HOW TO PAINT FIREPLACE BRICKS

Brick fireplaces can be cozy and welcoming but if it doesn't fit into your decor then you will find how to paint fireplace bricks helpful. This DIY will show you how you can easily transform your room in one day just by painting your brick fireplace.

Dark brick fireplaces are perfect in just the right setting but if it is making your room dreary then how to paint fireplace bricks is just what you need to brighten up your style.

This post will take you step by step on how to paint your brick fireplace.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

How to Paint Fireplace Bricks

My daughter, Savanna, and I painted this brick fireplace in one day with one gallon of paint and a few other supplies. So to start this project you need to gather all your supplies.

Here is what you will need to get started.

• 1 Gallon of Behr white Marquee paint and primer
• Roller cover (larger nap)
• Roller frame
• Roller tray
• Sponge brush
• Paint brush
• Painters tape
• Plastic covering
• Vacuum
• Window cleaner
• Paper towels

Clean the Brick

Before you get started painting begin by vacuuming the bricks. After you have vacuumed the bricks and mortar use the vacuum to clean around the fireplace opening and inside.

Remove all the dust and if you find any wax like we did use a knife to carve it off of the brick.

Once you have removed all the dust and dirt use some glass cleaner and paper towels and clean the glass on the inside and out. We also cleaned all the back areas of the fireplace.

Tape the Fireplace

Next take the painters tape and tape around the fireplace so the paint will not touch the black part of the fireplace.

Also tape off the mantel if you are not planning to paint the mantle. Drape the plastic dropcloth over the mantle and tape it down too.

After you have the fireplace and mantle taped off lay out the plastic drop cloth on the floor and tape it down up again the fireplace hearth. This will help keep the floor free of paint.

Last, tape along the wall where the fireplace brick and the wall meet. It is important to score along the tape edge or paint might get under the tape.

Now it is time to start painting.

Paint

Before we get started I want to encourage you to use a high quality paint plus primer like Marquee from Behr paint. The better the paint the easier the job.

We used Ultra Pure White which happens to be one of their most sold colors. There are more wonderful color ideas on the popular Behr paint colors post.

Now it also helps to have one or two other people. One can brush or sponge while the other rolls. I do not have a photo of Savanna rolling the brick but I did have this photo so you can see what kind of roller we used.

It is a longer nap roller which helps get the paint between the cracks. But honestly we still needed to use the sponge brush or paint brush so I think you can use just about any nap roller.

Pour some paint in your roller tray and start rolling paint onto the bricks. While one person rolls another person can dip the sponge brush into the can of paint and start pressing paint into the mortar.

If you are doing this project by yourself I would recommend doing the mortar part first then coming back with the roller.

It also helps to do it in section. Trim and paint the top part first. Once you have finished take a break and come back and do the bottom.

Another tip is to start at the top of the fireplace and work your way down. We painted the crown the same as the fireplace because it was already white but not exactly the same white. So to make it all flow together we gave it a coat of the Marquee Behr paint.

Remove the Tape

Once you have finished painting the bricks go ahead and take off the painters tape. I recommend doing it while things are still a little wet because if you let it get good and dry and the paint is stuck to the tape then the paint may come off too.

Paint the Mantle

Now once you have painted your fireplace if you decide the mantle needs painting like we did then you may need more paint.

The brick on the fireplace took all of the gallon of paint so to do the mantle we needed another quart. This actually turns out pretty good because now there is paint for touch up if needed.

Clean the Wood with TSP

Before you start painting it is important to clean the wood with TSP. This product will remove any grime or smoke from the wood and the paint will adhere better.

Simply use some kitchen gloves and a clean cloth. Put some TSP on the cloth and wipe down the wood. Clean it once or twice and let it dry.

Paint the Wood

Now that the wood is clean simply use a paint brush and start painting on the paint. You will most likely need two or three coats. Let it dry in between coats and before you know it your mantel will be the same color as the brick.

Dry 24 Hours

I know you are excited to start decorating your mantle but let me recommend you let it dry for 24 hours. If you sit anything on the mantel before then it is good and dry then it will stick to the paint and possibly mess it up.

So, give it some time and let the paint cure and now you are finished.

Can you believe it? You have a completely different fireplace that has changed the whole feel of your room.

Conclusion

Yay! Your fireplace is finished so here are some styling tips for your mantle.

One beautiful way to decorate your mantle is with baskets. I share how to arrange the baskets on a fireplace to give it a warm and cozy look.

Another great fireplace decoration idea is changing decor out for holidays like this autumn mantle decoration post. There are loads of ideas.

And last how about decorating your fireplace with cotton. Cotton is very popular and also makes a fireplace feel warm and inviting. Here are some many ideas for decorating with cotton.

So you know the old saying that the fireplace is the heart of the home? Well, if you love your fireplace then it will naturally be a place you want to bring your friends and family around on those cold winter nights or even on beautiful summer days.

Happy Decorating!