friendly way to refresh and personalize your space.
By following these 20 essential tips, from thorough cleaning and priming to choosing the right paint and finishing techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve a professional-quality result.
