If your home has a dated or worn-looking red brick fireplace, you may feel it makes your living room or family room appear dark and old-fashioned. Painting the brick is an easy weekend DIY project that can completely transform the fireplace into a bright, modern focal point. With some cleaning supplies, primer, paint, and a few fun finishing techniques, you can craft a fireplace with the stylish painted brick look you love.
Prep Your Fireplace for a Makeover
Before breaking out the paint, it’s crucial to start by properly cleaning and prepping the brick. Give those dusty red bricks a good scrubbing to remove any dirt, soot, or oils that could interfere with paint adhesion. Here are a few top cleaning solutions for prepping brick:
- TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water – Great for removing oils and heavy grime
- Dish soap and warm water – For mild dirt and dust
- Wire brush – Loosens debris in crevices
Make sure to rinse the brick thoroughly after scrubbing to remove all residue. Let the brick dry fully for a day or two before starting to paint. Proper prep work makes all the difference for a smooth, lasting painted finish.
Choosing the Right Fireplace Paint
With all the types of paints on the market, it can be tricky selecting the right one for painting brick fireplaces. Here are a few key considerations:
Paint Options for Active vs. Non-Active Fireplaces
If your fireplace is decorative and non-functional, you can use standard acrylic craft paints or spray paint. But for a working fireplace, choose a high heat-resistant spray paint rated for fireplaces up to 1200degF to withstand the heat.
Sheens and Finishes
For a natural-looking faux brick finish, flat or matte paint is best. Satin, semi-gloss, and gloss will look too shiny and unnatural on brick. A flat finish helps absorb light similarly to real brick for an authentic appearance.
Durability and Breathability
Look for an exterior masonry paint designed to withstand temperature fluctuations, moisture, and weathering on brick surfaces. Make sure the paint allows vapor transmission so moisture can escape from the bricks.
Color Options
Painting over red brick provides endless possibilities for new, vibrant colors. Neutral tones like grays, taupes, and whites open up the space and reflect more light. Bold shades add drama. Just steer clear of glossy colors, which look less realistic on brick.
Painting a Non-Active Fireplace
For fireplaces that are purely decorative, you can use standard paint techniques without any special considerations for heat-resistance. Here are a few tips:
Prepping the Surface
After cleaning, apply painter’s tape around the edges to protect the surrounding walls and mantel. Roll out drop cloths to catch drips and spills during the painting process.
Priming
Prime the brick before painting for maximum adherence. This helps seal the surface so the paint grabs on evenly. Use an exterior masonry primer.
Paint Application
Spray paint works wonderfully for easily coating brick fireplaces. Use sweeping horizontal and vertical motions to spray paint across the entire surface. Let the paint cure fully, then do a very light sanding before adding any second coats.
Painting an Active Fireplace
Painting a functioning wood-burning or gas fireplace requires taking additional precautions. Be sure to use specially formulated high heat-resistant paints for safety and durability:
High Heat Spray Paint
Look for spray paints rated for temperatures up to 1200degF. Apply only to fully cooled surfaces according to manufacturer directions to avoid cracking or peeling.
Firebox Paint
Use black heat-resistant firebox paint inside the firebox area only. Tape off the firebox opening before painting only the firebrick liner.
Ventilation
Never paint over any openings or ventilation holes where smoke needs to escape. Paint only the firebox liner itself, leaving ducts fully clear.
Achieving a Faux Brick Finish
With some simple painting techniques, you can easily fake a realistic aged brick finish. Here are a few easy steps:
Base Coating
After priming, apply two coats of a flat or matte paint in your chosen base brick color. A thick masonry paint works best.
Highlight and Shadow
Use a slightly lighter shade and softly dry brush or sponge paint across the surface to add highlights, blending them in. Repeat with a slightly darker tone in crevices and edges for shadowing.
Sealing
Finish with a matte sealant to protect the paint and prevent shiny spots that look less natural on faux brick.
Accentuating with Creative Paint Techniques
Take your fireplace paint job to the next level by accentuating with fun decorative painting techniques like these:
Stenciling
Use a brick, stone, or geometric pattern stencil to add interest. Apply a contrasting shade over the stencil for definition.
Rag Rolling
Dip crumpled rags in darker and lighter paint shades and gently roll onto the surface randomly for subtle variation.
Stamping
Press brick, stone, or textured stamps into paint for an embossed 3D pattern.
Color Washing
Water down some paint and apply thin veils of color lightly over the base for a timeworn antique look.
Dry Brushing
Use a dry stiff brush to flick on small flecks of paint to build up layered texture.
Stripes
Paint bold or thin stripes in a contrasting color horizontally, vertically, or diagonally for a modern twist.
Faux Grout Lines
Use painter’s tape to outline “grout lines” and paint them in a lighter shade. Remove the tape for crisp lines.
Protecting Your Painted Fireplace
Once your fireplace makeover is complete, be sure to take steps to protect the painted surface and keep it looking freshly updated for years:
- Apply fireproof sealant if painting an active fireplace
- Avoid placing combustible decor right next to heat source
- Touch up paint as needed to cover scuffs or scrapes
- Dust regularly and gently clean with a soft cloth
You can transform dated red fireplace bricks into a stunning new focal point with a few simple steps. The possibilities are endless for the color palette and decorative finishes you can add. Painting brick fireplaces truly allows you to accent your personal style. Roll up your sleeves for a fun weekend project and then step back to admire your handcrafted fireplace makeover. That outdated red brick will be a thing of the past!
