How to Easily Update a Brass Fireplace Door

Jen Osterhout
by Jen Osterhout
2 Materials
$10
3 Hours
Easy

My dated brass fireplace doors drive me up the wall. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a child of the 1980s. But the brass fireplace just looked tacky.

The "Before" Shot

Luckily, in just a few hours and less than $10 in supplies, I was able to transform my 1980s brass fireplace door into a muted black fireplace door that fits my room’s character!

Prepare Fireplace Doors


Remove the fireplace doors from the fireplace and set up a work area outside. It makes is a lot easier to paint.


Wipe the fireplace doors with a cloth dampened with soap and water to remove built-up dirt and grime.


Taking a dry, small gauge steel wool (I used size "000"), rub all brass parts to remove the shine and prep the surface for painting.


Wipe fireplace doors with a dry cloth to remove any remaining steel wool particulates.


Finally, cover the glass or any other parts you don’t want painted. Painter’s tape and newspaper is probably the most common way to cover the glass. But in my case I raided my child’s construction paper stash....

Paint Fireplace Door


Using spray paint made for high heat, apply coat with a sweeping motion. I used Rust-Oleum Specialty High Heat Black Enamel Spray Paint. 


Wait at least 30 minutes and then spray another 1-2 light coats.

The "After Shot
Re-Install Fireplace Door


Once completely dry, remove construction paper/ newspaper and painter’s tape. 


Re-install door into the fireplace and wa-la!


It’s a subtle difference, but to me it’s a MUCH improved look.


Need more easy DIY inspiration? Check out more simple DIY projects here that anyone can do (I swear!). https://everydayoldhouse.com/category/diy-home-improvement/

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