How To Paint A Brick Fireplace!

2 Materials
$100
5 Hours
Easy
Have you ever thought about painting your brick fireplace? We’ve all heard the horror stories of someone’s fireplace turning pink the minute they hit it with white paint so maybe like us you put it off out of fear which is totally understandable.

A Fireplace is a big deal and having one that’s messed up is the last thing any of us want.


Ever since we stepped foot into our home three years ago we’ve had a plan to makeover the fireplace, at first it was an entire fireplace resurface, then it went to shiplap and the longer we thought about it the more we felt we should at least try paint first before spending more on something else.
When you walk into our home the fireplace is the first thing that catches your eye, its big, double sided and a major focal point.
Before we continue let’s take a look at what it used to look like, in all of its red orangey glory!
When we first moved in I feel like I tried to decorate to match the style of the home which ended up being a total mistake because the 90’s just wasn’t our style. We choose brown furniture because the fireplace was red/orange and within a year I was kicking myself for it.



Once we sold the brown furniture and went with a more updated look the fireplace was sticking out like a big red sore thumb in a sea of whites and blues.



Because not only is Paint a super cheap way to update almost anything, if we ended up hating it we could always go back to one of the more expensive options.


 
So after mulling it around for a year or so we finally took the plunge and boy are we glad we did!



It not only changed the look of our fireplace but the entire look of our living room as well and once it was completed we just stared at each other in disbelief that we had waited so many years to do this!



If you have been putting off this project because you’re afraid of the outcome, DO IT! It really is so simple and once it’s complete you will be so happy that you did.
How To Paint A Brick Fireplace
Step One:
This step is probably one of my least favorite steps of all but when it comes to a flawless paint job its all in the prep work. So before you break out the paint brush you’ll want to make sure the entire surface of the brick is clean. Using water, a sponge and a 5-gallon bucket clean the entire area, being sure rinse off any debris with clean water.
Step Two:
Once the surface has completely dried its time for the primer. This step completely eliminated the need for multiple coats of paint which is something people often run into when painting brick. Take your time and make sure every inch of the surface is coated well and allow to dry completely.
Step Three:
Once the primer is dry its time for paint. This step is going to give your fireplace a flawless look so be sure to go over the entire surface well. Once you have completed this, step back and give the fireplace a good once over and check for any spots you may have missed. Then clean up and admire your handy work!
Once we had everything painted we decided to add a rustic mantle made out of reclaimed cargo flooring from a shop that specializes in reclaimed wood called  Vintage Reclaimed Lumbar, if you are local to Oklahoma City go check it out because this place is truly amazing!




This post is in no way sponsored and I was not paid to say this I just love this store y’all!




They can build pretty much anything you can think of out of  the vintage lumber like mantles, tables, coffee tables etc. their products are gorgeous but here’s the part that I love and what I think sets them apart from the others, they will also sell you the lumber so you can do it yourself!!




Most stores would just refuse this type of thing because you’re obviously spending less when you do it this way but they will tell you exactly how to make it and how much material you will need and that right there is what will keep me coming back again and again!
Now the faux wood beam mantle is the first thing your eyes are drawn to when you walk into our home and it is hands down my favorite part of our living room.



This is honestly one of the cheapest yet biggest impact projects we have done and I cannot believe we waited so long to do it. Within hours it felt like it had always been white and I will never be so slow to pull the trigger on something like this again.




Knowing that we could have spent days resurfacing the fireplace or adding shiplap which no doubt would have been more technical and more expensive I am so glad that we chose to try this out first. If you’ve been on the fence about painting your fireplace get your paint brush out and just do it already!


For the full supply list and extra insider tips head over to my blog by following the link below.
Suggested materials:
  • Paint   (home improvement)
  • Roller   (home improvement)
Project Allen Designs
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 4 questions
  • Carol McKechnie Carol McKechnie on Jul 17, 2019

    Do you still use the fireplace? I am thinking about painting our red brick fireplace white - but don't know how white the bricks will be once we start using the fireplace this winter. Now, the red brick gets pretty dirty after awhile and I worry about a white fireplace covered with soot.

  • Carolyn Carolyn on Aug 26, 2019

    How long did you let it dry after washing and then after putting on the primer?

  • Joy Kiefner Joy Kiefner on Aug 28, 2019

    I have a faux rock fire place. Has anyone painted these?' I wish it was brick. I'd paint it white and let brick show through.

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