Updating a Fireplace Hearth With Paint & Stencil
We recently moved into this new to us house. I painted the stone fireplace pink and the hearth felt too dark afterwards. My fireplace doesn’t currently work so I wasn’t worried about finding heat resistant paint. I just knew I wanted the look of small tiles and it to be brighter.
Best stencil paint brush!
The existed brown tile looked as if it had a glaze in it. I cleaned it well using krud kutter and scuff sanded it. Then it was ready for primer.
I used a BIN shellac based primer. I used two coats and then a white chalk paint over that. Now it was time to stencil it.
I have quite a few stencils I’ve kept over the years. I loved the top design. It gives off a retro vibe which I love. The only problem is it was tiny so I knew this might take a long time to do. I think this was in a pack from Michael’s I picked up a while back.
I used a blue paint and overlapped the stencil as I went to keep it lined up as best I could.
Here’s a closer look. With stenciling it takes very little paint. Have a paper towel close by to dab off excess paint and just dab the brush onto the stencil so your paint doesn’t bleed through.
What a difference some paint and patience can make, right? This process was pretty tedious but it was well worth it for the end result. It really brightened the hearth up and now it just doesn’t blend in with the floors.
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If you are looking for information on how to paint a brick fireplace then this guide is a great read!
Comments
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Love the look. Why was black tile for hearth’s popular? Shows more ash dirt than any other color to me. Enjoy your job well done
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Love it! I have 4" unglazed tiles in front of mine and keep telling myself to paint them. You've inspired me!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
What kind of paint did you use on the stone fireplace?
I was concerned about paint and shellac on a fireplace hearth as they are flammable. However the styling shows you are not planning to use it as an active fireplace. Did you close and seal the vent to the chimney flue against drafts, dampness, and heat loss, beforehand? I just mention this so people consider everything before using this approach on a fireplace hearth of an active fireplace. The hearth's purpose is to protect from logs reaching flammable flooring, should they dislodge from the fire. It happens often enough also sparks can leap out when poking up a fire or adding more wood.
If a fireplace is no longer to be used, the vent should be sealed off to prevent drafts, or heat loss up the chimney. There are really nice ways to fix up a working fireplace. You just need to do your homework, on local regulations and properly tested and certified fire safe materials to use for decorating.