Easy How-To Guide For Painting Your Outdated Brick Fireplace

If your outdated brick fireplace is making your living room appear dull and dated, painting it can give the space an instant facelift. Transforming the brick with a fresh coat of color is an easy, budget-friendly alternative to a full remodel. This DIY painting guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right paint to techniques for achieving an flawless finish.

Follow our step-by-step instructions and soon you'll have a fireplace that looks like new again without breaking the bank.

Choosing the Right Paint

Selecting the best paint for brick fireplaces comes down to a few key factors. You'll want excellent adhesion to prevent future peeling or flaking. Durability is also essential since the surface sees high traffic and endures heat exposure. And of course, appearance - finding a shade that flatters the existing brick instead of clashing or muting the tones.

We recommend masonry paints specifically formulated for textured and porous surfaces like concrete, stucco, and brick. These paints fill in pores and gaps for maximum coverage. Primers improve adhesion while finishes provide protection and sheen. For red brick, avoid paints with too much gray or black pigment as the iron oxide can cause the vibrant hue to appear dull. Opt for paints designed to enhance and complement red brickwork.

Tinting Your Paint

While off-the-shelf masonry paint works, we suggest tinting primer and paint to seamlessly match your home's color scheme. Bring paint chip samples of your existing trim or walls to the paint counter. Ask them to color match the brick paint to coordinate without clashing. Beige, brown, white, and gray shades are foolproof, but consider accent colors for a pop of personality!

Preparing the Brick Surface

Before applying even a single stroke of paint, ensure the brick is properly prepped first. Any debris, grease, or loose material will impede paint adhesion. First, scrub the entire surface with a wire brush to remove dirt and flaky residue in the crevices.

Next, use a diluted bleach solution to kill mold, mildew, and algae accumulation. Let the bleach sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for the brick to dry completely. Moisture is paint's worst enemy when covering masonry.

Why Priming is Crucial

Priming before painting improves bond strength so the new color resists chipping or peeling over time. Primers fill in porous bricks to create a smooth, sealed layer that welcomes paint. They prevent imperfections in the brick like cracks, holes, and uneven textures from showing through the final coat.

Look for masonry bonding primers that work specifically with brick and concrete. Apply with a paintbrush or roller in long, even strokes according to manufacturer guidelines. Allow the recommended drying time before adding finishing paint.

Testing Paint Colors

Seeing paint swatches is helpful but nothing compares to viewing real brick samples. Test top contenders first before committing to a single color for the entire project. Paint various 12 x 12 inch sections around the fireplace, letting each one dry completely before comparing.

Evaluate colors at different times of day as natural light shifts. Determine whether the shade overpowers the existing brickwork or provides an accent. Neutral shades like beige or white open up small spaces while deeper hues add cozy warmth. Only proceed once you've landed on your perfect match.

Applying Paint in Layers

Patience and gradually building color is imperative when painting brick. Unlike drywall, brick is extremely porous and often soaks up paint unevenly. Rushing through or attempting full coverage in one coat never ends well.

Instead, apply two to three thin, even layers allowing proper drying time between each. Touch-ups in missed spots or disjointed edges is also easier with gradual color development. Thick globs of paint are more prone to run and drip. Target consistency across the entire fireplace for a seamless look.

Letting Paint Dry

Another advantage of painting brick in deliberate stages is drying time becomes less crucial. When applying multiple coats, you can get away with shorter intervals between layers. But refrain from adding more paint if the previous application feels cool and tacky.

Ideal drying conditions are above 50degF with low humidity. Avoid painting on hot, direct sunlight days as the surface may dry too rapidly. Target 12-24 hours minimum between coats. The curing process takes longer but establishes a durable bond.

Painting the Grout Lines

Some homeowners opt to leave their mortar lines untouched for contrast. But painting the grout along with the brick links everything together cohesively. Use a small detail brush and steady hand to neatly trace each line without messily overlapping.

You can mimic the brick color or go darker or lighter depending on personal preference. Choose a darker mortar shade to make individual bricks pop or lighter to downplay the lines. Or pick a third accent color for extra dimension. Apply the same amount of coats to the mortar as the brickwork for synchronized aging.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

With brick painting, diligence and patience are rewarded while rushing through backfires. Prevent hiccups in your project by avoiding these all-too-common pitfalls:

• Inadequate surface cleaning - Brick needs a deep clean first
• Insufficient drying times - Respect each layer before adding more
• Applying too much paint too quickly - Slow and steady is best
• Messy grout lines - Use painter's tape for straight edges
• Visibly uneven topcoat - Touch up thin patches

Caring for the Finished Product

Once painting concludes, refrain from building fires or placing hot items against the brick for approximately week to allow thorough curing. The surface may feel dry within 48 hours but additional time strengthens the bond between paint and brick.

Clean painted brick gently with plain water and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrub brushes or potent cleaners which may deteriorate the paint over time. Touch up chips promptly when they occur to prevent flaking.

Your transformed fireplace should maintain its refreshed appearance for years before needing a repaint. Enjoy an updated space without undergoing a major overhaul.

With some simple paint and primer, you can revive a worn-looking brick fireplace easily. Display favorite photos, antiques, or artwork on the mantle to accentuate the flush new backdrop. Add plush seating, cozy pillows, and warm throws for an inviting area guaranteed to see increased use.

Don't tolerate lackluster elements dragging down your home's potential. This straightforward painting technique lets you refashion one of the hardest working fixtures in your house. An eye-catching, on-trend fireplace pulls together a room and creates an enticing focal point for welcoming guests.