What’s the easiest way to paint the bricks of a fireplace ?

I would suggest strongly that if you to paint your fireplace that you should prime first. A masonary primer would be best. You want to do the job the right way so it doesn't cause you any issues down the road. You will probably need less paint if your prime first and your paint will cover better because it's not soaking into the bricks. Just think of it as another layer of paint! One coat of paint would never be enough unless you are thinking of dry brushing rather than painting it a solid color.

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-a-brick-fireplace

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/fireplace/styles/how-to-paint-a-brick-fireplace

There is some helpful information here:

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/how-to-paint-a-brick-fireplace

I highly recommend priming since bricks are porous. It's also important to clean/prep the bricks before getting started.

There is a product called brick anew, which transforms older fireplaces into something spectacular. Go to their website www.brickanew.com. and you will see the many transformations. Please do not use chalk paint on brick, you will regret it.

If you are going to paint the fireplace enclosure, use a high heat paint. Rustoleum makes a good high heat paint.

Hello these links might be helpful.

Painted brick fireplace

https://checkinginwithchelsea.com/video/3-ways-to-update-fireplace-with-paint/

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/painted-brick-fireplace-white-redo-4242640

Ideas from other Hometalkers

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20fireplace

Hi! Without a proper prep, your paint won't last. Use a TSP type cleaner like Krudkutter, before painting. A white wash would take less effort, but, if you want a solid color, seal it after cleaning. Good luck and stay safe!

To have a finish that will last you will need to do the proper prep work.

Hello Michele,

Tape everything off you don't want to paint first, then start at the top and work down one side down, and then the other using a watered down mix to start with. Paint will be drawn in to the brick. Let it dry and repeat using full strength until you achieve the saturation required, otherwise use the dry brush method ( use full strength paint, but only a little on the brush, enough to coat the top only. This can be done on individual bricks, so you get an overall more natural deviation on each brick and you don't paint the bonding between. Best wishes.

Please strongly consider solid masonry stain instead of paint. The stain will soak into the bricks and will never flake off as paint will. The stain will also keep the texture of the bricks which is really a pretty look. We stained the bricks on the outside of our house over 10 years ago and it still looks like new. We used two coats of stain. If the stained bricks outside can hold up to fluctuating temperatures from 7-100 degrees, rain, and snow, it will hold up inside your house. The stain has never flaked or chipped off and the color has stayed true. We used Sherwin Williams solid masonry stain that we had tinted to match a paint color we were using on our siding.

Though you said you'd love NOT to prime, doing so will pay off big time. I would NEVER spray paint anything in a home unless it was EMPTY. I speak from experience. Brush or roll the paint on after masking off the areas you don't want to paint.

I've got some easy tips for you! Here's how to white wash (quick, cheap & easy!): https://bachelorettepadflip.com/2013/09/15/white-washing-tutorial/ and here's how to update that brass insert for $15: https://bachelorettepadflip.com/2017/05/09/how-to-update-a-brass-fireplace-for-15/

Try a lime wash. You can also do a German Schmear.

Hello. Here are some links for your consideration.

Painted brick fireplace

https://checkinginwithchelsea.com/video/3-ways-to-update-fireplace-with-paint/

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/painted-brick-fireplace-white-redo-4242640

This should help: https://thehoneycombhome.com/painting-brick-the-easy-way/

I strongly suggest priming first! Here is a post showing how I did my fireplace over.