Why Stick with Brick? How to Paint and Modernize Your Fireplace
Brick can be beautiful and sure, there is a quaint charm to a classic brick fireplace. Even so, while brick might be right for some homes, that doesn’t mean it’s right for your home. In fact, the brick found in many modern living spaces can really mute the tone of the room and disrupt the ambiance you are trying to achieve.
Perhaps brick is making your room feel drab or outdated; or, maybe you’d simply like to incorporate the fireplace more completely into the color palette of your room. With a small investment in paint and just a few hours of your time, you can give your fireplace a sophisticated new look and revitalize your favorite living space.
Preparation: Things You Will Need
- Sandpaper (100-grit range)
- Wire scrub brush & household cleaner
- Drop cloths
- Blue painter’s tape
- Stiff angled paintbrush
- Paint tray & roller for textured surfaces
- Primer (stain-blocking, oil-based)
- Indoor latex paint (if your fireplace is operational, select paint that can withstand temperatures of 200°F)
Six Easy Steps
1.The first step is simple enough; lightly sand your brick! This loosens and clears away unwanted material, creating a smooth painting surface. Be sure to apply drop cloths to protect your floor and surrounding areas. These will catch paint drips, sanding debris and other unwanted material.
2.Step two is critical: clean your brick thoroughly! With the help of a wire scrub brush, a 5-gallon bucket of water and a gentle household cleaner, you can ensure proper paint application and drying. You will want to clean the brick 24 hours before painting. This allows it to dry completely when you begin the painting process.
3.Before you begin painting, be sure to a) ventilate the space and b) apply blue painter’s tape to each adjoining wall. This will protect the existing wall paint against errant brush strokes.
4.Time to prime! Primer application is a key component of the painting process; a stain-blocking, oil-based primer will protect and increase the life of your paint job. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. The roller will allow you to cover most of the fireplace’s surface area. Use the stiff angled paintbrush to paint along wall edges and in hard-to-reach areas. Allow the primer several hours to dry.
5.Begin painting. Depending on your paint color selection and the porosity of the brick, you will need to apply 2-3 coats. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats.
6.Once you’ve finished, you can peel away the painter’s tape, fold up your drop cloths, and take a step back to enjoy your newly enlivened room!