Guide to Fireplace Painting Part #3: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you're just joining us, this is the last part of our fireplace painting guide. In part #1, we talked about whether or not you should paint your brick. In part #2, we talked about different colors and techniques you can use to paint your fireplace. In this part, I'll be giving step-by-step instructions for the methods we discussed in part #2. Let's get started!

Prep: How to Clean Your Brick Fireplace

You'll need to clean your brick before painting so that the paint will adhere properly. Start by using a broom or vacuum to remove an soot, dirt, or dust from the brick. Then you'll need to use a cleaner.

Homemade Brick Cleaners

You can make natural brick cleaners with things you probably have in your house.

Mix cream of tartar and water to make a thin paste. Apply to the brick and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the bricks generously and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rub off with a damp cloth.
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and 3 tbsp of dish detergent to make a paste. Apply to the brick, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse away with a wet cloth.

Store Bought Cleaners

You can also buy cleaners specifically made for brick. Rutland makes a good brick and stone cleaner. It comes in a spray bottle. Simply spray on the brick and wipe clean.

For really tough stains, you can consider trisodium phosphate. This is a strong chemical that you can buy at your local hardware store. Make sure to wear appropriate protective equipment if you use it.

Clean vs. Dirty Fireplace Brick — ehow.com

Whatever cleaning method you choose, make sure to thoroughly remove the cleaner and allow the brick to dry completely.

How to Paint Brick a Solid Color

This is a quick and easy way to give your fireplace a facelift. Start by picking out an indoor latex based paint color; it can have any finish. (Not sure what color you want? Check out part #2 for some quick tips!) Then collect your supplies:

painter's tape
drop cloth
paint roller
large, sturdy paint brush
oil-based primer
latex paint

Now let's get painting!

Protect your floors and furniture with a drop cloth. Line the fireplace with painter's tape so you only get paint on the bricks.
Apply the primer with your large brush or roller, using the small brush to paint the mortar between the bricks. Rinse your brushes and wait for the primer to dry.
Once the primer is completely dry, apply your latex paint in the same manner. You can apply multiple coats if you desire; just be sure to let each coat dry before applying the next. If you are doing a white painted fireplace, you will probably need multiple coats of your white latex paint or multiple coats of the primer.
Optional: Once the paint has dried, you can paint on a clear matte top coat. This makes cleaning your fireplace super easy.

White Fireplace With Wood Mantel — krogen.com

Teal Painted Fireplace Open Room — krogen.com

How to Whitewash Brick

Whitewashing your wood burning fireplace allows some of the natural color to peak through. You'll need:

latex paint
water
old rags
paintbrush
mixing stick
bucket
drop cloth
painter's tape

Before you get started, be sure to cover any furniture and flooring with the drop cloth. You'll also want to put tape around the edges of the fireplace to ensure that you only paint the brick.

Thoroughly mix one part water with one part latex paint. (The paint should be a white shade.)
Working one small section at a time, brush this mixture over the bricks, ensuring that you cover the mortar as well. Take the rag and wipe off as much or little of the paint as you prefer. The more you take off, the more of the original brick will show through.
Continue this process, working in small sections, until all of the brick is covered.

How to German Schmear Brick

The German smear method turns your fireplace into a timeless centerpiece.

drop cloth
painter's tape
bucket
water
white mortar
drill with mortar mixer
sponges and old rags

Like the other projects, start by protecting your surfaces with the drop cloth. Line the edges of your fireplace with painter's tape to avoid getting mortar on the surrounding materials.

Mix the mortar according to the directions on it's packaging. Mix water until it is the consistency of honey.
Working in small sections, use a wet sponge to apply the mortar to the brick. Wipe away what you don't like and add more where you need to. It will be thick in some places and thin in others. It may be helpful to have a picture of German schmeared brick that you like to refer to. Don't forget to step back to get the full picture.
Keep working one small section at a time until the fireplace is done.

How Achieve a Natural Brick Look with Paint

The Brick-Anew paint kit is made to be an easy DIY project that makes your fireplace look like it's been rebuilt with lighter brick. Even a beginner painter can achieve a super realistic look with this paint kit. If you choose to order this kit, you'll get all the supplies you need:

5 shades of paint
painter's tape
rollers
brushes
sponge
paint tray
step-by-step instructions

The Brick-Anew process involves painting on a base coat and then applying the five shades of “undertone” colors using a paint roller or a sponge according to the detailed instructions. The final result? A brick fireplace that looks like you ripped out the outdated brick and replaced it with a new lighter colored brick. The Brick-Anew Kit comes in three color choices.

Brick-Anew Paint Color Options — twilight taupe. misty harbor. frosted sunshine.

Natural Brick Look Fireplace — brick-anew.com

Authentic Real Brick Look Fireplace Paint — brick-anew.com

How to Stain Brick

Stain gives a very different look than paint. Pick out your favorite color and grab some supplies:

rubber gloves
stain
bucket
mixing stick
water
paint brush

Let's get started!

Test to see if your brick will absorb stain. Splash a little water on the brick. If it doesn't absorb, there are two possibilities:
1. There is a coating sealing your brick that will need to be removed. In a small area, apply a lacquer sealer. Let it sit for 10 minutes and wipe it off. Splash some water on that area to see if the brick absorbs it. If it doesn't, you can try a concrete sealer stripper. If that doesn't work, you'll have to move to option #2.
2. Some bricks are made to not absorb water. If you've tried removing a sealant with no luck, then your bricks won't absorb stain. Try a painting option instead.
Mix the stain with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Try the stain on a small, inconspicuous area and let it dry completely before moving on with your project. Since stains are permanent, you need to be sure you’re satisfied with the look of the stain.
Use your paintbrush to apply the stain to each brick, working carefully to avoid getting paint in the mortar lines. Work in a scattered pattern rather than in a straight line. Working in a scattered pattern gives a more natural look. Work carefully being sure not to drip stain or get stain on the mortar.
Let the stain dry completely.
Clean all tools immediately after finishing your project.

How to Clean and Paint the Firebox

The firebox is the part of your fireplace where the fire burns. After a long hard winter of hard work, the firebox turns into a filthy mess. Cleaning the firebox after fireplace season is over is essential to keeping your fireplace looking good. Let's get some supplies:

drop cloth
vacuum
soap, water, bucket, sponge
high-temperature paint
brush

Lay down a drop cloth to protect any furniture or flooring.
Remove any pieces of wood left over from past fires. Use a vacuum to remove all leftover soot, ashes, dust, and dirt. After the firebox is cleared of all debris, use soap, water, and a heavy duty scrub brush to clean the walls and floor of the firebox. Let it dry completely.
Optional: Put on some protective equipment on. The high heat paint has very strong fumes.
Use a high temperature paint such as Rutland's Grill and Stove Paint to coat the entire firebox. This high temperature paint withstands temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit without bubbling, blistering, or peeling. Plus it comes in several colors! Most people prefer black since the dark color tends to hid stains better than lighter colors. The paint comes in spray or in brush-on cans.
You can also paint the wood holder/grate with this paint as well.

Brown Painted Fireplace — designsponge.com

Final Thoughts

Painting your brick fireplace is be one of the best DIY projects you’ll ever do. Inexpensive and easy, painting can transform the look of your your fireplace and your living room in just a few hours. And if you don’t like the final look, no problem. Just paint over the brick again with a different color or choose another remodeling option.

If your outdated brick fireplace sucks the life out of your room, why not give painting a try? The fireplace should be the heart of the home, a soothing place for friends and family to gather or a spot to unwind after a hard day.

Start creating new memories by the fire. Paint your fireplace and see what happens. I think you’ll be glad you did.

How to Paint Inside a Fireplace, an Updated Look

During the cold winter months, your firebox (the inside area of your fireplace where you burn wood) takes quite a beating. If you're tired of looking at the mess of dirty ashes and soot stains in your fireplace, it might be about time to do some home improvement and update your firebox with a fresh coat of paint. Here's how you can quickly give your firebox a fresh, new look.

Step 1: Get some high temperature paint

Your firebox can reach temperatures upward of 500 degrees Fahrenheit while burning. That means your average paint is going to quickly peel and chip off. Instead, you'll need to get some inside firebox paint paint that can withstand the heat from your fire.

There are two types of heat resistant paint for fireplaces: spray and brush-on. Spray paint can be applied quicker, but brush-on paint gives you more control over the coverage.

You'll need to decide on what color to use since high-heat paint comes in a variety of shades. Basic flat black fireplace paint is a good choice; it's a neutral color and can hide soot easily. Black also tends to look nice with almost any fireplace and room decor.

Beige, off-white, or almond create a fresh, bright look. These are good choices if you only use your fireplace a few consecutive months out of the year. The paint won't be stained by soot during the off months and will hold up without peeling during the months you do burn in your fireplace. I'd definitely recommend keeping some paint on hand to touch up any soot stains during the "on" season.

You can pick up heat resistant paint online or at your local Home Depot. You can use paint like this on all sorts of surfaces: painting the interior of your fireplace, painting wood burning stoves, etc.

Step 2: Clean and Prep the Firebox

Lay a drop cloth or old sheet down in front of your fireplace so you won't get your carpet or floor dirty. Remove any leftover wood, soot, and ashes using either a vacuum or a sturdy broom and dust pan. Deposit all debris into a large trash bag or old container for disposal.

Quick Tip: Practice good fire safety! Make sure all the embers have gone out and cooled before you start.

If you have a metal log holder, take it out of the firebox. Once cleaned with soap and water, this can be painted as well.

After the firebox has been emptied, use soap, water, and a good firebox cleaner to scrub the firebox. Rutland makes a good brick and stone cleaner formulated to remove creosote and soot. A long handled scrub brush is certainly helpful, though not necessary. Make sure to rinse out any cleaner or soap and let the fireplace dry before painting.

Step 3: Apply the Paint

Brush or spray the high temperature paint covering the walls, sides, and floor of your firebox. Start at the top/back and work your way down and towards the front. The odor will be strong, but once the paint dries, there will be no odor.

Quick Tip: Most high temperature paints emit strong odors and fumes, so be sure to have plenty of ventilation while you are applying. You may also want to wear a mask and rubber gloves.

Whew! Now you're finished. Your living room is totally updated; what a huge difference firebox painting makes!

Your updated firebox may make your firebox look a little shabby in comparison. No worries though!

You can update your fireplace the same way: with paint! There are all sort of techniques to paint a brick fireplace to totally transform it. Check out this article for some inspiration!

The Differences Between Whitewash and Limewash Paint

After spending endless hours on Pinterest scrolling through beautiful before/after pictures of painted fireplaces, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and remodel your fireplace with paint. Now you’ve got another decision to make. Do you want a whitewash fireplace or a limewash fireplace? What’s the difference in whitewash and limewash anyway?

To put it simply: limewash is a specific type of whitewash that uses a mixture of limestone, tint, and water instead of latex paint. You can whitewash your brick with either a latex paint or a limewash. Both techniques are water-based and work well on porous surfaces surfaces such as brick. Whitewashing tones down the bricks’ natural look by coating them with a solid thin layer of paint. Limewashing also involves painting on a thin layer but allows you to remove the paint easily within five days if you’re not happy with the results.

Whitewash Painting

Whitewash painting refers to applying water-based paint mixed with water to brick. Applying this thin layer of paint tones down the natural colors in the brick, allowing a little brick to peek through. Whitewashing is fairly easy, even for the most inexperienced DIY newbie. It doesn’t cost much and the process is prety quick depending on the size of the area to be covered.

So, there you have it! White washing or lime washing your outdated brick fireplace can bring new life to your room. You can choose your shade of paint for either technique so whether you’re partial to an eggshell white or a soft gray, you can find the shade just right for your room.

Both paint processes allow you not only allow you to get the look you prefer by deciding on the paint shade but also how much paint you want to apply. Whether you want a more solid whitewashed look or a more distressed “old world” look, you can breathe new life into a tired old fireplace in just a few hours using either of these paint techniques.

PROS

Cheap
Easy to apply
Dries fast
Can be done with paint around the house
Will last 20-30 years with no maintenance required

CONS

May require several coats depending on desired look/coverage
Dries fast, meaning no grace period to determine if you like the look

How to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace

Materials You’ll Need:

Bucket of water
Scrub brush
Rutland Fireplace Cleaner
White Paint
Large Soft Paint Brush
Old Rag
Painter’s Tape
Drop Cloth
Plastic Container to Mix Paint
Stir Stick

Step-By-Step Instructions - How to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace

First of all, make sure your brick is clean. A bucket of water, good scrub brush, and fireplace cleaner should do the trick to remove any dust, dirt, and grime from the brick.
Mix the paint in the plastic container with water and stir well. Typically, you mix one part paint to one part water. But you can adjust the ratio to get the coverage you’re looking for. Some people like a heavier paint and some prefer a more watered down version.
Tape off all areas around your fireplace between the floor and your walls to keep the paint from spilling over. Taping around your mantel area is also a good idea. Lay down drop cloth.
Now you’re ready to start painting. Paint the mixture of paint and water over all your brick and mortar. Start in a small area to be sure you’re getting the look you want. Mix more paint for heavier coverage.
Use your wet rag to wipe off any areas that seem to have too much paint.

Our Recommendations:

Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint Kit

Limewash Painting

Limewash paint has limestone in it which has been crushed to turn it into putty. After that, the putty is thinned using water. It’s usually white but you can buy tinted versions as well. The result is a matte, chalky look. Limewash paint “breathes” easily so moisture doesn’t get trapped in the bricks. But since your fireplace is inside your house, moisture won’t likely be a problem. If you’re not into mixing up your own limewash, there’s a product called Romabio that has the paint mixed for you which makes the process super easy. An advantage to this technique is that if for some reason you’re not thrilled with the results, you have about 5 days to easily remove the paint.

PROS

More dimensional look than whitewash
Easy to apply
Very easy to distress, wipe off parts of paint
Resistant to odor, moisture, fungi, and insects
Sinks into porous surfaces so texture of brick remains the same
All-natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly
Hypoallergenic
Cheap to make yourself
Can be removed up to 5 days after applying

CONS

May require several coats depending on desired look/coverage
Expensive if buying pre-mixed
Difficult and hazardous to mix yourself
Hard to match colors of batches if mixing yourself
Color becomes much lighter after drying, good idea to test before you paint
May need touching up every 5 years or so

Materials You’ll Need:

Bucket of Water
Scrub Brush
Fireplace Cleaner
Romabio Classico Paint
Soft Large Paint Brush
Old Rag
Painter’s Tape
Drop Cloth
Plastic Bucket to Mix Paint
Stir Stick
Spray Bottle with Water

Step-by-Step Instructions - How to Limewash a Brick Fireplace

First, clean your brick using a bucket of water and fireplace cleaner, making sure to remove all dirt, dust, and grime.
Tape off areas around the fireplace so paint won’t spill over onto walls, floor, or mantel. Lay down drop cloth.
Use the water in the spray bottle spray just enough to dampen brick.
Pour paint into mixing bucket and then dilute the Classico Limewash 50% -100% with water and mix completely. Start with less water since can always add more.
Apply the paint using the brush over all the brick and mortar. Start from the top so you can paint over any paint that has dripped
When the paint has dried for about 10-20 minutes but is still damp, spray more water on the brick and wipe with a rag to get a distressed look.
Touch up any areas with paint to get the look you want.

Our Recommendations:

Romabio Classico Limewash

Alternative Options

Not sold on limewash or whitewash? Here's some other options you may want to consider for your fireplace painting project:

Brick-Anew Paint

If you’re not into the look of exposed brick or have a previously painted fireplace, you may want to consider this DIY fireplace paint kit from Brick-Anew. Brick-Anew is one of our favorite new fireplace painting products. Unlike painting your fireplace a single coat or color, Brick-Anew’s specially formulated paint gives your fireplace a completely new look (similar to the dimensional look of limewash) while still maintaining the feel & texture of natural brick. The kit comes in 3 different color schemes and includes all the required tools as well as a step-by-step instructional video (which, customers write, removes the need for any artistic ability).

PROS

Can change entire color of brick while maintaining the natural look and texture
Works on previously painted fireplaces
Easy to apply
Includes all required tools/supplies & instructional video
No artistic talent needed
30-day money back guarantee if you don’t like the look

CONS

Expensive
Dries fast, meaning no grace period to determine if you like the look

UPDATE: Brick-Anew now offers a paint kit for stone fireplaces as well, which is available for purchase on their website.

Our Recommendations:

Brick Anew Fireplace Paint Kit

German Smear

Named after it’s origination in the historic castles of Northern Germany, the German Smear is another close relative of the whitewash technique. Technically known as a “mortar wash,” the German Smear is achieved by applying wet mortar to the brick, instead of latex or lime.

You can either mix your own mortar or use a pre-mixed mortar to speed up the process. Unlike whitewash, the mortar does not get absorbed by the brick, but rather hardens over the surface.

Read more about the German Smear technique here.

PROS

Rustic, “old world” look
Cheap
Extremely durable and long lasting with no maintenance required

CONS

Intensive and time-consuming to apply
Can’t be done on previously painted brick
Extremely hard to remove

Our Recommendations:

SimpleSet Pre-Mixed Thin-Set Mortar

So there you have it! Whether it’s whitewashing, limewashing, German Smear, or using alternative products like Brick-Anew, there’s no wrong answer to updating that old fireplace of yours. Just choose the look that speaks to you, and don’t look back. Have you had a great experience with another fireplace painting technique or product? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our blog for more information and helpful articles regarding fireplace painting.

How to Paint a Brick Fireplace

In many homes, the fireplace is the focal point of the living room and should be treated as a feature. If you have some time on your hands and feel like doing a bit of DIY home improvement, you may want to start a brick fireplace painting project.

When you paint a brick fireplace in a color of your choosing, it gives the feature and the rest of the room a breath of fresh air and can help a space feel rejuvenated. Check out our guide on how to paint a brick fireplace in your own home.

The tools and materials you'll need

When it comes to painting your own fireplace, always remember safety first! For brick fireplace painting, you’ll need the following:

Tools

A wire brush
A set of safety goggles
A paint roller
Flooring and furniture covers (drop cloths)
A pair of rubber gloves

Materials

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - make sure you get “non-sudsy”
Some fireplace cleaner
Masking tape
An oil-based primer
Fireplace paint

Now that you have all your equipment ready, it’s time to get started on the fun part!

Step 1: Clean the surface of your brick fireplace

The first thing to do is to make sure the areas around your fireplace are protected from cleaning and paint splashes. Before you start anything, make sure your furniture and floors are covered with your drop cloths.

Next, you need to clean the brick fireplace. Cleaning it thoroughly will ensure the paint sticks to the bricks and that it dries properly. Using the wire brush, scrub away all the dust and dirt from the fireplace. If the fireplace has been used regularly, it may have accumulated a bit of soot up the sides of the fireplace. Once clean, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris. You don’t want this getting into your paint when you start!

Next, coat the fireplace in TSP. Make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles when handling this product as it’s toxic when in contact with the human eye or skin.

Keeping your goggles and rubber gloves on, wash the fireplace using fireplace cleaner or soapy water. This will remove any straggling bits of debris that could affect your paint job. Let the fireplace completely dry and you’re ready to start priming!

Step 2: Apply the primer to your brick fireplace

Before you paint or prime anything, you need to make sure the surrounding walls are protected from any wandering brush strokes. Use masking tape or painter's tape to line where the brickwork meets the wall. This will ensure you have a clean finish at the end.

A primer is an essential part of the brick fireplace painting process if you want the final color to really pop! Depending on the texture of the bricks, you may need to apply two coats of primer. Bricks are usually porous so the primer may not cover all bases in just one coat.

To start the priming process, use the smaller paintbrush to prime the crevices in between the bricks. This will ensure the whole fireplace is sufficiently covered. Next, use your roller paint brush to evenly prime the surface of the fireplace.

When you’ve applied enough coats of primer, let it dry overnight. Soak your paintbrush and paint roller in some water while the primer is drying. You can then use them again the following day when you paint the brick in your chosen color.

As a pro tip, aim to get a primer that has stain-blocking properties and acts as a sealer. This will ensure you get the best finish on your paintwork.

Step 3: Paint your brick fireplace

When you’re shopping for your dream fireplace color, there are a few technical specs to keep in mind. The paint you choose has to be heat resistant and be able to withstand temperatures of around 200°F. Keep in mind you’re not painting the actual firebox, but rather the room-facing brickwork on the outside of the fireplace. The best paint to use is latex paint suitable for indoor projects.

What color should you paint your brick fireplace?

This very much depends on the type of look you’re going for. As mentioned, the fireplace is often the focal point of the room and often commands the atmosphere created in a space. Go for lighter paint colors if you want the room to feel airy, bright, and open. However, for bold looks, don’t be afraid to delve into the brighter, more vibrant side of the color wheel.

If you’re still not sure and need some more color selection pointers, check out our guide to choosing the perfect fireplace color here.

How to apply the new paint color to your brick fireplace

A nice, even finish is key to nailing a DIY brick fireplace painting project. The last thing you want to see is painting streaks or drips in the finished product. While the primer can help make sure you have a good finish, there is also a foolproof method of applying the final coats to your fireplace.

Firstly, you’ll need to apply a base coat. Painting your brick fireplace may require several coats to get the exact color and texture you want. Using a similar method to priming, use the paintbrush to make sure all the crevices between the bricks are well-covered in your base coat. You’ll also want to make sure the edges along the chimney and the mantlepiece are covered.

For the smoothest possible finish, use the roller for the flat surfaces of the bricks. You can always use the paintbrush again to touch up any gaps in the paintwork. Take a step back and assess whether or not you’re satisfied with the color. If you love it, there’s no need to apply another coat!

Step 4: The finishing touches

As soon as you’ve finished painting, have a look to see if there are any unwanted paint splatters and wipe them up with a damp cloth. It’s much easier to remove wet paint than dry!

Next, carefully examine your work to check that there are no gaps in the paintwork. If there are, use an appropriately-sized brush to touch these up with the top-coat color.

Once you’ve completed all the finishing touches, remove the masking tape and allow the paintwork to dry completely before using the fireplace again.

How to Paint a Stone Fireplace

Erin’s Art and Gardens

One of the most effective ways to transform a room is to paint your stone fireplace. Stone is a wonderful material to work with as it provides homeowners with versatility and offers you a foundation for many different color schemes.

There are several popular painting techniques used by interior designers that you can incorporate into your home. These design techniques are used to brighten up a space and allow the room to work with natural light and other key features. In this guide on how to paint a stone fireplace, we’ll take a look at the materials and tools you need to use to do it yourself, in any color you want.

We will also have a look at what the best paint options are to give you an idea on how to best shop for your stone fireplace paint. Finally, there are several techniques you can use to paint a stone fireplace, from traditional methods using paint brushes and roller brushes to whitewashing,

Depending on the look you want, both are fantastic ideas for creating atmosphere in your room. Keep reading to delve into how to paint your stone fireplace.

How To Paint a Stone Fireplace White

Painting a stone fireplace a solid color like white can change the look of your room in just a few hours.

When deciding on painting fireplace stone a shade of white, consider the look you’re trying to achieve. Think about your wall color and a shade that would complement the room nicely. There are many shades of white, from creamy beige undertones to yellowish undertones. So be sure to hold up paint samples to see which shade looks best with your wall color. You don’t want the shade to look too stark. If white doesn’t work for you, you might decide on a light neutral shade of gray or tan.

First, clean your stone by brushing off dust and dirt with a small broom. You can use a sponge or scrub brush and a bucket of soap and water to remove any grime or soot. Next, use painter’s tape to tape off the area you’re going to paint to protect the floor and the walls. Then, lay down a drop cloth on the floor in case the paint drips.

After the stones are dry, use a sturdy paint brush to brush one or two coats of an oil-based primer all over the stone and mortar. Then you can choose the water-based paint shade of your choice for your painted stone fireplace, for an instant transformation! Check out this beautiful “after” picture from Greige Design.

Our Recommendations:

Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint Linen White

KILZ General Purpose Exterior Latex Primer/Sealer, White

How To Whitewash a Stone Fireplace

When painting fireplace stone, you might ask yourself; can you whitewash a stone fireplace? Sure, you can. Whitewashing a stone fireplace involves creating a mixture of paint and water and then brushing the mixture over the stone to create a “whitewashed” look.

Whitewashing your fireplace with chalk paint is one option for this technique. Keep reading to learn how to whitewash your stone fireplace.

Supplies for whitewashing a stone fireplace include:

Gray Chalk Paint
White Chalk Paint
A sturdy chip paintbrush with stiff bristles
Water
Medium-sized plastic container to mix paint
A dropcloth
Sponge or damp rag and extra rags for clean up
Stone Cleaner
Plastic gloves
Paint tape

First, you’ll need to spray your stone with stone cleaner and wipe it off with a damp sponge or rag. You can also use warm soapy water. (If your stone is very dirty, you might want to use a stronger product such as TSP). Removing any dust, dirt or soot ensures the surface is clean before you begin painting. Then lay down a drop cloth to protect your floors. The mixture you’re going to create will be thin and drippy, so you’ll want to make sure the drop cloth is large enough.

Next, create a 50/50 mixture of white paint and water. You can decide how much paint you want to mix at a time. Just make sure each time you mix, that there are equal parts paint and water. Use your brush to apply the paint mixture to each stone as well as the mortar, making sure you get in all the cracks and crevices. Work in one small section at a time. Most stone is porous and will soak up the paint as soon as it’s applied. You can wipe off any excess as you go. Since the mixture is thin and watery, there are no worries about seeing brush strokes on your stone.

If you choose to paint on another layer, wait for the first layer to dry completely before applying the next. (For example, you could apply a gray-wash layer using a gray-tinted paint and then apply a white-tinted layer.)

Stars & Field

On her blog, Stars + Field, artist Jessica describes how she transformed her outdated painted stone fireplace using gray chalk paint. Her project turned out amazing!

Should I Use Limewash or Whitewash on My Stone Fireplace?

When trying to decide to use the limewash or the whitewash techniques for your painted stone fireplace, there are several things to consider. On the positive side, limewash is anti-microbial, natural, and eco-friendly. On the other hand, limewash is more difficult to work with than whitewash, has limited availability and color choices, and needs to be redone about every few years.

However, whitewash is very simple to apply and you can change the color later if you decide you want a different look. The only downside, as it always is with painting stone, it’s difficult to remove if you get tired of the painted look.

Our Recommendations:

Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint Kit

Romabio Classico Limewash Interior/Exterior Paint

Whitewashing with Milk Paint

If you're only just getting into stone fireplace painting, it would be surprising if you had heard of milk painting. Well, apparently this type of paint has been around for years. It’s made of dried milk protein and casein mixed with dye to make colors. Sold by TheRealMilkPaintCompany, this paint comes in black, white, and a variety of colors. Milk paint can be applied to the stone and wiped off as you go. Or you can apply the milk paint and then sand areas of the stone to make it look old and worn.

Our Recommendations:

Real Milk Paint - Soft White

General Finishes Water Based Milk Paint Antique White

Gray-wash a Stone Fireplace

On her blog “Life on Virginia Street”, Sarah gray-washed her dark stone fireplace with chalk paint and it turned out fabulous! She mixed Annie Sloan’s French Linen 50/50 with water to create a thin paint solution that she brushed over all her stone. Read all about the process she used here: Life On Virginia Street

Here’s another example of gray-washed stone from Erin's Art and Gardens. Erin chalk-painted her outdated brown painted stone fireplace and what a difference it made in her room! Read all about her project here.

Our Recommendations:

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - French Linen

Rustoleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint - Aged Gray

Brick-Anew Stone Fireplace Painting Kit

Painting techniques that give the stone a solid color look include whitewashing and painting. But what if you want to lighten your fireplace while keeping the look of real stone? Brick-Anew Stone fireplace paint kit is a product designed to do just that.

This all-inclusive paint kit comes with everything you need to remodel your stone fireplace (or brick) and keep the variegated look of natural stone. You can choose from three kit colors - Twilight Taupe, Misty Harbor, and Frosted Sunshine. Each kit has its own unique 5-shade latex product combination as well as an instructional video and tool kit that help you transform your ugly outdated stone into a beautiful modern stone fireplace in just a few hours.

Our Recommendations:

Brick-Anew Stone Fireplace Paint Kit

Can You Paint Faux Stone?

Even faux stone can be painted! Check out this faux stone fireplace makeover on the adorable website called Juniper Home. Jenny Komenda shares her design work and home products as well as her ideas and projects. Jenny painted the faux stone fireplace in her bedroom and transformed the dark looming structure into a lighter softer version. She simply brushed a white primer over the faux stone and the results speak for themselves!

Staining a Stone Fireplace

If you're looking to start painting fireplace stone and you like the look of darker stone, you might be interested in staining your stone fireplace. If you already have dark stone on your fireplace, chances are staining the stone in another color will not work. Staining the stones only works if you have light-colored stones that will change color when the darker stain is applied. You can use concrete stain, available in various shades including browns and grays, to darken light-colored stones.

If you decide to stain your stone fireplace, be sure to go slowly, applying a single layer at a time and letting it dry for a few days so you can see the color before you paint on another layer, taking care not to get stain on the grout lines. If the stones aren’t as dark as you’d like, you can paint on another layer until you get the shade you prefer.

A Complete Stone Fireplace Makeover

After you finish your painted stone fireplace project, you’ll see that the look and feel of your entire room are different. Lighter, brighter, and more open, your new fireplace may beg for a new set of doors or a new mantel to finish off its new look.

When considering how to update your stone fireplace and stone fireplace surround, think fresh, clean, and simple. Whether you purchase new fireplace doors and a new mantel or you decide to refurbish what you have with a little paint, it’s a great time to rethink putting up the same old accessories you’ve had in the past. The newly painted stone fireplace will likely make the mantel and doors stand out even more than before, so it’s important to make sure your fireplace doors and mantel look fresh and new. For example, if you have gold-colored brass doors, consider replacing them with solid black for a more updated look.

A wood mantel can always be replaced with a rustic beam or covered with a paint color that complements the woodwork in your room.

Fireplace Doors: https://brick-anew.com/product-category/fireplace-doors/

FAQs

Do I need to prepare the stone before painting?

Yes, proper preparation when painting a stone fireplace is crucial for a successful job. Clean the stone surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, soot, or debris. You may need to use a scrub brush, mild detergent, and water to clean the surface effectively. Let it dry completely before applying the paint.

How do I choose the right color for my stone fireplace?

Consider the overall style and color scheme of the room. Neutral colors like white, beige, or gray are popular choices for a timeless and versatile look. However, you can also choose bolder colors to make the fireplace a focal point. Get paint samples and test them on a small area of the stone to see how they look in your space and lighting.

Can I paint the interior of the fireplace as well?

No, you should not paint the interior of the fireplace. The interior is exposed to extremely high temperatures, and regular paint will not withstand the heat. Painting fireplace stone interiors can also release harmful fumes when the fireplace is in use. Leave the interior unpainted or use a specific high-temperature fireplace paint made for the inside.

Guide to Fireplace Painting Part #1: Should I Paint my Fireplace?

For some of us, we get a warm, cozy feeling when we think about our fireplace: Roasting marshmallows with the family. A glass of wine by the fire after a long day. Cozying up with a warm blanket and a book, watching the dancing flames.

For others of us, when we think of our fireplace, we get a creepy, eerie feeling. That dark structure lurking in the corner of our living room has never been enjoyed by anyone. It’s just sitting there taking up space.

You’ve lived with that drab outdated brick for years, not knowing how to make it better. No matter how you’ve tried to decorate your room, there it is, heavy, dark, and looming.

That dingy “Brady Bunch brick” was groovy in the 1970s, but today, not so much. It’s time to get rid of that ugly brick once and for all and give your fireplace a facelift with paint!

Painting your brick or fireplace surround is a fast, easy way to get a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Whether your ugly, outdated brick is a wall in your kitchen or a fireplace in your living room, paint is just the thing to brighten that brick. It’s cheaper than any other remodeling option, and what have you got to lose by giving it a try? You can always choose another remodeling option if you don’t like your painted brick.

This three-part series gives you the rundown on fireplace painting options so you can find the best option for your brick. Part #2 talks about colors and techniques, and part #3 gives you step-by-step instructions. Check them out and get inspired to tackle that fireplace painting project you’ve put off for so long.

Ugly Old Brick Fireplace — uglyhousephotos.com

Ugly Brick Fireplace — uglyhousephotos.com

What’s the Return on Your Investment after Painting Your Brick?

When you look at any remodeling project, you think seriously about it. Is it worth the time, money, and effort? Painting your old red brick can be done in just a day, sometimes a weekend if there is a lot of surface area. You can choose any paint color, and the starting cost of a project will be under $200, though, again, the size of your fireplace may drive the cost up some.

Even a $500 project will be far less than any resurfacing project. Those can cost upwards of $2000. The effort required depends on the method you choose. Most methods are easy for DIYers of any level.Although it may seem like a huge project, painting your fireplace doesn’t take that long compared to other more complicated and expensive home improvement projects.

A fresh coat of paint can really live you a lot of bang for your buck. The key idea is: if your brick is ugly and outdated, no matter how you try, you can’t really improve it unless you remodel with paint, hire a contractor to reface with a different material, or tear it out and rebuild it with a different color brick. Refacing and rebuilding are quite expensive, so we recommend trying the paint first. If you hate it, you can still turn to those other options, but thousands of homeowners have fallen in love with their painted fireplaces. You can too.

Black Fireplace In Small Room — designsponge.com

Can Old Paint be Removed from Brick?

Removing paint from brick can be tedious and time consuming. It’s not an easy task. A better option is to paint over the painted brick with a different color or use the Brick-Anew Paint Kit. This paint kit doesn’t give a flat look like most paint. A fireplace painted with Brick-Anew doesn’t look like it’s been painted at all; it looks like it’s been rebuilt with new brick. So if you hate that solid white, the Brick-Anew paint kit is an easy way to get that real brick look back without the hassle of removing the paint.

If you decide that taking off the paint is the best option, here are a few guidelines and a step-by-step process.

#1 Consider hiring a professional.

Especially if you have a large amount of brick, you may want to hire a professional. The process requires a lot of time and effort. This isn’t a project you’ll want to take a break from and leave half done since it requires a lot of prep before you start working and will look quite odd half-finished.

#2 If you’re going to to it yourself, find good products.

Try and find paint stripping products that don’t have harsh fumes. Look for gel and paste compounds and fabric based peeling strips.

#3 Stay away from sandblasting and powerwashing.

These processes can damage the surface of your brick.

The step-by-step process:

Materials

Stripping agent
Peeling strips
Sturdy scrub brush
Protective goggles and gloves
Drop cloth
Trowel

Steps

Apply the paint stripper in a small area. (This step is optional, but you may want to start in an inconspicuous area before you apply the agent all over the brick. This will let you know how well the product works and about how much time your project will take.)
Prepare the area by laying down a drop cloth and taping it to the area around the brick. Be sure to cover any furniture, carpet, or anything else you don’t want covered in bits of dry paint.
Put on protective gear and protect your work area. Apply the stripping agent to the brick.
Position the peeling strips and press them into place. Overlap the strips to cover all the brick. Let the strips set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
After the appropriate amount of time has passed, begin lifting the strips. Use either the scrub brush or trowel to remove leftover paint and residue after the strip has been removed. Rinse the brick with water.

Stripping Paint Off Fireplace — saltandrock.com

Final Thoughts

Feeling inspired yet? Painting your brick is quick, easy, and inexpensive. If you don’t like it, you can always try another color or turn to a resurfacing or rebuilding option. But we doubt it’ll come to that. See you in part #2!

What Color Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace?

When choosing a paint color for your brick fireplace, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices. Choosing the right color reflects your personal style and your room’s personality. Think of the mood you want to project. Whether you want to create a tranquil sanctuary or make a dramatic statement, paint colors can make all the difference in the look and feel you’re trying to create.

Let’s take a look at some of the best painted brick fireplace color choices from bold and dramatic to light and airy to natural and authentic:

Deciding On A Color

Ask yourself, “Do I want my fireplace to stand out or blend in with the room?” The color paint you choose will determine how much your fireplace becomes the focal point in your room. Dark colors will draw attention and create drama. If you want your fireplace to be the focal point in the room, a pop of color will draw attention to that area of your room.

Keep It Neutral

Shades of white and off-white create a calm neutral look on brick fireplaces. Tan, beige, cream, and light gray blend in for a natural look. Soft shades of black and gray work well with contemporary-style rooms. Whitewashing, painting a solid light neutral color, or using a product such as Brick-Anew to create a “real brick” look will blend in with any decor. Check out the Brick-Anew process to choose fireplace paint colors.

Create a Contrast

Painting the fireplace brick a darker color with light-colored walls can create an interesting contrast. You can also create a contrast by painting the brick and the mantel different shades.

For example, a white-painted brick with a black mantel makes a bold statement.

Go Monochromatic

If you want the fireplace to blend in completely with the room, try painting the walls and the fireplace brick the same or similar colors. Soft, light shades create a calm, serene atmosphere in the room and downplay the fireplace as the focal point in the room.

Listed below are some products that you look through in order to help choose the best color to paint your brick fireplace:

Bold & Dramatic

designsponge.com
designsponge.com
designsponge.com
designsponge.com
remodelaholic.com
pintrest.com
homedesignlover.com
designsponge.com
designsponge.com
apartmenttherapy.com

Our Recommendations:

Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Interior Paint - Charcoal

Jolie Paint Matte Finish Paint - Deep Lagoon

Natural – An Authentic “Real Brick” Look:

brick-anew.com
brick-anew.com

Our Recommendations:

Brick Anew All-In-One Fireplace Paint Kit

German Schmear:

pintrest.com
pintrest.com

Our Recommendation:

SimpleSet Pre-Mixed Thin-Set Mortar

White - Light and Bright:

foxyroxie.com
pintrest.com
krogen.com
theinspiredroom.net

Our Recommendation:

Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Interior Paint - Linen White

Whitewashed:

younghouselove.com
diymyhomes.com
diyhomedecorblogs.com

Our Recommendation:

Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint Kit

Romabio Classico Limewash Paint - Avorio White

Solid Neutrals:

thiswholehouse.blogspot.com
hug-fu.com

Our Recommendations:

Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Interior Paint - Country Gray

Jolie Paint Matte Finish Paint - French Grey

Brick Dye And Stain

Our Recommendations:

Masonry Cosmetics Brick Staining - Colorant Kit

Guide to Fireplace Painting Part #2: Colors and Techniques

Hi welcome back to part #2 of our Fireplace Painting Guide. You can access part #1 here. Fireplace painting is a super easy and affordable way to radically update your family room. In this article, we’ll be talking some specifics about paint type, color choice, and technique.

What Type of Paints Should be Used for Different Parts of the Fireplace?

Fireplace Brick

If you plan to paint your fireplace brick one solid color, an indoor latex paint in flat, semi-gloss, or gloss can be used on the areas of the fireplace facing and fireplace surrounds. You can choose from a variety of colors depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Darker shades give a more dramatic look while lighter shades look more neutral. Another option if you don’t want a solid painted look is the Brick-Anew Paint Kit. This kit is a latex-based product that contains several different shades of paint that work together to give you the look of real brick. All materials are included in this easy, DIY kit.

Hearth

The ledge in front of the firebox can be painted with an indoor latex paint. You might want to paint one or two coats of clear polyurethane to protect your painted surface since the hearth is the place where wood is stacked, fireplace dolls are place, and where some people will sit by the fire.

Firebox

The firebox is the area of the fireplace where the fire burns. Because of the unsightly soot that stains the firebox, painting the firebox black can hide the stains and give the fireplace a fresher, cleaner look. In a prefab fireplace, the firebox is a metal insert made to look like brick. In a masonry fireplace, the firebox is built from actual brick or stone.

This area gets extremely hot so a high-temperature paint is necessary. We recommend a paint that can withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. There are a variety of high-temp paint colors. From black to almond to dark green, you can find a color for every decor.

Mantel

The mantel shelf is sometimes made from the same brick as the fireplace. Other types of mantels include wooden shelves and surrounds. Wood or brick mantels can be painted much the same way as the fireplace brick. Of course, the wood will need to be sanded and primed before painting.

Fireplace Doors

Many older fireplaces have dated brass fireplace doors. Many people would like to paint these when they paint their fireplace. This is possible, but typically the time and expense taking apart, prepping, and painting the doors is more expensive than simply buying some new fireplace doors. Should you choose to paint them, the fireplace door frame can be painted with the same high-temperature paint as the firebox.

Gas Logs

Sorry, you shouldn’t paint your gas logs. However, oftentimes a good clean is all it takes to really update those fireplace logs.

What Color Should You Paint Your Brick Fireplace?

When choosing the right fireplace paint color and technique for your brick, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices. Choosing the right color reflects your personal style and your room’s personality. Think of the mood you want to project. Whether you want to create a tranquil sanctuary or make a dramatic statement, paint colors can make all the difference in the look and feel you’re trying to create. Let’s take a look at some painted brick color choices from bold to cool to naturally authentic.

Bold and Dramatic

Painting your fireplace a darker or vibrant color is adds flare to your living room. It is immediately eye-catching, especially if the walls are painted a lighter color. Black fireplace paint is especially popular.

Natural: an authentic, "real brick" look

This may be surprising, but you can actually paint a brick fireplace to make it look like a new color of brick. The Brick-Anew Paint Kit is a one of a kind DIY project. It comes with instructions, brick fireplace paint, and all the tools you need to paint your fireplace to look like new, lighter brick. This is also a great technique to use if you have a full brick wall in your home.

German Schmear

This technique adds class to your brick by making it look a bit older. It lightens up the room while preserving some of the red colors of the brick. Once its done you can use your interior designer skills to add your own style.

White

White fireplace paint is a super popular right now. A white fireplace adds brightness and a light-weight feel to the room. This look is especially nice with a natural wood mantel.

Whitewash

This is probably the easiest of the fireplace makeovers. Whitewash is similar to German schmear in that the white brightens the room, but some of the original brick still peaks through the white. But whitewashing and German schmear have two distinct characters. Whitewashing offers a creamy sort-of natural look.

Whitewashed Brick Fireplace — diyhomedecorblogs.com

Solid Neutrals

From light gray to creamy tan, using a neutral color gives a dreamy feel to your room.

Neutral Brick Color — thiswholehouse.blogspot.com

fireplace painted with taupe — thiswholehouse.blogspot.com

Brick Stain

Staining your brick is another way to get a natural look. Using brick stain is great for going from a light brick to a darker brick. Be sure to use your drop cloth to protect your floors and furniture! Stain can be hard to get off.

stained brick before and after — remodelaholic.com

Making the Choice

This decision can be scary. If you read part #1, you know that removing paint from brick can be a time-consuming process. Try to relax and remember that you can always paint over the brick again if you hate it. Paint is pretty cheap, so you could even paint your brick every couple of years, just to keep things fresh.

Ask yourself: "Do I want my fireplace to stand out or blend into the rest of the room?" The color and technique you choose determines how much the fireplace stands out or blends in. Do you want to:

1. Keep it Natural?

Whitewashing has a calming effect and really blends in with the rest of the decor. This is because it diminishes or "mutes" the red tones in your brick. Using one of the three Brick-Anew colors that best matches the color on your walls also allows the fireplace to blend in while keeping a natural brick look.

2. Create Contrast?

If your walls are a light color, painting your fireplace brick a dark or vibrant color creates an interesting contrast. Or you could stain the fireplace brick in rich dark tones. German schmear creates a nice contrast between the white paint and the dark brick underneath. Painting the mantel or surround is another easy way to create contrast. White brick with a black mantel is a bold contrast.

3. Go Monochromatic?

If you really want your fireplace to blend in, try painting it the same color as the walls. Or consider painting it a similar shade to the rest of the furniture. Creamy and muted colors like grey and beige look great on brick, and matching colors makes your decor look planned and cohesive. This does take an emphasis off the fireplace as the focal point of the room.

Those are some broad tips to get you thinking about what styles are important to you. Here are some Quick Tips that provide more specific advice:

If your space has bold colors and textures, paint your brick black.

If your space has modern greyscale tones, paint your brick a vibrant color.

If your space has an eclectic, timeless feel, paint your brick using German schmear.

If your space is vintage and chic, paint your brick using whitewash.

If your space has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, paint your brick a solid neutral color.

If your space is elegant and formal, paint your brick using stain.

The Brick-Anew natural-look Paint Kit has three different color choices and works with just about any space.

Before and After Pictures

Before/After Whitewashing — whitewashing before/after bestfireplacedesigns.com

Before/After German Shmear — whitewashing before/after bestfireplacedesigns.com

Final Thoughts

Each of the methods listed above gives fantastic results so just think about what's important to you and your decor. Whatever you choose, you'll have a beautiful updated fireplace for a fraction of the cost of resurfacing or rebuilding. In part #3 I'll give step-by-step instructions for each of the methods above. See you then!

How to Clean A Brick Fireplace before Painting

You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and paint that tired outdated brick fireplace. Most likely, the brick has accumulated a fair amount of dust, dirt and grime over the years so the first order of business is to get it clean before you begin painting. You may be wondering, “How do you clean a brick fireplace?” or “What is the best way to clean a brick fireplace?”

Fireplace cleaning refers to two parts of the fireplace - the area outside the firebox which includes all the brick and the hearth and the area inside the firebox where the fire burns. How do you prepare a brick fireplace for cleaning? Well, first of all, if you burn real wood, make sure you use a broom to sweep or use a Shop Vac to vacuum out the firebox areaso there are no leftover ashes or debris before you start scrubbing. Next, use a hand held vacuum or small brush broom to sweep off all the brick and the hearth to remove any loose mortar or dirt.

How to Clean a Brick Fireplace

Cleaning fireplace brick can be done in a just a few hours with some elbow grease and determination. Your fireplace cleaning cost will be much less if you decide to do it yourself instead of hiring a handyman and you probably already have most of the materials you’ll need in your garage.

Tools and Materials:

Safety Goggles
Rubber Gloves
Shop Vac or Portable Vacuum
Small Brush Broom
Drop Cloth
Sturdy Scrub Brush
Bucket of Water
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)
Fireplace Cleaner or Heavy Duty Soap

Step 1 - Lay down a drop cloth in front of your fireplace, put on some safety goggles and rubber gloves, and use a wire scrub brush and TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove any dirt, dust, or soot from the brick.

Step 2 - Wash the brick using your scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water and/or a fireplace cleaning product. Rinse off the soap with water and let the brick dry.

Step 3 - Use the same process to clean the inside of the firebox where the fire burns. Be sure to remove gas logs and grates before cleaning.

Do You Need Special Paint for Brick?

Your fireplace and your firebox is clean and ready for painting! So what type of paint should you choose? There are a number of different types of paint you can use depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Latex paint is a popular choice. Latex paint comes in either flat, semi-gloss or gloss. Take a look on Pinterest to see pictures of brick fireplaces painted with chalk paint, milk paint, whitewash paint, limewash paint, and the Brick-Anew natural brick paint kit to get an idea of which paint you prefer.

One area that is often overlooked when it comes to fireplace painting is the firebox. This important area is one of the main focal points of your fireplace and provides a backdrop for your burning fire. Painting the firebox gives a finished look to your painted fireplace and makes it look fresh and new.

But remember, you should NOT use regular latex paint inside your firebox. This area gets extremely hot so you’ll need a high temperature paint that can withstand temperatures up to 1,200 degrees. This grill and stove paint comes in a brush- on can or a spray in a variety of shades. Most people prefer black since it hides soot stains easily. You’ll need to be sure to open your doors and windows to allow for plenty of ventilation until this paint dries since it has a very strong odor.

Now that you know how to clean a fireplace, there’s no excuses for not getting to work making that old fireplace look new. In just a few hours, you can have the fireplace of your dreams. You’ll be glad you took that leap of faith and will be relaxing in front of a beautiful fire in no time.

How to Clean a Brick Fireplace

Cleaning fireplace brick can be done in a just a few hours with some elbow grease and determination.

Your fireplace cleaning cost will be much less if you decide to do it yourself instead of hiring a handyman and you probably already have most of the materials you’ll need in your garage.

Tools and Materials:

Safety Goggles
Rubber Gloves
Shop Vac or Portable Vacuum
Small Brush Broom
Drop Cloth
Sturdy Scrub Brush
Bucket of Water
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)
Fireplace Cleaner or Heavy Duty Soap

Step 2 - Wash the brick using your scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water and/or a fireplace cleaning product. Rinse off the soap with water and let the brick dry.

Step 3 - Use the same process to clean the inside of the firebox where the fire burns. Be sure to remove gas logs and grates before cleaning.

Do You Need Special Paint for Brick?

Your fireplace and your firebox is clean and ready for painting! So what type of paint should you choose?

There are a number of different types of paint you can use depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Latex paint is a popular choice. Latex paint comes in either flat, semi-gloss or gloss. Take a look on Pinterest to see pictures of brick fireplaces painted with chalk paint, milk paint, whitewash paint, limewash paint, and the Brick-Anew natural brick paint kit to get an idea of which paint you prefer.

How To Whitewash Brick

Dull, dark outdated brick can ruin the look of your entire room. With the recent trend of light, bright and white decorating, there’s no room for a bright red brick wall or a dark brown brick fireplace from the 1970’s.

So what’s a homeowner to do? Tear down the offending structure and spend thousands of dollars in the process? Not necessarily. There’s a less expensive option that will cover up the brick and give new life to your room. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. It’s called “whitewashing”.

Whitewashing involves applying a thin coat of white paint mixed with water all over your brick to tone down the dark color and create a lighter, softer look. The technique, relatively inexpensive and not too time-consuming, requires little expertise so even the least experienced DIY’er can tackle the project and feel confident the results will be perfect.

Looking for the right product to start your whitewashing makeover? Our favorite is the Giani Brick Transformations Paint Kit. This product is affordable and get's the job done with little hassle.

Project Overview

-Lay down a drop cloth to protect your floor.

-Clean the brick using a scrub brush with mild detergent and water.

-Use painter’s tape to tape off areas around your walls and other areas where you don’t want the paint to spill over.

-Mix a 50/50 solution of white latex paint and water and stir well.

-Apply the whitewash solution to your brick using a paint brush.

-Use a rag to wipe the paint off the bricks as you go so that only a thin layer of paint remains.

Easy Brick Whitewash Instructions

Clean the Brick- Lay down a drop cloth to protect floors from cleaning solutions and paint. If your brick isn’t too dirty, you can use a mild detergent and water and a scrub brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Then rinse the brick and let it dry. If your brick is very sooty, you will need to use a stronger solution to remove the stains such as trisodium phosphate (TSP). If you use TSP, be sure to use caution and protective gloves since it is very strong.
Prepare to Paint - Use a good painter’s tape to tape off any areas around walls, ceiling, mantel, or fireplace insert where you don’t want paint to spill over.
Mix Whitewash Solution - Pour a 50/50 mixture of white latex paint and water into a plastic container and stir well. You will have a thin, watery mixture. Be aware that this mixture is drippy and messy, so be prepared with paper towels and old rags in case you need them. You can adjust the paint to water ratio depending on if you want a whiter or a little less white.
Apply Whitewash - There are a couple of common whitewash techniques. The first involves using a brush to apply the whitewash mixture to all the bricks and the mortar, wiping off the bricks with a cloth as you go. Another technique involves dampening the brick with water in a spray bottle and then using a balled-up cotton rag covered in the whitewash mixture to wipe onto the damp brick surface and then using a small brush to get into any recessed mortar.

Experiment on a few bricks and let the paint dry so you can be sure you get the look you want. Most brick is porous and the paint will need to soak in before you’ll see how it will look. After the paint dries, the bricks will show thru.

Whether you’re whitewashing a brick fireplace or a brick wall, this easy and inexpensive technique will deliver fast results. With a few materials you probably already have in your garage and a couple of hours over the weekend, you can give your dark brick look fresh look in a snap.

Looking for more options for painting brick? Check out our article reviewing the Best Brick Painting Products of 2019.