Painting Your Chimney Exterior? Read This Before You Start

If your chimney is showing signs of wear like fading bricks, flaking paint, or damaged mortar, a fresh coat of paint can restore its appearance. Painting a chimney exterior also provides added weather protection. But without proper prep work and technique, you won't achieve quality results.

Read on to learn crucial tips from assessing if your chimney needs painting to maintaining it long-term.

Determine if Your Chimney Needs Painting

Don't pick up a paintbrush without first confirming that painting is necessary and identifying potential trouble areas needing repair:

Signs it's time for a fresh coat of paint

• Fading color shows the current paint is weathered and porous
• Flaking or bubbling paint signals poor adhesion
• Missing mortar between bricks can allow moisture inside, damaging masonry
• An overall weathered or unattractive appearance means fresh paint would provide aesthetic benefits

Considerations by chimney construction type

The specific construction material impacts the prep work and painting technique:

• Brick chimneys require the most extensive mortar repairs and surface preparation
• Stone chimneys rarely need paint for protection but can look dated over time
• Stucco chimneys absorb paint well with proper pressure washing and priming
• Metal chimneys rely largely on paint for corrosion resistance from weather exposure

Inspect all sides of your chimney before deciding whether repainting could restore or enhance its appearance.

Choose the Right Paint for the Job

Using quality, chimney-specific paint ensures maximum durability and performance:

High heat paint importance

On frequently-used chimneys, high heat paint prevents cracking or peeling from exposure to smoke, fire, and vented gases. Choose paints rated for temperatures exceeding 1000degF.

Sheen level - semi-gloss vs. gloss

Semi-gloss or gloss enamels better resist chemical cleaning products and environmental damage from sun, rain, snow, and hail.

Masonry vs. standard exterior paint

Though costlier, masonry paints contain elastic polymers allowing expansion/contraction as mortar joints shift over seasons. This prevents cracking or peeling.

Match surrounding areas

Select a neutral color matching your roof, exterior walls, or foundation brickwork. Consistent shades give a cohesive, attractive look.

Painting previously painted chimneys

Confirm old paint isn't lead-based. Seek complete removal to prevent bonding issues with new paint. Otherwise, look for compatible high adhesion primer.

Properly Prepare the Chimney Surface

Without thorough cleaning and repair, new paint won't stick long-term:

Cleaning methods

• Pressure washing with detergent removes accumulated dirt, soot, mildew, and chalky surface deposits
• Chemical cleaners help strip oil, grease stains, and glossy finishes from old paint
• Scrape off all loose, flaking or bubbling paint with a wire brush or scraper if not pressure washing

Mortar/brick repairs

Re-point damaged mortar and replace any deteriorating bricks before painting. This avoids trapping moisture and provides an intact surface.

Filling cracks and gaps

Use caulk or weather-resistant patching compound to fill cracks for waterproofing. This prevents premature paint failure in compromised areas.

Prime Before Painting

Quality primer enhances paint bonding and visual results:

Purpose of primer

Priming uniforms the surface texture and porosity between old paint, repairs, and bare areas for smoother topcoat application.

Primer options by surface type

On bare brick/stone, use alkaline-resistant primers. For previously painted masonry or stucco, high-adhesion primers work well.

High heat primer for active chimneys

High temp primers withstand temperatures over 700degF better than standard options without cracking or peeling.

Safely Access the Chimney for Painting

Two-story chimneys present an access challenge requiring the right equipment:

Equipment needed

• Ladders offer limited height access before rented scaffolding becomes necessary
• Scaffolding creates a stable elevated platform when ladders can't safely reach
• Safety harnesses prevent dangerous falls while working at height or outreaching

Plan painting in suitable weather

Select dry conditions without extremely cold/hot temperatures. Windless days help avoid spray mist blowing onto unwanted areas.

Apply Paint with Sprayer Over Brush

Airless sprayers offer more efficient, professional results than brushes or rollers:

Benefits of sprayers

• Faster application saves hours of time on large chimneys
• More consistent, even coats without visible brush strokes
• Reaches all cracks/crevices in textured masonry better than rollers

Airless sprayer operation

These specialized paint sprayers use high hydraulic pressure rather than compressed air to atomize paint. Adjust nozzle size/pressure for the viscosity of chosen paint.

Achieve smooth consistent coats

Apply multiple thin coats allowing proper drying between rather than one thick coat. Heavier films are more prone to drips, bubbles, or runs.

Protect the Freshly Painted Surface

Safeguarding the long-lasting appearance of newly painted chimneys requires caution:

Let paint fully cure

Don't scrub or pressure wash for several weeks until paint has completely dried/hardened through its entire film thickness.

Install rain cap

Adding a chimney rain cap shields exterior brickwork from moisture damage and helps new paint retain its color longer.

Careful cleaning methods

When cleaning is needed, use soft brushes and low pressure water settings. Harsh chemicals can strip fresh paint prematurely.

Maintain the Painted Chimney

Ongoing inspections and upkeep preserve your paint job investment:

Regular inspections

Check painted chimney surfaces yearly for emerging cracks or areas of worn paint needing touch up.

Touch up painting as needed

Spot repair flaking paint to prevent moisture penetration and more serious damage.

Avoid damage from airborne debris

Keep surrounding trees and bushes well trimmed to reduce seeds/leaves sticking to freshly painted walls.

Achieving a durable, quality paint job on chimney exteriors requires considerable preparation and the right products. While extensive dismantling or paint stripping may warrant calling professional masonry/waterproofing contractors, small-scale DIY projects are manageable.

Following the techniques here for careful surface prep, high-quality paint selection, spray application, and long-term maintenance will restore and protect your chimney's appearance for years.