How to update bricks?

Hi Lynda I would look for a masonry acid wash and give it a REALLY good cleaning. After that you can apply gloss masonry sealants to bricks to really bring out their color, make them shiny and make them a lot easier for future cleaning.

Hi Lynda, here is a post about cleaning that might help. I would try giving them a good scrub first and see if that changes the look and then go from there... https://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/Clean_Fireplace_Bricks

Lynda

Here is info for your fireplace.

https://www.hunker.com/13412995/how-to-make-brick-glossy

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First give the bricks a good cleaning. After they dry, apply a sealant. Your local home improvement store will carry the right product for brick.

I agree, a good scrubbing and then a glossy sealer meant for bricks/masonry should get you what you’re looking for.

Hello Lynda,

Yes you have to thoroughly clean them (You can buy Brick Cleaner) but be careful it doesn't go on anything else. Then when clean, Use a Sealer on them.

Hi Lynda, I agree with others you should scrub the bricks well using a brush to get the surface very clean. A good glossy sealant made especially for masonry will do the trick.

Hope this helps you:

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Bricks

When clean and dry apply the glossy sealer.

Perhaps this will help:

https://www.hunker.com/13412995/how-to-make-brick-glossy

How to Make Brick Glossy

https://www.hunker.com/13412995/how-to-make-brick-glossy

If you just want to give the area a good cleaning:

Try cleaning it with Trisodium Phosphate. It can be used as a masonry cleaner and is very inexpensive. You should be able to get it at any home improvement store. Be sure to follow the directions on the package and also put down tarps or plastic to protect the area around the fireplace.

My sister in law used to "shine" hers with mop and glo. You might try that or another wax.

Hi Lynda. Prior to the scrubbing, perhaps you should have a chimney sweep come out to clean the inside of the chimney. It would be a shame to do a ton of work on the outside and then have soot accumulate on the inside. Good luck Lynda.