After visiting all the amazing show homes highlighting the latest decor trends at Parade of Homes, you may have gotten back to your house or condo and realized that your existing fireplace is looking a tad old fashioned.
The good news is that painting your brick fireplace, whether indoors or outdoors, is an affordable and effective solution to breathe new life into it without replacing the entire thing.
Is painting a brick fireplace a good idea?
Before you pick up a paintbrush, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of painting your brick fireplace.
Pros:
• Transforms your space: Painting your fireplace can modernize your space and express your decor style.
• Conceals imperfections: Fresh paint can hide stains and discolouration in bricks caused by time.
• Simplifies maintenance: Painted brick is easier to clean and maintain, and will mask wear and tear.
Cons:
• It’s difficult to reverse: While removing paint from a brick fireplace is possible, it’s labour-intensive and may require professional tools.
• Requires regular maintenance: Painted surfaces may require periodic touch-ups, as paint can chip over time.
• Can damage the brick: Before painting a brick fireplace, it’s essential to properly clean bricks, apply primer, and choose the right paint. If the brick is not in good condition, painting over it can make it worse.
• Requires significant time to prepare brick for painting: Painting brick is not a quick fix. Brick surfaces need to be cleaned of dust and soot first, plus cracks and mortar issues must be repaired to ensure a good result.
Choosing the right kind of paint
Choosing the right products is crucial for a successful fireplace transformation. A stain blocking primer helps prevent future soot stains and helps the paint adhere to the brick. This keeps it looking great for longer. Paint choice is also a key decision when revamping your fireplace. Consider the finish you want and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on, which may also depend on whether it’s an indoor or outdoor fireplace.
Latex Paint Latex paint is a popular water-based choice for brick fireplaces because it requires little maintenance. It adheres well to brick, comes in various finishes and can be used indoors and out. It’s known for its quick drying time and easy cleanup, less fumes and low cost.
Acrylic Paint Acrylic paint is durable and resists chipping, peeling, cracking and fading. However, it contains harsh chemicals that emit harmful fumes as it dries, so proper ventilation and protective gear are necessary when applying it indoors. This type of paint is better for exterior brick fireplaces because it can handle temperature fluctuations. Both acrylic and latex paints offer various finish options from flat/matte to high-gloss.
Chalk Paint Chalk paint has gained popularity for its matte finish and vintage look. It’s a good choice if you’re aiming for a rustic or shabby-chic look for either an interior or exterior fireplace. Chalk paint preserves the original fireplace colour under a thin, chalk-like layer. This technique eliminates the need for primer.
Heat-Resistant Paint If you plan on painting the firebox, you’ll need heat-resistant paint. This type of paint can handle temperatures upward of 750 degrees Fahrenheit without degrading, discolouring, or emitting fumes.
Masonry Paint Specifically designed for brick and masonry surfaces, masonry paint is durable and weather resistant. It’s ideal for outdoor fireplaces.
Stain If you want to retain the natural texture of the brick while changing its colour, consider using a brick stain. Staining penetrates the brick’s surface, allowing its texture to show through while only altering its hue.
Whitewashing This technique involves diluting the paint with water to create a translucent finish. It’s a best-of-both-worlds option that lets some original brick colour show through. It’s also budget-friendly.
Limewash Limewash paint is made by mixing water, pigment and crushed limestone. It conveys a nonreflective, vintage look. Limewash paint is low maintenance and won’t peel or chip over time. Limewash is nontoxic, environmentally friendly, breathable and resists mold.
How to paint a brick fireplace
Surprisingly, you can paint your brick fireplace over one weekend. Once you’ve chosen the paint for your brick fireplace, you’ll need to follow the specific product instructions. Here are the usual steps:
• Gather your supplies: You’ll need paint, primer, tape, brushes, drop cloths, and cleaning materials.
• Clean your brick fireplace: Remove all dust, dirt and soot, since leftover debris can show through dried paint.
• Tape and protect: Use painter’s tape to protect adjacent surfaces. Lay down drop cloths to catch spills.
• Apply primer: Priming is vital to proper paint adhesion, depending on your chosen paint. Brick absorbs more paint if not initially primed.
• Paint smart: Use a small paintbrush to paint the mortar and a roller for the brick. You’ll need multiple coats depending on your desired finish.
• Allow to dry: Let each coat dry completely before applying the next according to the paint’s directions.
• Clean up: Carefully remove tape and clean up drips.
Do’s and don’ts
As you start your brick-painting journey, remember to:
Do:
• Prepare: Research your paint options, prepare the surface, and choose the best colour for your goals.
• Use high-quality paint: Going with the cheapest can cost you more in the long run and lead to a DIY regret.
• Work in sections: Paint small sections at a time for even coverage.
Don’t:
• Paint damaged brick: Painting over damaged brick can damage it further, causing it to peel and flake, which could make you regret painting your brick.
• Forget to ventilate: Open doors and windows while painting to disperse fumes and aid in drying. You need ventilation especially if you live with children, pets, or people with respiratory issues.
• Ignore safety: Use appropriate safety gear, gloves and goggles when using paint and harsh chemicals.
Estimated Costs and ROI
The cost of painting a brick fireplace can vary widely depending on factors like the size of the fireplace, the type of paint you use, and your decision about whether to hire a professional. The cost to paint a brick fireplace can be as low as $50 to over $200 on a project for a DIYer, with many brick painting kits available online.
In general, a fireplace can add $5,000 to $12,000 to the value of your home, according to FixR. If you don’t have one already, you can add a fireplace to your home for anywhere between a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re considering selling, you could help buyers fall in love — and even sell your home up to 30% faster— with a few minor improvements, like painting the brick fireplace to give it a fresh, modern look.
Painting your brick fireplace is like giving it a stylish makeover. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your living space and enhance your home’s appeal when selling.
— Houselogic.com