How To Paint A Brick Fireplace In Time For The Holidays

JSP-man painting during holiday

As the days grow colder and the nights get longer, there is nothing better than curling up in front of a fire. And what better place to hang Christmas stockings than a traditional painted brick fireplace?

However, if your brick fireplace appears drab, a fresh coat of paint may be all that is required to rejuvenate it. This article offers step-by-step instructions for painting a brick fireplace. Here, you’ll find cost-efficient and straightforward ways to revamp your living area and make it more inviting for family gatherings this Christmas holidays.

Read here for a simple walkthrough on how to paint your fireplace. This will include expert tips and tricks and numerous creative fireplace paint ideas, so you can correctly get it done the first time. To start, here are the things you’ll need.

Tools and Materials

Tools

  • Wire brush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Drop cloth
  • Paint roller
  • Paintbrush

Materials

  • Non- sudsy Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
  • Fireplace cleaner
  • Painter’s tape
  • Oil base primer
  • Indoor latex paint

How To Paint a Brick Fireplace

Are you interested in finding out how to paint a brick fireplace to make it look more contemporary this coming holiday season? Here’s how?

1. Clean the fireplace’s exterior.

Thoroughly clean your fireplace before applying paint. The cleaning will ensure the paint sticks to the surface and dries properly. Cover the floor with a drop cloth and tape off any sections that should remain unpainted. Use a wire scrub brush and a vacuum to remove dirt and dust. Then, administer non-sudsy trisodium phosphate (TSP). Using water and soap or a fireplace cleanser, scrub the fireplace thoroughly while wearing safety gloves and goggles. Rinse and let dry.

2. Apply a primer to the brick.

Paint that has been exposed to soot from a fireplace will be shielded from future stains by an oil-based primer. Use a small, bristled brush to apply the primer to the nooks and crannies along the mortar lines. After that, use a roller and evenly apply the primer to the fireplace’s total surface. In addition, remember that the brick may require a second layer of priming since it is permeable. Leave the primer to dry overnight.

3. Paint the brick.

Once the primer has dried, you can paint the brick fireplace. Choose a fireplace brick paint color that complements your indoor color motif. Make sure to use latex, heat-resistant paint that is rated to withstand temperatures generated by the fireplace, usually about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that this paint is only suitable for the exterior of a brick fireplace, not the internal firebox. If you wish to paint the firebox, you’ll need a specialized heat-resistant paint product specifically designed for that purpose.

4. Add the final touches.

Use a small paintbrush to correct any imperfections or missed areas. Remove the painter’s tape and the drop cloth, then use a moist cloth to clean any paint splatters. Afterward, you can set up all the Christmas decorations and socks around your lovely brick fireplace.

Fireplace Paint Ideas To Try

Try out the German Smear.

Transform a plain brick fireplace using this simple method. A mortar wash, often referred to as a German smear, is a variation of the style of old European cottages that produces the effect of aged brickwork. It’s a fantastic and surprisingly inexpensive method to bring rustic character to an area that needs a quick makeover.

Embellish your brick with a stencil design.

Love the beauty of tiles but need more time to commit? Test the waters by painting a design, such as geo-stenciled brick, onto your existing fireplace.

Consider contrasting colors.

A living space with stark white walls can be transformed by including a black-painted brick fireplace. The black fireplace contrasts with the white walls creating a trendy, bohemian-modern vibe. To complete the bohemian feel, you can add a golden wood mantel and related accent pieces to offer a sense of comfort to the room.

Check out fresh and country style.

The white brick paint color gives a brick fireplace a beautiful, farmhouse-chic appearance. On the floor in front of the fireplace lay some graphic tiles adding a charming splash of color. Wood tones and colorful accents can complement the tiles to create an ultra-cozy area.

Go for an exquisite whitewash.

Using the simple whitewash technique, you may reduce the harshness of your brick fireplace. Whitewash provides flair and personality without appearing too overpowering. Mix water and white paint in an eggshell finish at a ratio of 50/50 and then apply with a paintbrush.

Test out the charcoal texture.

A charcoal gray fireplace contrasts with white walls. Complemented with an attractively rugged mantel, it draws attention to the painted bricks’ natural texture and creates a stunning living space.

Think about pure white Scandinavian style.

This white brick fireplace mixes beautifully with attractive white furnishings to create a living space that exudes Scandinavian minimalism. Include sandy wood furniture to create a comfortable and welcoming feel in a pristine, white living area.

Try out a light wash style.

A brick fireplace with a gentle wash makes a striking statement. To achieve this appearance on your brick fireplace, follow these directions:

  1. Combine one part water with one part eggshell-finish white paint.
  2. Begin painting in small sections with a brush, then remove most of the paint with a cloth.
  3. After which, apply more coats of paint until the desired shade is achieved.

To add a finishing touch, sand all the bricks with medium-grit sandpaper to produce a textured effect with a mixture of white and traces of the original color.

Conclusion

Several factors should be considered when painting an indoor brick fireplace. These factors include the paint type, color, and your chosen design. All of these factors will influence how the finished product looks. Following the steps outlined here, you will be much better prepared to produce a superior-quality painted fireplace that will make the perfect focal point for a family gathering this Christmas.

Spruce Up Your Brick Fireplace This Holidays With Jeff Schultz Painting.

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to conduct home improvements. Indeed, home improvements are often considered part of the preparation for family gatherings and Christmas celebrations. Regarding home improvements in the colder regions of America, one part of the house you shouldn’t overlook is the brick fireplace. You can renovate a brick fireplace yourself, or you can engage the services of a reputable service provider, such as Jeff Schultz Painting, one of the top professional painters in Sarasota, FL. With our expertise, you can rest assured that your brick fireplace will be ready for the holidays. Call us now!

Jeff Schultz

Jeff Schultz

Jeff Schultz is a skilled painting contractor with more than 35 years of experience. Since 1988, he's been offering top-notch painting services for homes and businesses in Sarasota, Bradenton, and along the Gulf Coast. Jeff knows how to choose the right paint for the area's weather, making sure the paint job lasts. His team can paint many different types of buildings, like high-rises, offices, churches, and more, without causing much disruption. Jeff's goal is to give the best painting service around, with great customer care, reliable work, and excellent results.

About Me

Jeff Schultz Painting is a full-service painting company that specializes in commercial and residential projects.
Jeff is a professional interior and exterior painting contractor with over 35 years of experience.

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