Super Simple Fireplace Makeover

Apstory
by Apstory
2 Materials
$35.00
1 Day
Easy
All you need is paint to make this drastic change!

I hated our TV taking up this prime mantel space...it was awful to say the least. And the soot stains made this old drab fireplace look even worse.


First I thoroughly vacuumed the brick. Then I scrubbed it with a bucket of water and a stiff brush. I vacuumed it again because the scrubbing brought loose tiny pieces of mortar. I used Kilz on the soot stained area just to be safe, and let that dry. Brick is so porous that it dries really quick. I read where you should use a spray bottle of water to dampen the bricks as you paint. I started the painting process doing this but I stopped because it just seemed unnecessary to me, I may be all wrong with that thought but, oh well, LOL! I thought I was going to do 2 coats of paint but I was happy with just one. This is such a fast and simple makeover and I love the new look!
This is a before except that I had already put Kilz on the soot stain.
Ta Da!! It's now such a bright spot in our home! I plan on updating the doors very soon. This living area is open to my kitchen which is totally white and all the trim work in the house is white, which made choosing white for the fireplace an easy choice.


Another angle and with my sweet puppy in her favorite spot :)
Suggested materials:
  • Kilz   (Home Depot)
  • Behr Premium Plus Paint and Primer In One, Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel Ultra Pure White 3050   (Home Depot)
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4 of 7 comments
  • Apstory Apstory on Jun 12, 2017

    Thank you! Paint is an incredible thing for sure!

    • Tiffany Tiffany on Apr 23, 2020

      What did you go with your television? I have the same situation but this would be the only place to put it.

  • Shuganne Shuganne on Aug 06, 2017

    I saw the picture in your answer to Reiner MacPhail but my finger was too big to fit the reply button, so I ended up here. I just wanted to comment that the difference going from natural brick to white really, really made it look like a different room entirely. I'm glad I ended up over here, though, to see how you took the two big eyesores out - the big screen tv and the soot above the firebox. I love the high gloss paint, and that you left the mantel it's original stained wood. It makes the perfect focal point! I'm signing up to follow you so I can see how you finish the rest of the room. Great job!

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