Fireplace Painting: The Ultimate Guide

So you've decided to repaint your fireplace. First of all, congratulate yourself on having the courage to commit to this idea and follow through with it on your own. But, before you go charging in head-first, take some time to think through the process. We've created this guide to help you analyze a few important aspects of fireplace painting.

Main Parts of a Fireplace

Every hearth has two main parts that need fireplace paint:

• Facing – This area appears directly embedded into your wall and often runs from floor to ceiling – it’s also the most decorative area of your fireplace
• Firebox - Describes the surface area of the walls surrounding the fireplace chamber where the fire actually burns

Considerations for Painting the Facing

Because the facing is the most decorative part of your fireplace, it adds the most to your room’s presentation. As a result, you will want to be the most careful with this part of the process. Following are some points we recommend you consider:

• Type of facing – There are about as many different types of facings available as you can imagine. So, it’s up to you to figure out which look suits your taste best. Wood, stone, brick, metal, plaster, tile, and concrete can all be used to construct your facing.
• Paint – The type of fireplace paint you will use depends largely on the material it’s constructed from. Make sure you use high-quality primer and paint. Skimping on quality up front will harm the final look of your fireplace when your project is completed.
• Facing surfaces - For brick, keep in mind whether or not you want to keep a real brick look or a painted look. You can buy fireplace paint that achieves both looks. For drywall, standard latex paint works best. If you’re painting tile, an epoxy-based paint works best because it adheres to tile well.
• When to use heat-resistant paint – Typically, you only need heat-resistant paint in the areas right next to the firebox. Like regular paint, you get what you pay for, so make sure not to compromise on quality.

Firebox Painting Considerations

The firebox is where things get really tricky when it comes to fireplace paint. If your fireplace burns real wood your job is guaranteed to be a messy one. If you use gas logs, things will get messy, although not nearly as bad as wood. It takes a little longer to paint the firebox because you will have to scrub away all those soot stains. In addition to that extra step, keep these important points in mind:

• Heat ratings – Firebox paint must be heat rated up to 1000°F. However, we recommend 1200°F, just to be on the safe side.
• Real wood fireboxes – If you are burning real wood, we recommend using a black paint. No sense in painting your firebox a bright color, only to find it ruined by soot stains. Those stains will blend in well if you use black paint.
• Gas burning fireboxes – Consider the idea of using an off-white color. Off-white highlights your décor and shows off your logs. Take a look at a couple examples of this in action to see what we mean:
• Brick fireplaces – The methodology and technique used for each type of fireplace material varies slightly. For brick fireplaces, check out How to Paint your Brick Fireplace.

Quick Review

If you’re going to take anything away from this post at all, remember these four key points:

• Use latex paint on the facing/surround
• Consider using heat resistant paint around the opening and firebox
• What color do you want and which works best with your particular fireplace?
• Do you want your fireplace looking like brick or painted brick?

Keep these points in mind when it comes to fireplace paint and you will be just fine.

Beautiful DIY Ideas for Your Brick Fireplace

Special Thanks to Hannah at Young & Crafty

This years tree and mantel is totally different than something I would pick out for myself. A friend of mine that moved gave me all of her Christmas decorations. Awesome, right!? I typically go for more of the woodsy, earthy theme but her colors were champagne, gold, and bronze with a a smidge of maroon. Way more glitz than I’m used to!

I must say, I am in love! Now I have two sets of décor themes and can switch it up each year if I want.

And now I will overload you with pictures of my tree and mantel.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE OF HANNAH'S BEAUTIFUL PHOTO'S

There are even more beautiful things like Hannah's that you can do with your fireplace this winter. Check out some that you can make that are affordable and DIY.

Fireplace Paint - For Your Brick Fireplace, It's EASY!

ALSO CHECK OUT OTHER PLACES I HAVE LINKED UP WITH THIS WEEK:

Delightful Order: Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Party

Painting A Brick Fireplace

There are many reason why people hesitate when painting a brick fireplace. Most people do not want a painted over look that take the actual look and feel of brick away from their fireplaces. They also don't want it to look like an amateur did the painting, although most folks don't have prior painting experience and if they do it is very little. What is wonderful about an inclusive brick paint product is that it is not like real paint from the local hardware stores, it is specifically formatted to be absorbed by your brick to help keep that look.

While many people are hesitant to try a new look on their brick for fear of getting stuck with something they are not happy with, the brick paint product sold by Brick Anew comes with a guarantee. If you are not happy with the results, and you have followed each step as it is given to you, they will give you your money back. How awesome is that? Not only will you keep your fantastic looking fireplace looking like brick, but you are guaranteed to be satisfied with the product.

Brick Paint has three beautifully themed colors - All which allow easy matching up with almost every decor you may have in your room with the fireplace.

• Twilight Taupe
• Misty Harbor 
• Frosted Sunshine

Can you paint your brick fireplace with any kind of paint? Well, I am sure you can but will it keep that brick look? With the paint offered here you can refresh your old brick and give it any look you want, modern, contemporary and regardless of your choice of color, you are sure to warm the room and give a comfortable feeling.

More Beautiful and Affordable Solutions to Make Your Fireplace Incredible:

• Fireplace Glass Doors
• Wood Fireplace Mantels
• Black Firebox Paint

Afraid to Paint your Brick Fireplace?

This was an easier project then I thought. This product is amazing! I can't believe I didn't do this sooner! These are the most recent comments and letters that I have received after months of showing off my how to paint brick and keep it looking like brick. Brick Paint is not to be feared, just look at the amazing results. They are all over my blog. Not only have I personally helped with doing a lot of these fireplaces but I have also posted a photo of my own fireplace. You may be intimidated to get started but there is truly nothing to worry about. The brick paint kits that I have used repeatedly for many months now come with an easy to follow DVD and all the supplies you need to get your old brick fireplace modernized and warming your comfort room this season.

Here is Peg's letter to me last week:

"We’re so happy with these results. This is a remarkable product! I was nervous to start this project, but once I started it was so fast and easy. Everyone thinks this is the natural color of the brick. I’ve wanted to do something to this fireplace for years and was about to give in and just paint it when I found your website. Thank you for a great product!" - Peg

Peg used: Twilight Taupe

Why not add a beautiful new fireplace glass door while you are making things more beautiful in your home? Right now the cost's are down before the colder weather set's in. You can replace your glass

How to Paint A Room Perfectly

One of the worst feelings is that of realizing that you have roller marks in your new paint job. Although this is a fairly common occurrence, there are some techniques you can use to keep your painted walls smooth and mark free.

• Get ready – Move all furniture out of the way. Cover furniture and floors with drop cloths to protect from drips and spills. Use painter’s tape to cover trim and other things you don’t want painted. Do not use masking tape since it can cause damage to walls and other surfaces, causing you more work.
  
  
• Do edging – Paint corners and edges with a paintbrush. Load enough paint into your brush to cover without dripping. Paint in 1-2 foot sections, skipping ahead so you are painting from a dry area to wet paint each time. When edging and doing corners, paint an area that is around 3-4 inches wide so you don’t have to scrape and mark walls by getting your roller into tight places.
  
  
• Roller paint large areas – After you have completed your edging, load your paint roller for the large areas. Fill your roller, completely covering the surface. Remove excess paint with the ridges at the top of the pan. If the roller is producing drips, it is overloaded. In order to avoid leaving roller marks, paint in a zigzagging pattern, covering only 3-4 sq. ft. of wall at one time. Starting at the top of the section, paint a capital M shape on the wall. Next, zigzag over that area until it is completely filled in. Work in sections, starting at the top and always painting from a dry area toward a wet area. Once you have painted 4 sections, roll over the completed sections to blend the paint before moving on.
  
  
• Paint trim – Follow the same edging directions as for walls. Then paint areas of 12-18 inches long from dry to wet areas. It is extremely important not to overload brushes, as drips will ruin your freshly painted walls. Paint slowly and methodically to ensure that your trim is as flawless as your walls so your entire room will look professionally done.

Nothing ruins the look of a room as quickly as streaks, roller marks, or drips in your paint’s finish. To avoid these blemishes and to get professional results, make sure you avoid overloading your rollers and brushes. You must also work in zigzagging patterns from dry areas to wet areas that have already been painted. Although this can seem much more awkward than rolling paint up and down on walls, it provides a much nicer finish. In addition, it will eventually become habit as you get used to painting the correct way. If you are planning on painting in your home, make sure you have a sufficient amount of time to complete the job before starting. An average room takes around 4 hours to paint properly, while the trim adds around 3 extra hours to the total time for the job.

Terry G. is a writer for Best-Careers.org. If you are interested in making your home beautiful and even getting your education while you are home to start a new career, this site is a great resource. 

Also Consider: 

Painting A Brick Fireplace

Fireplace Paint Color Themes

Masonry Fireplace Paint

Bright and Beautiful - Summer Fireplace Remodel

I thought I would let you see what was sent to me this past week by a nice lady Glenda who found my blog. 

"I am so happy that I ran across your blog when I was researching “painting brick fireplaces” I was so impressed with the reviews and pictures from your customers that I decided to try it myself. The kit came very quickly, which was good, so I didn’t have time to chicken out. The video was very helpful and so was the representative I spoke with when I had a question. 

I am a 72 year old woman and I completed the project all by myself in a weekend! I can’t tell you enough how pleased I am with the results. My family room was dark anyway since I had a sunroom addition put on, and the dark brick fireplace didn’t help.

I chose the Twilight Taupe which matches my carpeting perfectly. The newly finished fireplace really brightens up the room. My friends and family are amazed at the difference and one family member immediately ordered the kit to refinish his fireplace. His was a 17 foot brick wall fireplace, so he ended up using 2 kits."

For more fireplace ideas check out this incredible website. Fireplaces.net

"Give it a Whirl" Anyone can do this!

Twilight Taupe color theme used

Recently I purchased the product you recommended on this blog to remodel my fireplace. I wanted to take the time to send you these photos because I was very nervous and skeptical about it.  It truly is difficult to tell in this before picture how the effect the paint had on the brick. It was originally red brick. We got tired of that and did not know what to do for brick so we just painted it a very shiny white enamel. It didn't take long to realize this was not the look we wanted.  I really wanted a lovely soothing focal point in our den. What I had was not soothing.


"I saw your blog post on this product while searching for a solution. Even skeptical I was willing to give it a whirl.  Man, I can not believe what you said was absolutely true, "Anybody can do this". I was completely amazed that I did not have to remove the existing paint and all we had to do was follow a video instruction. The fireplace came out more beautiful than I ever imagined it possible could be. I am over joyed and love your product. It was so easy and looks so much like natural brick my grandson thought we totally replaced the brick. That was huge!  I hope this will encourage others to "give it a whirl" because anyone really can do this."


Thanks so very much my friend!! I am telling everyone I know about this.


Lola

Also mentioned in this testimonial instructions on : Painting A Brick Fireplace  

May I also suggest a beautiful Fireplace Glass Door or Fireplace Door Replacement Glass


I am also linking up to:
  The Thrifty Home's Penny Pinching Party
The Shabby Creek Cottage Transformation Thursday
Somewhat Simple Blog Link Party

Reluctance to paint that brick fireplace?

I sent my friend’s in Kansas a new brick paint kit, one that I have used for the last few years. They were very pleased with the results and I wanted to share with you their photos and thoughts.  

“Everything turned out great!  My wife and I were a little reluctant to use paint on our fireplace.  The brick paint kit had everything in it and it was very easy to use.  We should have done this a long time ago. Our friends and family are extremely impressed and can’t believe we did it ourselves. We can’t wait to install the Heatilator Fireplace Glass Door that you recommended. The whole room already has a new feel to it. We will send you more pictures when it is complete. Thank you so much.”

Here is what I sent them:

Color Themed, Matte Finish, looks like brick paint kit with instructions.

Affordable Masonry & Prefab Fireplace Glass Doors with video.
For more fireplace ideas check here.

Saturday Link Up at Be different act normal 
Sunday Link Up at Craft Envy

This project was fun & the photos don't do it justice!

Our fireplace was 22 years old, huge, and very dated. The brown walls and ivory furniture looked out of place in the old fashioned room. The project was fun, and because of the size of the wall it took a little bit longer then the average person. We love it. The photos don't even do it justice. I can't look at a red brick fireplace anymore without wanting to "fix it".  

Here is the kit I used : Twilight Taupe a combination of taupe, tan, beige and cream. The color blends easily and resembles tumbled marble or natural sandstone. 

First I got rid of all dust, dirt, loose mortar, and soot on the brick to ensure that the base coat/sealer completely bonded with the brick.

You can try using soap and water or household cleaners, but I recommend this particular fireplace brick cleaner. It dissolved my tough creosote and ash residues and no dangerous acids. OH, and don't worry about stains on the brick they will be covered by the base coat/sealer.

After I taped off the fireplace, I painted on the base coat/sealer over all the brick and mortar using the paint brush in my kit and like I was painting a wall.

Then I used the small roller or sponge to apply color 1, followed by the glaze, color 2 and color 3, letting the paint dry between each step. The written instructions and DVD that came with my kit will show you exactly how and where to paint to make your work look like a professional did it.

Then I applied the clear matte finish after allowing the paint to dry completely.

Now, I have a masterpiece!

My Brick Painted Fireplace is Stunning!

I painted the fireplace brick with an amazing matte finished paint kit and it  took me less than a day. The truly amazing part is that it doesn’t look painted – it looks like completely new bricks – just like the DVD said. Our floors are covered in Berber carpet and porcelain tile, and now the fireplace blends right in instead of sticking out like the red brick sore thumb it used to be. The creators of the paint kit have done a great job coming up with just the right combination of colors and application techniques. We wished we’d done this years ago! We ordered the Twilight Taupe color theme kit and it was like using a magic kit! 

Thank you,

Carin W.

Related articles:

Clean Your Fireplace

What you should know about painting brick 

Superior Fireplace Glass Doors
Ideas for painting a brick fireplace