Take Your Fireplace from Blah to Ta-Dah! My Whitewash Brick Project

If you had told me a few weeks ago that I'd be able to transform my dated, boring brick fireplace into a gorgeous focal point worthy of a magazine spread in just a weekend, I would have laughed in your face. My fireplace, with its bland 1980s brickwork, had been the bane of my existence since I moved into my house. No matter how I decorated the living room, that dreary brick fireplace seemed to suck all the life out of the space. So when I started seeing whitewashed brick fireplaces trending on social media, I was immediately intrigued. Could a simple coat of white paint really make that much of an impact? I was skeptical, but I had to give it a try. Here's the story of how I whitewashed my fireplace brick in a single weekend - and took my living room from blah to ta-dah!

Whitewashing Brick Fireplaces 101

In case you're not familiar, whitewashing essentially involves applying a thin, translucent coat of white paint or limewash to brick. Unlike a solid coat of paint, whitewash allows some of the original brick color and texture to show through. This gives brickwork a softer, mottled look - think antique or weathered. Whitewashing brick creates an entirely new look without the cost or mess of a full demolition and rebuild. It's become hugely popular for transforming fireplaces that need a facelift.

Whitewash vs. Paint vs. Limewash

When planning my project, I knew I needed to decide between using regular paint, limewash, or true whitewash. Here's how the options compare:

• Paint - An opaque coating that completely covers the original brick color.
• Limewash - Made from lime, sand, and water for a natural, matte finish.
• Whitewash - Thinned down paint that allows brick to show through.

I ultimately chose whitewash because I wanted to maintain some of the original texture of the brick while still getting a white finish. Limewash seemed like too much work for a first-timer like me. Now let's get to the fun part - the actual whitewashing process!

Preparing for a Whitewash Project

I knew going into this project that proper prep would be key to getting good results. I started by thoroughly cleaning the entire brick fireplace using a mix of soap and water. This got rid of any dirt, soot, or residue that could prevent the whitewash from adhering properly. Next, I went over all the brick to scrape off any loose paint or mortar. I filled any holes or missing chunks of brick with mortar filler to create a smooth, even surface.

Once the fireplace itself was prepped, I protected the rest of the space. I covered the wood mantel and stone surround with plastic and painter's tape to prevent splatters. I also laid drop cloths over the nearby hardwood floors and furniture. Finally, I gathered my supplies - a high-quality exterior latex paint, angled brush, roller, paint tray, and a bucket for diluting the paint into a whitewash consistency.

Applying the Whitewash

The big day arrived and it was time to actually start whitewashing. I began by thinning down the paint with water in about a 3:1 ratio - 3 parts water to 1 part paint. My goal was a thin, milklike consistency that I could easily apply with a brush. I did a test patch in an inconspicuous area to make sure the consistency and color were what I wanted before moving on to the rest of the fireplace.

I worked in small sections, using the angled brush to apply the whitewash in random, overlapping strokes. This helped create an irregular, mottled look rather than thick solid stripes of paint. I let each section dry for 4 hours before going back and applying a second coat to build up the color. After two coats with the brush, I went over the entire fireplace with a roller to smooth out the finish. The roller helped blend everything together for a cohesive end result.

Once the final coat had dried for 24 hours, I removed all the tape and protective plastic. I used a small brush to tidy up a few drips and uneven patches. Then I stood back to admire my work - and let me tell you, I was stunned!

From Drab to Fabulous

Looking at my fireplace now, I can hardly believe it's the same one! The whitewashed brick looks light, bright and airy - the complete opposite of the dated, boring brick that was there before. I'm amazed by how much the white finish opened up and transformed the whole space. Yet there's still nice, natural texture from the original brick pattern coming through. It looks custom, not just painted over. And the best part? This mini makeover cost me less than $100 in supplies and was finished in a weekend.

If you have an outdated brick fireplace you've been itching to redo, I can't recommend whitewashing enough. It's affordable, achievable even for total DIY beginners like me, and offers a huge bang for your buck in terms of dramatically changing your space. I'd love to hear if you try it out! Let me know if you have any other whitewashing tips.

Based on what I learned from my first whitewash project, here are a few pointers if you're thinking of trying it:

• Test your whitewash formula on a small area first to get the color and consistency right.
• Consider limewash for a more natural, antiqued finish.
• Work in smaller sections for the best coverage and to avoid lap marks.
• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
• Use a brush for an irregular look and roller for the final coat.

You can whitewash your fireplace with the right techniques. What project will you try next? The possibilities are endless!