How can I lighten up the inside of a fireplace?
by
Tina
+17
Please let me know how to clean fireplace brick that I have scrubbed and is no longer black but splotchy and dingy. I want to use it for a candle display now but it may be wood burning or with gas logs in the future. Other than covering it up with a backboard, can anyone suggest what I can do to make it attractive?
11 answers
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If you are talking about the inside of the fireplace itself (where the fire is lit and not surrounding brick), there is a high-temp paint that you can buy in different colors. http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Stove-Bright-High-Temperature-Stove-Paint?gclid=COfjysalsskCFQpBfgodtOMOCQ?gdftrk=gdfV23673_a_7c1677_a_7c8224_a_7c1092060_a2s__a3a__a2s_1092060_d_Metallic_a2s_Grey#109Paintcolor:Metallic_Grey
Leslie D
on Nov 27, 2015
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Once cleaned it will 'dirty up' quicker now, so definitely paint. You might even try using two colors and overlaying with a wipe off technique to get a nicer patina than one solid color.
Johnchip
on Nov 28, 2015
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Paint the inside with a heat resistant paint for fireplaces.
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 28, 2015
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Using high heat paint was my first thought, but reading the container, it says it should not be used where it would be in contact with flame. That would be mean the fireplace should not be used to burn wood or gas logs.
Tina
on Nov 28, 2015
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Can you take a photo for us to see?
Suzie
on Nov 28, 2015
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Use Tin Flashing. You can imprint it with stencils and a rubber mallet. Paint it however you wish, remove when you're ready to change. I have used this for back splashes and to line a water heater closet.
Sheryl Gilliland
on Nov 28, 2015
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Put a large cheap mirror in,it would be beautiful when you light your candles.Take it out when you intend to use it for heat.
Patsy
on Nov 28, 2015
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you can make any kind of insert - if it's not heat/flame safe you'd have to remove it during use. Or you can buy concrete backer board and the brick slices (real brick but thin) and attach them. Just keep in mind that whatever you choose to work with it has to be flame proof. Check carefully with building codes and even the local FD to be sure you're playing it safe. Remember your adhesives have to be flame proof too
Jeani Miller Miner
on Nov 28, 2015
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Hi, I have a 1937 brick home. My fireplace was pitch black when i moved in. I used Crud Cutter (available at Lowes or Home Depot) first. This is a disgusting job. I kept lots of old bath towels on hand so that I didn't ruin the tiled hearth. There are awful smelling chemical cleaners out there but. Krud kutter doesn't smell too bad. After lots of scubbing, i still had some remnants of soot on the brick. I used scrubbing bubbles believe it or not. It cut the grime. My last step was hot water and dawn (blue) dishwashing soap. That removed leftover residue. Well, its not perfect but it does look a whole lot better.
Nancy
on Nov 28, 2015
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Hi...I was told to use Coca Coal. haven't tried but am going to...
Lynn
on Nov 28, 2015
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Simple green cleaned smoke residue from a lot of my things after a house fire, dawn Blue works well too... also you could put some lights up inside the chimney to reflect off the brick from above to make it a little lighter inside.
Buster Evans
on Nov 29, 2015
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