Revive Your Fireplace Look with White Wash

If your outdated brick fireplace is making your living room look dull and dark, whitewashing it can provide an instant facelift. This simple DIY project allows you to refresh the fireplace without the mess and expense of major renovations.

Whitewashing brick involves applying a thin, translucent coat of white paint or whitewash. This mutes the fireplace's color while allowing the charming texture of the original brickwork to show through. The result is a lighter, brighter, more modern look.

Benefits of Whitewashing Over Other Update Options

There are several advantages to whitewashing compared to other options for updating an out-of-date fireplace:

• It's extremely affordable, with minimal supplies needed.
• The process is beginner-friendly and achievable as a DIY project.
• No demolition or renovation is necessary since existing brickwork is preserved.
• The classic texture of the brick remains visible rather than being covered up.
• It modernizes the look while retaining beloved architectural details.
• The soft, translucent finish has an airy cottage charm.

For a lightly weathered finish with lots of brick showing through, whitewashing brings new life at a fraction of the cost of a full makeover.

Choosing Paints and Supplies

While specially formulated whitewash paint is available, you can also simply dilute white latex paint for whitewashing brick. The key is finding an opaque paint that will become translucent when thinned down.

Type of Paint

For most whitewashing projects, a high quality acrylic latex paint will provide the best adhesion and durability:

• Acrylic paint bonds well to porous masonry surfaces like brick.
• It's more flexible than oil-based paints.
• Latex acrylic resists fading and is easy to clean.

While chalk paint is popular for whitewashing, it tends to rub off easily on high-touch surfaces like fireplace mantels. For longevity, acrylic latex is the best choice.

Other Supplies Needed

In addition to white paint, you'll need:

• Paintbrush and/or clean rags
• Paint tray, bucket or roller
• Drop cloths
• Painter's tape
• Water

Opt for high-quality applicator brushes that can withstand the abrasive friction of brick. Disposable chip brushes also work well. Test both brush and rag application to decide which creates your desired finish.

Preparing Brick Surface

Getting the surface ready is crucial for proper paint adhesion and an attractive result. Your brick must be:

• Clean - Use a diluted bleach solution to remove grime and stains from brick.
• Dry - Allow at least 48 hours after cleaning for brick to fully dry before painting.
• Sealed - Fill any cracks and gaps with masonry filler caulk to prevent whitewash bleeding.

Cleaning Solutions

To remove grease, soot, mildew and other grime without damaging brick, use:

• 1 cup powdered laundry detergent
• 1 cup all-purpose cleaner like Spic & Span
• 1/2 cup bleach
• 1 gallon warm water

Let the diluted cleaning solution sit on brick for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Avoid using a pressure washer, which can erode brickwork.

Filling Gaps

Use a caulking gun to seal any cracks or missing mortar so whitewash won't seep in and leave lines. Opt for a paintable, flexible masonry crack filler .

Choosing and Mixing Whitewash

For whitewashing brick, the goal is thin, uneven coverage letting the base texture show through. Diluting white paint is necessary for transparency.

Paint Dilution Ratios

There's no fixed formula, but common ratios include:

• 50/50 paint to water
• 60/40 paint to water
• 2 parts paint to 1 part water

Darker brick may need a higher concentration of paint for sufficient coverage. Test ratios on your brick to find the right balance of opacity and translucence.

Consistency

Aim for a thin solution similar to milk. Dip a brush in to test coverage. If the brick shows through easily, the dilution is ideal for whitewashing.

Tinting

A bright white wash may look harsh on warm, red brick. For a softer look, tint the mixture with a drop of gray or tan paint. This creates an antiqued, mineral-like finish.

Test Application and Coverage

Seeing how the whitewash interacts with your actual brick before proceeding is wise. This small test will answer questions about using a brush vs rag, opacity, and number of coats needed.

Test Patch

Select a small, inconspicuous part of the fireplace, away from the main focal areas. Apply a test patch of thinned paint using your preferred tool. Evaluate coverage and make any necessary adjustments.

Varying Absorption

Differing brick textures and porosities mean whitewash concentration can look inconsistent. Denser firebricks absorb more, while softer bricks resist coating. Embrace this natural variation.

Layering

Rather than one thick application, numerous thinner layers create dimension. Allow each translucent coat to fully dry before adding another for a aged, layered effect.

Applying Whitewash to Brick

With your mixture perfected, it's time to whitewash the entire fireplace. This is an intuitive process focused on uneven, imperfect coverage.

Where to Start

First treat the recessed mortar lines, brushing whitewash horizontally to fill grout thoroughly before covering brick faces. This ensures color consistency between brick and grout.

Vary Thickness

Keep pressure light and variable over the face of each brick. Avoid saturating the brick completely so that some of its warm, earthy color shows through the white coating.

Manipulating Texture

Let more intense brush strokes or thick paint clusters add age by exposing raw brick beneath. Repeated vertical strokes with a dry brush also simulate weathered imperfections.

Distressing

Protecting Surfaces and Finishing Touches

Safeguard Surrounding Areas

Use painters tape to seal off the fireplace mantel, hearth, and any other surfaces that shouldn't get splattered. Cover nearby floors with a drop cloth.

Remove Tape Carefully

Pull up tape gradually after whitewashing fully dries to avoid pulling off still-curing paint.

Add a Protective Topcoat (Optional)

For added protection and sheen over the cured whitewash, apply a non-yellowing water-based acrylic sealer . This protects the finish from smoke and soot over time.

Display Decor Items

Place vases, framed photos, sconces or other decorative elements against your whitewashed backdrop. This completes your fireplace's fresh, updated look.

Maintaining Whitewashed Brick Over Time

Properly cared for, a whitewashed fireplace will retain its beauty for years. Here are tips for keeping it looking its best:

• Gently dust surface using a soft cloth to prevent buildup.
• Spot clean soiled areas with mild dish soap and water.
• Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals that could damage the finish.
• Touch up paint scratches immediately to prevent moisture entering brick.
• Reapply protective sealant every 2-3 years.
• Freshen up the white wash when needed, repeating the steps above.

If tackling an extensive makeover seems overwhelming, try this simple, scenic solution. Whitewashing brings new life to worn fireplaces through an afternoon DIY project. Following the steps above revives beauty while preserving beloved brickwork and cherished memories.

Soon you'll be enjoying the cozy glow of flames against a lighter, brighter backdrop. Let the ease of whitewash surprise you - and inspire you to seek character-rich improvements that honor an old home's spirit.