Should You Paint a Brick Fireplace? Exploring the Possibilities

If it’s time for a change, prep, prime, and get creative.

A beautiful, cozy fireplace with natural brick and a wood mantle shows a fireplace that's an option for painting.
Image: Joe Hendrickson

Brick fireplaces are a classic feature of homes, exuding warmth and charm. However, over time, you might find that your once-beloved fireplace has lost some of its luster or doesn’t quite fit current design trends. The good news is that painting your brick fireplace, whether indoors or outdoors, is an affordable and effective solution to breathe new life into it.

In this guide, we’ll dive into painting brick fireplaces, covering everything from the pros and cons, do’s and don’ts, estimated costs, and potential return on investment.

Is Painting a Brick Fireplace a Good Idea? Pros and Cons

Before you pick up a paintbrush, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of painting your brick fireplace. Here’s what to consider:

Pros of Painting Your Brick Fireplace

  • Transforms your space: Painting your fireplace can modernize your space, express your style, and complement your home decor.
  • Conceals imperfections: Fresh paint can hide stains and discoloration in bricks caused by time.
  • Simplifies maintenance: Painted brick is easier to clean and maintain than exposed brick. Painting brick is one way to mask wear and tear.

Cons of Painting Your Brick Fireplace

  • Is difficult to reverse: While removing paint from a brick fireplace is possible, it's labor-intensive and may require professional tools.
  • Requires regular maintenance: Painted surfaces may require periodic touch-ups, as paint can chip or peel over time.
  • Can damage the brick: Before painting a brick fireplace, it's essential to properly clean bricks, apply primer, and choose the right paint. If the brick is not in good condition, painting over it can make it worse. For instance, painting bricks in a humid climate may trap moisture inside the brick causing the paint to peel off and the mortar to break down.
  • Requires significant time to preparing brick for painting: Painting brick is not a quick fix. Brick surfaces need to be thoroughly cleaned of dust and soot to prepare them for painting. Once cleaned with a liquid cleaner, brick will need several days to dry properly. Additionally, cracks and mortar issues must be repaired before painting to ensure a good result.

Types of Paint for Brick Fireplaces: Choosing the Right One

A modern fireplace in a contemporary, white-walled room with a TV above the fireplace.
Image: Sinenkiy/getty

Choosing the right products is crucial for a successful fireplace transformation. A stain blocking primer helps prevent future soot stains and helps the paint adhere to the brick. This keeps it looking great for longer. Paint choice is also a key decision when revamping your fireplace. Consider the finish you want and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on, which may also depend on whether it’s an indoor or outdoor fireplace.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is a popular water-based choice for brick fireplaces because it requires little maintenance and is straightforward. It adheres well to brick surfaces, comes in various finishes, and can be used indoors and outdoors.

If your aim is practicality, latex paint is known for its quick drying time and easy cleanup, making it suitable for indoor projects. It also tends to be less expensive than acrylic paint.

Healthwise, latex paint releases less fumes than acrylic paint but requires proper ventilation while painting and drying. Check out this list of standards approved by the Environmental Protection Agency when shopping for interior latex paint.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is durable and resists chipping, peeling, cracking, and fading. However, it contains harsh chemicals that emit harmful fumes as it dries, so proper ventilation and protective gear are necessary when applying it indoors.

This type of paint is better for exterior brick fireplaces because it can handle temperature fluctuations. It forms a weather-resistant layer that shields the brick from rain and winter conditions. Both acrylic and latex paints offer various finish options, including flat/matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint has gained popularity for its matte finish and vintage look. It’s a good choice if you’re aiming for a rustic or shabby-chic look for either an interior or exterior fireplace.

Chalk paint preserves the original fireplace color under a thin, chalk-like layer. This technique eliminates the need for primer.

Heat-Resistant Paint

If you plan on painting the firebox, you’ll need heat-resistant paint. This type of paint can handle temperatures upward of 750 degrees Fahrenheit without degrading, discoloring, or emitting fumes.

Masonry Paint

Specifically designed for brick and masonry surfaces, masonry paint is durable and weather resistant. It’s ideal for outdoor fireplaces or those exposed to moisture and changing weather conditions.

Stain

If you want to retain the natural texture of the brick while changing its color, consider using a brick stain. Staining penetrates the brick’s surface, allowing its texture to show through while altering its hue rather than coating it.

Whitewashing

Whitewashing is a technique that involves diluting the paint with water to create a translucent finish. It’s a best-of-both-worlds option that lets some original brick color show through. It’s also budget-friendly; you can whitewash a brick fireplace for less than $40 for both indoor and outdoor brick fireplaces.

Limewash

Limewash paint is made by mixing water, pigment, and crushed limestone. Known for its clay-like texture, it conveys a nonreflective, vintage look. Limewash paint is low maintenance and will not peel or chip over time. Limewash formulas are nontoxic, environmentally friendly, breathable, and resistant to mold. Luckily, if you’re unhappy with it, limewash is removable for up to five days after application.

How to Paint a Brick Fireplace

Surprisingly, you can paint your brick fireplace over the weekend. Once you’ve chosen the paint for your brick fireplace, you’ll need to follow the specific product instructions.

Here are the usual steps:

  1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need paint, primer, tape, brushes, drop cloths, and cleaning materials.
  2. Clean your brick fireplace: Remove all dust, dirt, and soot, since leftover debris can show through dried paint. This handy guide to cleaning a brick fireplace details a few ways to clean and care the space and materials.
  3. Tape and protect: Use painter’s tape to protect adjacent surfaces. Lay down drop cloths to catch spills.
  4. Apply primer: Priming is vital to proper paint adhesion, depending on your chosen paint. Brick absorbs more paint if not initially primed.
  5. Paint smart: Use a small paintbrush to paint the mortar and a roller for the brick. You’ll need multiple coats depending on your desired finish.
  6. Allow to dry: Let each coat dry completely before applying the next, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  7. Clean up: Carefully remove painter’s tape and clean up splatters.

Do's and Don’ts of Painting Your Brick Fireplace

A view of a wrought iron grate in a bare brick, rustic fireplace with chopped logs stacked up to the sides.
Image: John Keeble/getty

As you start your brick-painting journey, remember these tips:

Brick Fireplace Painting Do's

  • Prepare: Research your paint options, prepare the surface, and choose the best color for your goals.
  • Use high-quality paint: Going with the cheapest option can cost you more in the long run and lead to a DIY gone wrong.
  • Work in sections: Paint small sections at a time for even coverage.

Don’t Make These Brick Fireplace Painting Mistakes

  • Paint damaged brick: Painting over damaged brick can damage it further, causing it to peel and flake, which could make you regret painting your brick.
  • Forget to ventilate: Open doors and windows while painting to disperse fumes and aid in drying. You need ventilation especially if you live with children, pets, or people with respiratory issues.
  • Ignore safety: Use appropriate safety gear, gloves, and goggles when using paint and harsh chemicals.

Estimated Costs and ROI of Brick Fireplaces: Adding Value to Your Home

Let’s break down the estimated costs of painting a brick fireplace and consider your return on investment.

Estimated Costs

The cost of painting a brick fireplace can vary widely depending on factors like the size of the fireplace, the type of paint you use, and your decision about whether to hire a professional. The cost to paint a brick fireplace can be $50 to $200 on a project for a DIYer, with many brick painting kits available online. If you opt for professional services, costs range from $200 to $1,000. This handy calculator will provide a rough estimate of the costs of painting brick in your area.

Return on Investment

In general, a fireplace can add $5,000 to $12,000 to the value of your home, according to FixR. If you don't have one already, you can add a fireplace to your home for anywhere between a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re considering selling, you could help buyers fall in love — and even sell your home up to 30% faster— with a few minor improvements, like painting the brick fireplace to give it a new look.

Transforming Your Fireplace: Final Thoughts

Painting your brick fireplace is like giving it a stylish makeover. It’s a chance to refresh your living space, express your style, and enhance your home's appeal when it’s time to sell.

Before you begin, understand the pros and cons, choose the right paint, and follow the process to achieve a new look. Whether you opt for classic elegance or rustic charm, your fireplace can become a captivating focal point. Grab that paintbrush, get going on this DIY project, and enjoy your beautifully transformed fireplace.

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