Is it smart to paint a brick fireplace?

PROS: An exceptionally talented painter can make an old brick wall or fireplace look more modern and in some interior spaces, painting dark bricks will brighten things up. Overall, painting an interior brick surface is less costly than an exterior brick surface.

Why you shouldn’t paint a brick fireplace?

The temperature inside your chimney is different than the temperature outside your chimney. This creates moisture buildup, like steam from a hot shower. The moisture goes into the bricks and escapes through the pores. If you have paint on the bricks, the moisture has nowhere to go.

What colors can you paint a brick fireplace?

Tan, beige, cream and light gray blend in for a natural look. Soft shades of black and gray work well with contemporary style rooms. Whitewashing, painting a solid light neutral color, or using a product such as Brick-Anew to create a “real brick” look will blend in with any decor.

Is it bad to paint your fireplace?

Ideally, you should wait a day or two between painting and using your fireplace. While you can paint both the exterior of your fireplace and your firebox, it’s important that you use the right types of paint and allow it to dry thoroughly before building a fire.

Is red brick fireplace outdated?

Red brick fireplaces used to be a staple in the 1970’s. Its warm tones complemented the flames, but not much else. If you want to update a red brick fireplace that has seen children and grandchildren grow up, try whitewashing it. Whitewashing brick turns it a pale-grey color that gives it a new, modern feel.

Is a red brick fireplace outdated?

How do you change the color of brick?

Bricks can be either stained or painted. Paint often peels or chips and it lasts only a few years before you have to repaint the bricks. Stain is a longer-lasting solution to changing the color of the bricks.

How do you redo a brick fireplace?

There are a ton of options for things that you can do to change the look of a brick fireplace:

1. Whitewash or paint the brick.
2. Stucco over the brick.
3. Add tile to the surround or whole fireplace.
4. Add a new mantle to the existing fireplace.

Should I paint or whitewash my brick fireplace?

While painting over brick with 100 percent latex paint will give the brick a solid, opaque color, whitewashing mutes the brick’s natural color with a translucent finish. The technique preserves the bricks’ natural, random variations, depending on how much paint is applied and how each individual brick absorbs it.

Is it bad to paint brick?

“Most brick was never intended to be painted,” says Crocker. Brick that’s chipping, deteriorating, molding or in overall poor condition is always a bad candidate for paint. Paint blocks the natural pores in the brick’s surface, which can cause existing problems to become exaggerated over time.

What color should I paint my brick fireplace?

A quick way to bring an old brick fireplace into the current decade is to paint it a bold color. For something unexpected, use a high-gloss or metallic shade. If you have adventurous taste and are drawn to primary colors, go with bright yellow, electric blue or cherry red for impact.

How to update a brick fireplace?

Turn Logs Into a Focal Point. Stacked logs for a wood-burning fireplace become an attractive focal point in this home remodeled by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design.

What to do with a brick fireplace?

Clean the fireplace with a solution of vinegar and warm water mixed in a 5 gallon bucket. Dip a stiff brush into the solution and lightly scrub your fireplace to remove any dirt, grime or soot on the red bricks. Allow the bricks to dry thoroughly.

How do you paint a brick fireplace?

Step#1: Brush Out Debris. All painting projects require a sound and clean surface,so start by thoroughly brushing your fireplace with a stiff wire brush.