Can You Paint On Old Brick Fireplace

Step #1: Brush Out Debris

All painting projects require a sound and make clean surface, then commencement past thoroughly brushing your fireplace with a stiff wire brush. Pay special attention to the mortar lines between the bricks to remove whatever loose debris, then assess the mortar to make sure it doesn't need any repairs earlier you begin painting. One time the brushing is washed, carefully make clean upwardly all grit using a vacuum with a brush attachment from the surface also every bit the flooring.

Of import
Condom Note

You should ever apply personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on any projection to avoid breathing in dust or getting whatever particles in your eyes.

Step #2: Wash the Brick Make clean

Now that you've removed all loose debris, it's time to requite the brick a deep clean to remove whatever accumulated soot or other mineral residue that could leach through your new paint. Endeavour INSL-X^® All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner, a biodegradable, phosphate-free concentrate that y'all dilute with water to your desired strength, or a solution of lather and water. Be certain to spot test it first on a modest side surface area to make sure it doesn't cause whatever discoloration. To wash the forepart of the fireplace, thoroughly rub the cleaner into the unabridged brick surface with a sponge, then wipe it with a clean sponge and fresh water. If any soot or other residue remains, a degreaser or trisodium phosphate can also be used for a deeper clean.

Central Watchout

Bricks are porous and absorb a lot of water, so allow them to dry for 24 hours earlier priming and painting.

Step #3: Prime number the Brick

After you've taped off the edges of your fireplace and trim, use a paintbrush to prime all the mortar lines between the bricks, existence careful not to leave any unprimed spots. We recommend a loftier-quality acrylic latex primer like Fresh Start^® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer (046) or INSL-10^® Aqua Lock^®. Once the mortar is primed, use the roller to prime the face of the brick surface more speedily (ane/2" nap roller cover or three/8" nap roller cover will give you the all-time coverage, depending on the texture of your brick). A 2d glaze of primer may be necessary to forestall any remaining soot or mineral staining from leaching through, especially if you are using a light paint color. Notation that due to the absorbency of the brick, you lot will likely demand more primer than you would for a like size wall surface. For best results, allow the primer to dry out overnight.

Helpful Tip

A roller extension pole can make information technology easier to attain the higher areas of a floor-to-ceiling fireplace.

Pace #4: Paint Your Brick Fireplace

To ensure you don't stop upward with whatever missed spots, carefully paint in all the mortar lines with a brush commencement. You tin can then use a roller to cover the face of the bricks with paint more quickly. If you have a flooring-to-ceiling fireplace, utilize an extension pole to attain the higher areas. A 2d coat of paint is recommended to ensure a long-lasting, consistent finish.

Choose the Best Pigment Color and Sheen for Your Brick Fireplace

Neutral colors like white and gray are the most common colors for painting a brick fireplace, just this is a projection where you lot can be creative. Bold and contrasting colors can brand your fireplace a true focal indicate. Benjamin Moore offers 3,500+ colour options to cull from in trusted, high-quality products such as Regal^® Select, Aura^® and Accelerate^® interior paints. Sheen or finish can also enhance the visual effect. Lower sheens such every bit matte or eggshell will keep the natural texture of the brick with fewer visible imperfections, whereas a higher sheen such every bit semi-gloss will reflect more lite and tin make future cleaning easier.

Important
Safety Note

Merely paint the exterior of your fireplace, not the interior of the burn down box. Annihilation exposed to open flame requires a specialized, high-heat product.

Step #5: Paint the Mantel and Trim

Here are some pattern tips for painting your mantel and trim to get started:

If you accept a built-in bookcase or baseboard that's connected with the fireplace mantel, utilize the same color throughout for consistency.

For a sleeker, more modernistic wait, you can pigment the mantel the same colour equally the fireplace and walls. Consider a bolder piece of artwork above information technology or brighter accents on the mantel.

An heart-catching color creates a focal bespeak in the room, and a fireplace provides only the right amount of expanse to consider a bold color. Pull a colour from existing pocket-sized accents in the room. If the accents are relatively lite in colour, cull a shade—or a few shades—darker.

A black or white mantel offers a simple yet classic await. A black mantel frames the fireplace and anchors the room, providing stability. A white-colored mantel has a timeless appeal, giving y'all the flexibility to modify small accents throughout the year.