How to paint a brick fireplace

Are you looking to paint a brick fireplace, but don’t know where to start? Brick fireplaces add a unique touch to your space, but sometimes they could use a little… pizazz. Over time, the natural or painted color may start to look dated or clash with your current design aesthetic. But don’t worry — painting your interior brick fireplace is a great way to breathe new life into a room while still preserving the dimensional quality that brick provides.

Step 1: Get paint samples and do some testing

The first step in any successful painting project is to gather inspiration and test out different color options. Scour design magazines, Pinterest boards, and home improvement websites to find brick fireplace looks that resonate with your personal style. Once you’ve narrowed down your color preferences, head to your local hardware store or paint supplier to pick up sample pots or swatches.

Before committing to the entire fireplace, test your chosen paint colors on a small, inconspicuous area of the brick surface. This will allow you to evaluate how the paint adheres to the brick, how the color looks in your lighting conditions, and ensure you’re genuinely happy with the new look before committing to the entire project.

Before I painted my brick wall, I gathered inspiration from Pinterest (of course). Then, I headed to my local Home Depot to grab a few samples of paint I had in mind.

Here are the colors I sampled:

Upper left: Behr North Woods (flat sheen)

Upper right: Behr Muted Sage (matte sheen)

Lower left: Behr Arrowhead (flat sheen)

Lower right: Behr Toffee Crunch (matte sheen)

Step 2: Prepare the surface

Proper surface preparation is essential for ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish when painting brick. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the brick surface to remove any dirt, dust, cobwebs, or grime that may have accumulated over time. Use a stiff-bristle brush and a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution to scrub the surface, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Allow the brick to dry completely for at least 24-48 hours before proceeding.

Once the brick is clean and dry, use painter’s tape to protect any trim, molding, or areas you don’t want painted. This step will help you achieve clean, crisp lines and prevent accidental paint spills or splatters.

Step 3: Prime the brick

Before applying your chosen paint color, it’s crucial to prime the brick surface with a high-quality masonry primer, especially if you are painting directly on the original brick. This specialized primer will help the paint adhere better to the porous brick surface and provide a more even, uniform finish. Use a masonry brush to apply the primer, ensuring thorough coverage of all nooks and crannies. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding to the next step.

If you’re using a paint-and-primer-in-one product, you can skip this step and move directly to painting. However, for best results, it’s generally recommended to use a separate primer designed specifically for masonry surfaces.

For my project, I opted for a Behr paint and primer in one, so I went straight into the painting.

Step 4: Get painting

When it’s time to paint, use a roller with a thick nap to apply the paint in smooth, even strokes. For best results, start by painting along the mortar lines with a masonry brush to ensure even coverage in those crevices. Then, use the roller to cover the larger areas of the brick surface.

This extendable paint roller would be a life-saver if you have a tall brick fireplace.

Most projects will require two thin coats of paint for optimal coverage and a professional-looking finish. Be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, following the manufacturer’s recommended drying times.

Step 5: Clean up

Once you’ve achieved your desired look, carefully remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet to prevent any peeling or tearing. Clean your brushes and rollers thoroughly with soap and water to ensure they’re ready for your next painting project.

Properly painted and maintained, your newly refreshed brick fireplace can serve as a stunning focal point for years to come, adding warmth, character, and visual interest to your living space.

Painted brick fireplace before and after

Now you’re ready to paint a brick fireplace all by yourself! With the right preparation and techniques, this project is well within the abilities of most DIYers.

Want more DIY ideas for your home?

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