Knowledge Builders

can i paint a red brick fireplace

by Roger Homenick Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Is your old, red brick fireplace dragging the rest of your room down? Don't despair -- paint it. Covering your fireplace with a coat of paint can modernize its appearance and inject new life into your room. Select a paint color that enhances your room's color palette and decor style.

Full Answer

How to prep, Prime, and paint a brick fireplace?

Steps To Be Followed

  1. Cleaning the Surface. Use a wire brush, clean all the dirt and debris from the surface of the bricks. ...
  2. Preparing the Surface. Some areas around the fireplace need not be painted. ...
  3. Caulking the Surfaces. If bricks have cracks or holes, fill them with caulk. ...
  4. Prime the Brick. After cleaning, it is time to apply the primer. ...
  5. Paint the Bricks. ...

What type of paint is good for indoor fireplace bricks?

  • BEST OVERALL: The ONE Paint and Primer: Water Based House Paint
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Valspar Signature Flat Tintable Interior Paint
  • BEST PRIMER: KILZ 2 Interior or Exterior Water-Based Primer
  • BEST MASONRY PAINT: Behr Crystal White Flat Masonry Paint
  • BEST WHITEWASH: Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint for Brick

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How to distress a brick fireplace?

Step by step instructions I used for distressing my painted fireplace with the Kwik-Strip product.

  1. Protect your surfaces. The first thing you will want to do is to protect the area around your fireplace. ...
  2. Ventilate the area!!! Open your windows and turn on a fan if you have one to force the fumes out the window.
  3. Put on your gloves and mask. ...
  4. Spray on the Kwik-Strip one section at a time. ...
  5. Use a wire brush to scrape paint. ...
  6. Repeat steps 4-5 as needed. ...

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How to whitewash a brick fireplace?

  • Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white latex paint. Stir until the mix is even. ...
  • Test the whitewash. Apply a little whitewash to a brick in a less visible spot on the wall or fireplace. ...
  • If you want heavier coverage, add more paint to your solution. ...
  • Brick is porous, so the whitewash may fade a little as it soaks into the surface.

How do you modernize a red brick fireplace?

Is brick a staple?

Can you cover a brick fireplace with airstone?

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What kind of paint do you use on red brick fireplace?

Once the primer is dry, it's time to paint your brick fireplace. Choose fireplace paint—indoor, latex, heat-resistant paint (either flat, semigloss, or gloss) that's rated to withstand temperatures generated by the fireplace (generally about 200°F).

Is it OK to paint a brick fireplace?

Fireplaces need love too! Add a fresh coat of paint to those old bricks and create a cozy space that will inspire your most discerning guests.

How do you paint a red brick fireplace white?

2:534:26How to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the brush I'm using is the chip brush. It's nice and small it gets in those nooks. And cranniesMoreSo the brush I'm using is the chip brush. It's nice and small it gets in those nooks. And crannies very well it's an inexpensive brush that works great for this process. Work it's pretty rough.

What color should I paint my brick fireplace?

Neutral colours like white and gray are the most common colours for painting a brick fireplace, but this is a project where you can be creative. Bold and contrasting colours can make your fireplace a true focal point.

Do I need to seal brick fireplace before painting?

Seal the brick and mortar Before painting a brick fireplace, the porous surfaces in the mortar and brick need sealing. Using a product specially designed for sealing masonry will ensure that these pores don't absorb the paint, requiring fewer coats and ending with a better result.

How do you paint a red brick fireplace?

1:553:09How to Paint a Brick Fireplace -- Buildipedia DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuickly. Once the primer dried we applied the cream finish coat the same. Way. So a little bit ofMoreQuickly. Once the primer dried we applied the cream finish coat the same. Way. So a little bit of paint brings an old brick fireplace up-to-date.

Should I paint my red brick fireplace white?

Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace? If your brick is dated or you simply do not like it, by all means paint your fireplace. If you have a large expanse of brick or a really huge fireplace that you are considering tearing out, try painting it white first.

Is it better to whitewash or paint a fireplace?

The choice between paint and limewash is very similar to the question between is it better to paint or whitewash a fireplace? Limewash and whitewash both give a rustic look that is very easy to maintain. Paint will give a more finished look that is more difficult to maintain.

Can red brick be painted white?

Yes, as long as you realize that this process can't be reversed. You can repaint and change the color down the road, but there's no going back to unpainted brick.

Should I paint my fireplace dark or light?

Use the same color as the room For a subtler look, choose a shade lighter or darker than the room color so that the fireplace does not entirely blend into the room and has its unique space and look.

How do you prepare a brick fireplace for painting?

It's important to thoroughly clean the brick before you paint it. Use a wire brush and soapy water to scrub the brick and remove any efflorescence (those streaky white deposits) or dirt. If you're having trouble getting the surface clean, you can apply a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water.

What's the best color for a fireplace?

A white or off-white often fosters a calm, neutral vibe on a fireplace. It pairs well with many furniture and decor styles, whether your tastes are more traditional or modern and minimalist. White also reflects more light than other colors and can brighten your space.

Is it a good idea to paint brick?

Paint can also help reduce fading and deterioration of your home exterior. Easy to keep clean. Brick is naturally porous, so when left unpainted, dirt and debris can become trapped and difficult to clear away. Painted brick provides a smooth surface that is much easier to clean with occasional power washing.

Do I need heat resistant paint for fireplace?

A common misconception about painting fireplaces is that you need to get 'heat-resistant' paint. If you are only painting the outside of your fireplace, your paint just needs to be approved to withstand temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and most general interior paint is!

Can you paint a fireplace and still use it?

In any case, the answer is “yes” . . . . a fireplace can be successfully painted! It's important to use the correct type of primer and paint. But first, let's discuss how to prepare the brick for a new paint job.

Is whitewashing brick out of style?

Whitewashing brick is very quickly going out of style. Most whitewashed fireplaces look half done. In this particular picture, the fireplace started out with some pretty grey brick, and the painter did a really good job covering everything evenly without leaving streaks. Lots of whitewash jobs don't turn out this good.

How do you modernize a red brick fireplace?

In general, fireplaces stop looking modern when the materials used to make them get outdated.

Is brick a staple?

These ideas are sure to inspire you! Brick fireplaces are a traditional staple in homes in many regions. However, the brick color can be very trendy – and therefore fall out of style often or quickly.

Can you cover a brick fireplace with airstone?

This is a great tutorial on how to cover a brick fireplace with AirStone for a totally different style and look.

What is a red brick fireplace?

A red brick fireplace is a classic home feature that’s been around for centuries. Many older homes and even a few new ones include a traditional red brick fireplace in the living room. Some are beautiful design elements that you’d want to preserve and some are in need of a little help.

Why are mantels used in fireplaces?

Wood fireplace mantels are great because of how versatile they are. They can be built to fit any size fireplace and match just about any style. It’s because of this versatility that they’re one of our top red brick fireplace ideas each and every year. Not all mantels are created equal however.

Can you do custom paneling over a brick fireplace?

All the cuts are straight right angles so all you need is a tape measure, saw and a nail gun. Since your covering up an existing brick fireplace with this new design you’ll have to frame a wall over the existing fireplace. The new wall is what you apply the trim and mantel to.

Can you paint a red brick fireplace white?

It’s a daring choice to paint a red brick fireplace white but if you pull it off it’s can have a stunning result. Here we see a paint that’s a bit translucent or water based so that some of the red brick color passes through. This is also referred to as a white wash.

Is a red brick fireplace good?

Ever consider being a minimalist? A red brick fireplace is beautiful and doesn’t always need a lot of bells and whistles. A lot of designers, especially novice ones, tend to overdo things. Bigger isn’t always better. Consider pulling back once in a while and finishing a red brick fireplace in a very simple way.

Do red brick fireplaces have weathering?

Here we see a a red brick fireplace with really red brick. Firehouse bricks have a crisp, clean edge and a lot of color. They’re not tumbled and don’t have any weathering. Because of this, they can be overwhelming if you use them on the entire fireplace wall. But as an accent paired with real wood they’re beautiful.

Can you use cultured stone as a fireplace?

As long as you’ve hidden it under the cement board then it’ll stay exactly as is. You could use cultured stone as a fireplace veneer but we highly recommend using real stone.

What to do when red brick doesn't work?

When red or brown brick doesn’t work for your personal style, an easy way to change it is to embrace the texture, depth, and dimension of the material but use paint to change the color and better suit your design aesthetic. ”.

What is the best color to whitewash a room?

To give your room a crisp, fresh look, go for white. Prefer a more rustic style? Try whitewashing, which lets some of the colors of the brick show through. Hassen says “A whitewashed look is great for interiors with an eclectic or vintage look. An opaque treatment is extremely versatile lending well to modern apartment designs and those with Scandinavian influences .”

Is semi gloss paint good for a fireplace?

Semi-gloss is harder to apply, and it reflects a lot of light, so it can be distracting in a bright room. But it’s easier to clean and less likely to stain. Alicia Hassen from Brooklinteriors tells us “The best types of paints to achieve either looks are an indoor latex or masonry type paint. And remember to choose heat resistant paint if you will be operating the fireplace!”

Can you paint a brick fireplace?

Hassen says “When painting a brick fireplace, the most important steps are in the prep work! Make sure the brick is in good condition, and if there are small cracks, you can fill these with acrylic caulk.”. Painting a brick fireplace can be a fun weekend project if you have the right paint.

How to use masonry primer?

Pour your masonry primer into one of the 5-gallon buckets and insert a bucket screen on end; this painting tool will assist in both minimizing mess and achieving an even coat on your roller. Now dip the roller into the bucket, roll it along the screen, and repeat until it’s completely loaded with primer .

Can you paint a brick fireplace?

While a teardown of this brick feature for something more modern can be cost- prohibitive to many homeowners, you can still brush off outdated design before winter’s cold arrival by brushing up your fireplace exterior—with paint. Unlike drywall or wood, brick has a unique texture that should be taken into consideration when painting. Follow this tutorial to fix up your bare brick masonry fireplace in under a weekend.

What to use to clean around fireplace?

Once you’ve cleared all accessible debris with the brush, use an industrial vacuum like a Shop-Vac ® to vacuum the area around the fireplace.

Why use a mini roller when painting brick?

Then use a mini roller to cover the remaining surface area, ensuring that the primer is applied as evenly as possible. Priming is especially important when painting brick because the primer offers adhesion with alkali and efflorescence resistance for masonry surfaces.

What paint do I use to whitewash a fireplace?

Using a mixture of white latex paint and water ( you can read all about the process here ), I whitewashed the eighties out of my brick fireplace…

Can you whitewash over brick?

Fearing the dramatic permanence of completely painting over the brick, I opted for the safer/ less dramatic option of simply whitewashing over the brick. I knew if I didn’t like the whitewash effect, I could always paint over it entirely. This gradual approach was a great way to test the waters of a painted, brick fireplace.

Avoid the need to tear out an old brick fireplace by giving it a fresh look with a new coat of paint

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What to Consider When Buying the Best Paint for Brick Fireplaces

Advice on how to choose the best paint for brick fireplaces does vary, largely because not all products are used in the same way. The following section looks at important considerations related to the way various types of paint perform, followed by some useful tips on how to paint a fireplace that will help ensure successful application.

Tips on Prepping and Painting a Brick Fireplace

How to paint a brick fireplace is a subject Bob Vila has covered before. For your convenience, some of the key points are included here.

Our Top Picks

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about the various aspects that will impact your choice, it’s time to check out some of the best paint for brick fireplaces. These top picks have been assigned categories relevant to different types of finish, the look you’re going for, and more.

Our Verdict

Thanks to its outstanding coverage, The ONE paint and primer is the best paint for brick fireplace coverage, although it does come at a premium price. Valspar Signature is a quality alternative that costs a great deal less and comes in a wider range of colors, but it needs a primer or additional coats.

How We Chose the Best Paint for Brick Fireplaces

The challenge in selecting the best paint for brick fireplace transformations is that there are a number of different approaches to the task. Some people like the distressed look that is best achieved with chalk paint. Others prefer a whitewashed appearance. Contemporary styles can involve the use of bold, solid colors.

FAQs

Despite the comprehensive information provided above, you might still have some questions about how to choose the best paint for a brick fireplace renovation in your home. Read on to see if any of your lingering questions are answered here.

How do you modernize a red brick fireplace?

In general, fireplaces stop looking modern when the materials used to make them get outdated.

Is brick a staple?

These ideas are sure to inspire you! Brick fireplaces are a traditional staple in homes in many regions. However, the brick color can be very trendy – and therefore fall out of style often or quickly.

Can you cover a brick fireplace with airstone?

This is a great tutorial on how to cover a brick fireplace with AirStone for a totally different style and look.

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