Thinking about doing your own fireplace makeover? There are so many options for a complete fireplace transformation. A modern looking fireplace can change the whole feel of a room. Check out some projects below to see what a huge difference painting your fireplace can make and gather some fireplace makeover ideas for your own fireplace! If you think you are ready to learn more, take a look at our Complete Guide To Fireplace Painting.
HGTV does not have before and after images, but they do present an assortment of amazing atmosphere's created by specific types of fireplace decorating. Check out these amazing ideas and modern fireplace designs to find out which design may work best for your fireplace.
Grey Paint
Cozy Cottage Design
Bright White Atmosphere
BHG is another fantastic resource for some fireplace ideas and inspiration. There are some pretty incredible transformations on their site. Some of our favorites are below.
How amazing is this fireplace room transformation?
And another almost unbelievable transformation.
The Spruce has gathered some really amazing fireplace transformation, both painted fireplaces and not. It's cool to notice how much the area around the fireplace really effects the look of your room overall. As you are completing your own fireplace makeover, be sure to consider things like the mantel surround, a mantel shelf, and other decorations that can make your fireplace beautiful.
Apartment therapy has an incredible collection of before/after photos where homeowners have turned a dreary fireplace into a cozy and fun living space. Their blog is a fantastic source for fireplace makeover inspiration.
While you may consider these products practically the same, they are incredibly different and give incredibly different end results. Consider the pros and cons of each before deciding which is best for your project.
| Romabio | Giani | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| VOC Count | 0 | 85g/gal | |
| Allows Brick to Breathe | yes | no | |
| Color Choices | yes (7) | no | |
| Comes with Everything You Need | no | yes | |
| Indoor or Outdoor Use | yes | no (indoor only) | |
| Distressed Look Possible | yes | yes | |
| Full Coverage Possible? | yes | no (not in the nature of whitewash as a product) |
Limewash is a finish designed for raw wood or unsealed masonry and has been around for centuries. While a simple limewash just consists of water, salt, and hydrated lime, a more complex version is an aged lime putty mixed with natural pigments that the user dilutes with water to create a usable wash. As it dries, it can be distressed by spraying on water to remove some of the finish.
Limewash has incredible properties. It’s antimicrobial, antifungal, and an insecticide. It allows the surface it’s applied on to breathe naturally, which preserves the strength of that surface. It is equally applicable in indoor and outdoor settings and only looks better over time.
Limewash is also completely VOC free.
Whitewash is a finishing technique for raw wood, masonry, and even previously painted surfaces. The user chooses a white or off-white paint color and dilutes it with water. Especially when used on brick, the user can remove excess paint with a rag to allow some of the natural brick to show through
Whitewash is just a mixture of white paint and water. It is better for brick than a solid coat of paint, but it doesn’t allow the brick to breathe naturally like limewash. Whitewash is not designed to hold up over time and will need to be reapplied in outdoor settings.
The VOC count of whitewash will depend on the type of paint used in the process.
Romabio’s limewash is crafted in Italy. It has all the fantastic qualities of limewash listed above, and it comes in seven different color choices.
While the product is mainly marketed to the exterior of brick homes, it can be used on any natural brick or stone, inside or outside.
The product is shipped in a paste form that needs to be diluted before application.
The whitewash kit by Giani comes with everything you need to complete your project including paint, lint-free cloths, drop cloths, etc. It is an interior product marketed for fireplaces.
The paint is low VOC and specifically designed for brick. The paint must be diluted with water before use.
The Romabio limewash paste was about the same texture as softened butter. I expected it to be more difficult to work with (something along the lines of solid ice cream), but it was very easy to scoop out of the container.
It does take a little effort to get it thoroughly mixed with water. I would recommend using a metal mixing tool attached to a drill as opposed to a wooden stir stick.
As I applied it, the product looked very streaky, but the brushstrokes were much milder when the product dried.
Once the product was mostly dry, I started to distress it. I definitely recommend waiting as long as possible to start distressing.
Because the wash was not completely dry, even the drips from the water I sprayed on it removed a lot of product. I ended up using a lint-free cloth to blend the finish and get it looking the way I wanted.
The Giani paint was about the same texture as sour cream. When I was shaking the can, I thought it sounded really thin, but it wasn’t that much thinner than the Romabio. In fact, when diluted, both products had about the same consistency.
Again, it did take a little effort to get the product fully blended with the water. The company claims you can do it with just a stir stick, but I ended up having to really work the paint into the water with my paint brush.
Initially, the product gave a very full coverage. I did find it difficult to get the distressed look I was going for, but I think it would have been easier on real brick, which is much more porous. (I was using a faux brick board.)
| Limewash paint is an incredible finish that’s been around for centuries. In a culture that values affordability and efficiency more than sustainability, quality, and beauty, limewash has fallen out of the spotlight.
If you run down to your local hardware store and ask for an interior wall paint, you’ll be given a wide selection of latex-based paints, but you may never be given the option of a lime-based paint. I’m here to answer your questions and give you all the information you need to decide if a lime-based paint is right for your home. |
Limewash paint is an incredible finish that’s been around for centuries. In a culture that values affordability and efficiency more than sustainability, quality, and beauty, limewash has fallen out of the spotlight.
If you run down to your local hardware store and ask for an interior wall paint, you’ll be given a wide selection of latex-based paints, but you may never be given the option of a lime-based paint. I’m here to answer your questions and give you all the information you need to decide if a lime-based paint is right for your home.
Lime paint is hydrated lime (also known as slaked lime) mixed with water, natural pigments, and sometimes other ingredients like salt. That mixture is then aged and thinned to the perfect painting consistency. It is sold in cans much like a typical latex paint.
Limewash paint is naturally VOC free, and it’s eco friendly. It’s antimicrobial and antifungal, which makes it suitable for interior and exterior use. It is brush-applied and has subtle color variations that give the paint subtle movement and natural color variation. It typically has a suede finish.
Limewash paints can be used on a variety of surfaces. Each formulation is a little different so be sure to check with your paint’s manufacturer.
As a general rule, lime paints can be used on any porous masonry or concrete. They can be used over previously painted surfaces as long as you use a primer first. You can also use limewash paint for small crafts though you will probably need a primer.
Limewash paints were designed hundreds of years ago before the advent of latex paints and plastics. They are made for use on raw wood and unsealed masonry. Specialty primers have been developed since then that allow the paint to adhere to latex paint, plastic, etc.
For exterior use, many companies only recommend to use their paints on exterior masonry. Materials like siding are not made in a way that the paint can adhere to well.
Depending on the surface you’re applying to, you may need to start with a specialty lime paint primer. If not, just be sure the area is clean and dry.
Apply lime paint with a natural bristle block brush. This allows you to cover large surfaces quickly and gives the paint its characteristic movement and suede finish. You will probably need two to three coats.
When applying the paint, you use a crows-foot pattern to give the paint natural movement when it dries. If you’re painting a large surface, be sure to feather out the edges so that you don’t get a harsh line where the paint has dried.
If you’ve bought a limewash paint for brick, you can distress it before it is fully dry. Again, look to your manufacturer for specific instructions, but usually you can spray on water, which removes some of the limewash.
In the can, limewash paint has the same lifespan as a latex paint. It separates, so if it’s been sitting around for a while, you may need to take it to a store to have it spun.
Once you’ve applied it, limewash is designed to last for years and years. Unlike latex paint, it won’t chip or peel over time. It does, however, begin to take on a more worn look. The aging process just adds more life to your lime wash walls.
Lime wash paint is not easy to clean. Unlike latex paints which can be scrubbed with soap and other cleaners, lime paint has a more absorbent patina, which means liquid stains are absorbed, and the finish can be damaged by scrubbing.
However, since lime pain is antimicrobial, it is ok to leave uncleaned. Once the stains or dirt really start to look bad, you can paint over them with another coat of the lime wash.
You can buy limewash paint online from a variety of sellers. The most important thing to do will be to find a company that ships to your area and has a paint color you love!
I recommend starting your search with Color Atelier, J.H. Wall Paints, and Portola Paints and Glazes.
I highly recommend you consider lime paint for your next painting project. These paints are environmentally friendly and add depth to your space. They truly transform the spaces you use them in.
From limewashed brick to walls, these beautiful paints will give character to your space. If you have questions or have an experience with limewash paints you want to share, leave me a comment below!
Lots of homeowners are turning to paint to brighten their dark, outdated brick. Did you know you can use paint and keep a real brick look?
The Brick-Anew fireplace paint kit makes it easy to get a new, lighter look for your brick, but it doesn't look like you just slapped on a can of paint. The specialty kit keeps the natural brick look for the price of paint. Check it out!
This is an all-inclusive, DIY kit that includes everything you need to complete your project. For just $219.00, you get five shades of latex paint (formulated for use on brick), medium and small paint brushes, a paint tray, painter's tape, a sponge, rollers, a roller handle, and a protective glove.
The kit also includes detailed instructions that take you through the process step-by-step. This makes it easy to complete whether you've been painting your whole life or have never painted before.
This paint kit can also be used to add life back into painted brick. It works equally well on unpainted and painted brick so you can add a natural brick look back into a previously painted fireplace.
Tanya is part of Brick-Anew's customer service team. She says,
"Brick-Anew has been around for over 10 years. People are always so happy to find our website. Our product makes it look like you tore out your ugly brick and replaced it with a lighter colored new brick"
Tanya
So many houses built in the 1970s have dark outdated brick fireplaces, some even with dark mortar. Tearing it out and rebuilding it, or even resurfacing it with stone, marble, or granite, can cost thousands of dollars. The Brick-Anew paint kit is just over $200.
Many homeowners appreciate the price of a paint makeover but don't like the painted brick look. This paint kit is unique in that it has the price of paint but delivers a transformative natural brick look.
Tanya, who has talked with hundreds of unsure customers says, "Some homeowners don't like the idea of covering brick with any kind of paint. No matter how ugly the brick is, they are still hesitant to paint over it."
She is right in pointing out, however, that if the brick is ugly, something needs to be done to improve the look! Everyone deserves to enjoy their fireplace, and paint is the least expensive remodeling option available.
Tanya laughed when she recalled answering a customer service call to hear a gruff voice on the line: "My wife used that Brick-Anew product on our fireplace while I was out of town. I'm a truck driver, and I didn't know she was going to do it."
Thinking the customer was upset, Tanya says she thought, "Oh no, what's coming next?"
But the voice continued, "I can't believe it looks like real brick. I hate to say it, but I like it. Just wanted to call and let you know." Whew!
"Brick-Anew has drastically updated and modernized not only my brick fireplace, but my entire living room. The whole process was easy and only took me one day"
Dawn Gratton, Brick-Anew customer
Another time, a customer called to tell a story about her home renovation. She had contractors in her house doing various projects for several weeks. On their day off, she used Brick-Anew to paint her fireplace.
The next day, the contractors asked if brick masons had come and how they finished so quickly. She explained she had used a paint kit to get a real brick look.
She told us the contractors were up close, looking at the brick and touching it. They didn't believe it was paint since it looked just like real brick!
Brick-Anew offers their paint kit in three color schemes: Twilight Taupe, Misty Harbor, and Frosted Sunshine. They also have a helpful video for choosing the best color scheme for your home.
So if you're looking for an easy solution to outdated brick or if you need to add life back into painted brick, you may want to give Brick-Anew a try. They have a money-back guarantee, so if you hate it, you can get your money back.
For just over $200 per kit, what have you got to lose? Like hundreds of other customers, you may end up loving your new fireplace and wonder why you didn't remodel it sooner.
Your all-in-one resource for fireplace painting.
Whether it's product information, helpful tips, or DIY tutorials, FireplacePainting.com is your ultimate resource for updating your fireplace.
Looking to get the paint off of your fireplace? Our paint removal guide will help you wipe the slate clean."
See the success stories.
Browse our gallery with before/after pictures from dozens of fireplace painting projects.
Are you asking yourself, “Why in the world should I paint my brick fireplace?” Here are some reasons to help you think through your decision.
Increases the value of your home. If you’re trying to sell your house and need to update your fireplace, paint is a “quick fix” that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Most people don’t realize that even with the simple change of painting your fireplace, you can increase the sales value of your home. As the focal point of a room, fireplaces either add to or take away from the entire atmosphere of a room. Painting the brick transforms a room from being dark and grim to bright and modern.
Below you’ll find help on how to choose a paint and color that’s perfect for your room as well as a step by step description on how to paint your fireplace. This project will not disappoint when you’re trying to modernize your home and get the sales value it deserves."
Even if you’re not a DIY pro, painting brick is not a project that requires a lot of skill. Grab a paintbrush and a can of paint and you’re off and running. If you’re in a hurry to complete the project, painting a brick fireplace can be done pretty quickly unless your brick wall or fireplace is extremely large. Even then, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of days to finish.
Depending on what kind of paint project you decide on (there are several options), you might need additional materials, but we’ll get to that a little later. As soon as you start applying the paint to your brick, you’ll see immediate results. That feeling of “Why didn’t I do this a long time ago?!? There’s something satisfying about the immediate gratification you feel about covering up ugly brick that just makes you smile.
Painting your brick is a project you can do yourself without having to hire expensive contractors. You could hire the project to be done by a professional that could charge anywhere from $500 - $2000, depending on the complexity of the project. But this article is here to show you that paying a professional to paint your brick is so unnecessary because the project is so simple. With the proper tools and paint, it’s possible to make your fireplace look as if it was painted by a professional while spending less than a quarter of a contractor’s price.
Compared to other options like tearing out the brick or resurfacing with another material like tile, granite, or stone, painting your fireplace is a much cheaper alternative. There are many options to choose from when trying to decide how to remodel your brick fireplace. One option is to tear out the entire fireplace and rebuild it with a new color brick. Other materials you could use to rebuild or resurface your fireplace include stacked stone, marble, stucco, sheetrock, granite, wood, and metal. These remodeling options would require hiring a contractor unless you have some seriously impressive construction skills. The cost on these projects ranges from $3,000 to $8,000."
Why let an ugly fireplace ruin the look of your room? You deserve a beautiful spot to unwind after a long day.The best part of coming home after a day at work is lounging on the couch with either a good book, a glass of wine, or your favorite TV show. During your few hours of relaxation, the last thing you want on your mind is how ugly your fireplace looks. By painting your brick fireplace, you create a new ambiance for your room - warm, cozy, and appealing.
The great thing about painting your fireplace is that it is an easy, “do it yourself” project that leaves your fireplace looking like a professional worked on it. The paint is a reasonable price and the small number of tools that you need will allow you to keep a low budget. Painting your fireplace is also a smarter alternative to re-bricking because it is never permanent. After you finish painting and contouring your fireplace and you’ve found that you chose the wrong color or you don’t like the overall look, you can always paint over it with a new color!
Check out our Ultimate Guide for Fireplace Painting. Our guide has all kinds of ideas, information, and pictures to help you complete your fireplace makeover.
Read the Guide
Want to see some amazing fireplace transformations?
You’ve finally remodeled your outdated fireplace and now you’ve got a beautiful focal point for your room. But wait...do you style the mantel with the same old accessories you had before or is it time to think outside the box a little and really make your fireplace stand out?
Before you go back to the same tired old look, check out these fireplace decorating tips from the Seattle Times and see if you’re inspired to come up with a fresh new style that’s the perfect finishing touch for your fireplace makeover.
Check out the Article here!
As a general rule, chalk paint will take about an hour to dry. However, this depends on the brand of chalk paint and the material you’re applying it to.
If you’re applying to a previously painted surface, give your first coat an hour to dry before going in with the second coat.
If you’re applying to raw wood, give your first coat at least an hour and a half to dry. The porous nature of raw wood will suck up some of the paint and extend the dry time.
If you’re applying to a non-porous surface like metal, the first coat just needs an hour.
These and the drying guidelines given by your chalk paint manufacturer are just general timeframes. There are better visual and tactile indications that you can use to determine when it’s time for a second coat or wax.
Drying time for chalk paint will vary based on humidity, application method, the material you’re applying it to, and more. Look for these visual and tactile clues to know when the paint is dry:
There is a big difference between dry chalk paint and cured chalk paint. While the visual appearance will not change between the dry pain and cured paint, the tactile feeling will change.
Dry paint will still chip and scratch even with just light pressure with a fingernail. Cured chalk paint will not scratch with light pressure.
To allow the paint to fully cure, you’ll usually need to wait about 24 hours.
Before going in with a second or third coat of chalk paint, you need to let the paint dry. It does not need to cure before going in with another coat of paint.
Before waxing or applying another top coat to your chalk paint, let the paint fully cure. You’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before applying the wax or top coat.
If you don’t wait for the paint to cure before applying a top coat, you risk pulling up the paint.
If you found this article helpful, consider subscribing to our email list for more content and special promotions! If you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments; I love hearing from you.
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.
On the other hand, when some of us think of our fireplace, we get a creepy eerie feeling thinking of the dark structure lurking in the corner of our living room. Never enjoyed by anyone. 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. Looming. Depressing.
That dingy “Brady Bunch Brick” was groovy in the 1970’s...
But today...not so much. It’s time to consider getting rid of that ugly brick once and for all and give your fireplace a facelift with
You guessed it...
PAINT!
Painting your brick is a fast, easy way to get a fresh new look without ruining your budget. Whether your ugly outdated brick is a wall in your kitchen or a fireplace in the middle of your living room, paint can be just the thing for a quick facelift. 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 the painted look.
Still not convinced? Read on and maybe you’ll be inspired to tackle that fireplace painting project you’ve put off for so long.
When you look at any remodeling project over $500, most people think seriously about it, especially if it’s a cosmetic upgrade. This brings up the question, “Is painting my fireplace worth the time, money, and effort?” In my opinion, the answer is a hands down, “ Yes!”. Although it seems like a huge project, painting your fireplace doesn’t take that long compared to other more complicated and expensive home improvement projects and a fresh coat of paint can really give 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 make it look a whole lot different unless you remodel with paint or hire a contractor to reface with a different material such as granite, slate, stone, tile, or sheetrock. Another option is to tear out the entire fireplace and rebuild it with a different color brick.
Removing paint from your brick fireplace can be tedious and time consuming. It’s not an easy task to remove paint from brick. The only reason I can think of where this process would be a good idea is if there was antique brick underneath the paint that was over a hundred years old. Antique brick is beautiful and, in my opinion, should never be painted.
An easier solution would be to paint over the painted brick with a different color or use the Brick-Anew Paint Kit to get a “real brick” look instead of a painted look. If you decide that taking paint off your brick is what you need to do, here are some general guidelines.
If you have a large amount of brick, you might want to hire a professional since the process requires so much time and effort.
If you have only a small amount of brick, you can do the project yourself. Try to find some Paint Stripping products that don’t have such harsh fumes as some from the past. Also, try not to be tempted to sandblast the brick or apply a heavy-duty power wash to the brick since it might damage the bricks’ surface. There are gel and paste compounds that are excellent for removing old paint. Fabric based peeling strips can help as well. One product I’ve seen called Peel Away looks like it can do a pretty good job.
Materials Required:
When choosing the right fireplace paint color 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 and dramatic to light and airy to natural and authentic.
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.
Shades of white and off-white create a calm neutral look. 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.
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.
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.
Here’s some steps on how to paint your red brick fireplace. Painting your brick fireplace can usually be done in just a few hours and can change the look of your room and give your fireplace an instant facelift.
Before you get started, you’ll need to choose an indoor latex paint color. Decide whether you want a dark bold look or a lighter natural look and choose your paint accordingly. Consider your wall color and furnishings and how you want your room to feel - cozy and warm or light and airy.
Next, get your materials together.
1. Clean and Rinse the Brick
Lay down a drop cloth to protect your floor and put on your safety goggles. You’ll need to clean the brick before you begin painting. First, use a small brush broom to brush off the brick and remove any dust, dirt or loose mortar. Then you can use a scrub brush and a bucket of soap and water and/or some brick and stone cleaner to remove any soot or grime from your bricks.
If your fireplace brick is especially dirty, you can use a wire scrub brush and TSP (trisodium phosphate) and then use your cleaner. Rinse your brick thoroughly.
2. Apply the Primer
Tape off the area around the edge of your bricks so the surrounding area will be protected from paint splatters. Apply the oil-based primer using your large brush, covering all the brick and mortar. You can choose to use a roller or a brush for this step. Use the small brush to get into crevices and corner areas of the brick and hard to reach spots.
The primer will help protect your painted brick from soot stains when you burn real wood.
3. Apply the Paint
After you rinse your brushes and wait for the primer to dry, you’re ready to begin the last step of your fireplace painting project. Whether you chose flat, semi-gloss,or high gloss heat resistant indoor latex paint, all these types are applied the same way. Roll or brush on the latex paint covering all the the brick and mortar using either your large brush or roller and your small brush for crevices and hard to reach spots. You might want to use your roller on this step if your brick is rough or textured. Be sure to get the paint into all the mortar lines and all areas of your brick surface. You can apply a second or third coat of latex paint if you choose, letting each coat dry before applying the next. Remember, this type latex paint is not for use inside the firebox, the area where you build a fire.
The firebox area needs a specific type of paint. A special high temperature paint is required for that area that withstands temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit without chipping, blistering, or peeling.
This type of high temperature paint can be used on wood stoves, and grills as well as inside the firebox. It’s important not to neglect the firebox area since it’s the center of the fireplace. Having a soot stained firebox can take away from all your hard work painting and refreshing your fireplace. Firebox paint comes in a variety of colors but the most common colors are almond, sand and basic black. This type paint comes in a spray or in a small can where you need a brush to apply. Black tends to be the most common color chosen since it will hide soot stains and dirt easier than the lighter colored choices. The ease of the spray can makes the paint job go quicker but some people prefer the brush on type since it allows for more control. Whether you choose the spray or the brush on high temperature paint, you’ll need to have plenty of ventilation in your room until the paint dries since it has a harsh odor.
Pros: Cheap, Easy, Quick Fix for Ugly Brick
Cons: You need to like the “painted brick” look.
If you want to paint your brick fireplace but want some of your brick to show through, whitewashing could be an option for you. Whitewashing involves painting over your brick with a thin, translucent paint solution rather than the thicker latex paint which covers the entire brick surface.
Here’s how to get the whitewashed look for your brick:
First, mix 1 part water with one part latex paint in an cream, off-white, white, or eggshell color.
Next, brush the solution over each brick, using the rag to blend it in the brick and keep it from dripping.
Then, after you’ve covered all the bricks, step back and take a look to see of you’d like to go over the fireplace again with another coat. You should see the brick peeking thru the paint . You might decide to repeat the process a few times until you get the look you want.
The German Smear brick whitewashing technique gives a look similar to basic whitewashing but with a more choppy or uneven look.
First, lay down your drop cloth and tape off the area you’ll be painting.
Next, mix you mortar according to the instructions on the package. You might need to add a little extra water so the mixture will be the consistency of honey.
Wet your sponge and dip it into the mortar on one end.
Now, here’s the fun part...choose an area of the brick fireplace and smear the mortar on across the brick. After that, smear the mortar vertically. The point is to apply the mortar so that different areas of the brick have different amounts of the mortar. The look you’re going for is not uniform but choppy and uneven. If some areas have too much, wipe them off. If other areas have too little, add a little more. Keep standing back and looking at your work to see how you’re doing and if you’re getting the look you want. In different areas, the brick color should show through.
Use the stiff bristle brush to go over the entire fireplace with huge “x” patterns before the mortar dries. Break up any clumps in the mortar solution.
Pros: Cheap, Few Materials Needed, light look
Cons: The German Smear look isn’t for everyone and it can seem a bit scary to put mortar on your brick.
Materials included in the Brick-Anew DIY Paint Kit:
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.
Twilight Taupe | Misty Harbor | Frosted Sunshine
Pros: Easy to Use, All materials Included, Step by Step Instructions, Good Choice for non-professional DIY’ers, Money Back Guarantee, Full customer service support.
Cons: Need to purchase online - Not available at hardware stores.
Using brick dye or staining your brick gives a look much different than painting. Brick stains come in a variety of colors and is applied to the bricks’ surface to change the color of the brick without a thick coating of paint.
If you decide you’d like to try staining your brick, you need to test out an area of your brick to see if it absorbs water. Splash some water on the brick to see if the water is absorbed. If so, your brick can be stained. If the water bubbles up and does not absorb into the brick, you’ll need to try to remove any sealant that is coating the brick.
To remove the sealant, apply a lacquer sealer and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off. Try the water test again to see if it absorbs. If it does, apply the lacquer sealer over the entire area. If it does not work and the water still won’t absorb, try a concrete sealer stripper.If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to paint over your brick instead of staining. Some types of brick are made not to absorb water.
Clean the bricks using a mild detergent to remove any dirt, soot, grime, or mildew. You could hire a professional to pressure wash the brick if you don’t think you can clean it yourself. Let the brick dry.
Choose a water -based brick stain that comes in the color you want. Some stains and dyes come in small pots so you can try out a color before you purchase an entire container.
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.
Clean all tools immediately after finishing your project.
You’ll need to clean your fireplace brick before beginning your painting project so the paint will adhere properly. First, use a broom or shop vac to remove any soot, dirt, or dust from your brick. You can use natural cleaners with ingredients you have around your house. You can make a thin past by mixing 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar with a little water.Apply this mixture to the brick and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. For a large area, you can mix vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle. Let the mixture sit on the bricks for about 10 minutes and rub off with a cloth. One half cup of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of dish detergent make a paste you can apply to dirty bricks. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and rinse off with water.
If you’d like to buy a cleaning product, Rutland makes a good Brick and Stone Cleaner that comes in a spray bottle. Simply spray on the brick and wipe clean.
For tougher jobs or a very large area, you might want to try trisodium phosphate (TSP) that you can find at your local hardware store. You can use a heavy duty scrub brush with TSP, and be sure to wear protective goggles and rubber gloves when using this product.
The firebox is the part of your fireplace where the fire burns. After a long winter of hard work, the firebox turns into a dirty, filthy mess. Cleaning the firebox after fireplace season is over is essential to keeping your fireplace looking good.
First, remove any pieces of wood left over from past fires. Use a shop vac to remove all leftover soot, ashes, dust, and dirt. After the firebox is cleared of all debris, use soap and water and a heavy duty scrub brush to clean the walls and floor of the firebox.
After the firebox is clean, 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 and it comes in several colors.Most people prefer basic black since the dark color tends to hide stains better than lighter colors. This paint comes in spray or in brush-on cans. You can paint the wood holder/ grate with this type paint as well.
Painting Brick Fireplaces - Types of Paint
Latex Paint - A durable paint that dries quickly.
Oil-Based Paint - Oil based paint takes longer to dry and has a sheen.
Chalk Paint - A type of flat paint can be used for whitewashing.
Polyurethane - A water-based polyurethane can be applied over the painted brick surface to protect the painted surface from scratching.
High Temperature Paint - This type paint can withstand high temperatures inside the firebox.
Brick-Anew Paint Kit - This paint kit has five shades of latex paint product suitable for use on brick.
Painting your brick fireplace can 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 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.
In the recent Seattle Times article Hygge prep: Pro tips improving and beautifying your fireplace ahead of fall, the author writes
"Budget around $2000 for redoing brickwork around a fireplace. Painting brick is a much cheaper way to update the look, but Lober [a custom masonry and stove expert] doesn't recommend going that route."
JiaYing Grygiel
The look of masonry brick is something a lot of homeowners don't want to give up on. However, not all homeowners have thousands of dollars to spend to update their brick.
With the proprietary paint kit at Brick-Anew, you can brighten your brick and maintain the masonry look for $200. Take a look:
Don't settle for brick you hate! You can keep a natural brick look and update your fireplace in just a weekend. Plus it's just a couple hundred, not a couple thousand, dollars. What are you waiting for?
Stone fireplaces work as a great focal point in any home. With a unique texture and rustic feel, their texture and design can add so much to any room. However, a bad paint job can easily make a fireplace a sloppy, outdated feature. Understanding that your ugly fireplace can be saved with a simple paint job can totally inspire an indoor renovation. Check out these modern paint colors that can update your fireplace, and your entire home.
While beautiful painted stone fireplace before and after photos look great, understanding how to achieve these looks might seem overwhelming. These projects aren't always as impossible as they seem. It could be as simple as a layer of solid paint, but so many possibilities exist when it comes to painted stone fireplaces.
Painted white stone is an extremely popular trend in home design right now. While it may sound boring, or even too simple, but the bright pop of color can completely change the dynamic of any room. Opting for white stone will make the painting process easy, as well as choosing the colors. As you can see, having a solid, opaque layer of white paint can modernize an otherwise dated style of fireplace. The great thing about white paint is that it can match any room design, and the decor surrounding it can be taken in so many directions. Completely playing off the clean, white look is a great way to brighten a home.
This stone fireplace makeover by A Beautiful Mess truly emphasizes this brightening effect a coat of white paint on your stone can have, dramatically opening up what was already a very dark room to begin with:
It's hard for your jaw not to drop when you see this, as Laurel Home puts it, "Gorilla Dung" fireplace transformed into a beautiful French/old world look. Just goes to show that even the ugliest of stone fireplaces can be salvaged with the right paint job!
Here's another great example of solid white painted stone courtesy of Most Lovely Things, this time with a slightly different shade of white:
Another great color option for a clean but understated painted stone fireplace is to use neutral shades like greys or taupes. Or you could utilize the best of both worlds, like this stone fireplaces painted with grey-taupe via Snazzy Little Things:
Notice at the the top of the fireplace where Jeanette left a bit of the original stone for comparison's sake... what a difference!
A grey or taupe color is also popular for maintaining the integrity of a more classic stone look. These colors mimic more of the natural shades of stone, but new paint freshens the color and cleans up the overall appearance.
Here's another great example from The Inspired Room of a grey painted stone, this time using a chalk paint:
Take the grey tones one step further and combine several different colors to achieve a more complex and layered look.'
We love this stone fireplace transformation from Brick-Anew, which utilizes a several different neutral tones to achieve a textured, dimensional look:
Here's another great example from Pam at The Birch Cottage, who combined a white and a grey shade to give the stone a bit more depth:
You can see how this stone fireplace transformation from Paper & Fox not only gives the room a breath of fresh air, but is also able to maintain the look of natural stone:
Have you seen or used another paint or method on your stone fireplace and achieved some breathtaking results? Comment below to let us know what you did!
Instagram Twitter LinkedIn
