Painting Brick Fireplace Facade

[Patricia]

Okay, I know I may hate it years later but I am so sick of our dark grey/black brick fireplace that I intend to paint it white. Any suggestions for painting brick? Do you use flat, glossy, etc? Should we caulk in the deep mortar between the bricks or just paint there? Any suggestions or comments are appreciated. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for a fireplace mantel, we are in that market as well. Thanks. [8D]

Patricia Wallwork

[Patricia]

Okay folks, no one ever responded to this post and I really could not find anything else on the topic, so I just went ahead and painted the brick without any idea of what it would look like. I recently posted a response about painting indoor brick and attached a picture of my finished work. Should anyone be considering painting indoor brick, you can see our results at: http://www.homerepairforum.com/forum...sp?TOPIC_ID=63. I think it turned out well.

Patricia Wallwork

[Todd]

I think it looks really good. One thing to consider is the smoke build up right above the opening. You may have to keep painting it since it is a light color. Although, if you don't use it too much it shouldn't be a problem.

T

[amy]

We want to paint two brick walls in our living room an off-white color with the same effect as your fireplace. Did you use a brush, roller, or spray it on? I assume you did not use sealer like other people suggest, just the primer. Did you clean the brick first? This is an old home we are remolding and the brick is very dusty. Should we vaccuum it? Thanks for your help....we love your fireplace!

[Todd]

Hi Amy, I'm not Patricia but I will give you my opinion of what I think she did and what you should do. Since it appears that you are going for the "faux finish look", you should clean what you can but don't worry too much about it. Brick is rough anyway and some extra dust isn't a problem. However, do get any loose mortar and brick off. Prime and paint with a thick nap(roller), if you want the look that Patricia's fireplace has. You will probably have to use a brush along the edges. You can have color added to primer, since you are going with a color paint over a rough surface and not wanting to cover everything. Or maybe you do want the white primer to contrast your off-white. Hope that helps.

T

[Linda P.]

I have a very smooth red brick fireplace that I want to redo with paint. How do I get the brick prepared so it will stick? Sanding, priming. I am a new member, so bear with me.

[Troy]

Linda,
Welcome to the forum!

Hopefully Patricia will chime in here, but I would think a coat of primer would do the trick. I don't think any sanding will be needed.

[Patricia]

Linda,
Please explain further how the brick is smooth. I would not think any type of brick would need sanding but maybe your fireplace is not brick........If you tell me more about it maybe we can figure it out.


Amy,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. Things have been crazy with me ... home improvements and much more[]. If you have not already started, here is what I suggest:

1. Wet/Dry Vac your mantel for all the loose dust and debris.
2. Roll on primer or flat white paint (or color of your choice)
3. W/ a paint brush you are willing to throw away, paint in the grooves and trim out the edges w/ your paint.
4. Add a second coat if necessary to acheive the desired affect.

It is really that simple! Thank you for the compliments on our fireplace. Good luck and let me know how it goes. [8D]

Patricia

[Linda P.]

Thanks for responding. The area around the fireplace, and on the hearth floor is true brick, I'm sure. The brick looks very smooth and non porous. I want to change it to co-ordinate with some burgundy tile and bulk head painting that I am doing. It now is a true brick red, and needs to be more burgundy. My husband is hoping to change it and also finish with a satin finish. I am not to sure if I want it solid burgundy, but I am hoping that I can also include touches of the taupe/brown faux rag rolling look. Another project is some kitchen cabinets, painted a gloss white, that is dying for an upgrade. The have raised trim and I am thinking about accenting the trim and inside panels of the door fronts. I know that I will have to degloss the areas that I am painting, but am wondering if I should just get new fronts altogether. Is that a pricey thing to do?

[Lorie]

Hi Patricia,

Love your fireplace! I, too, have an ugly brick fireplace that dominates my family room. I have been hemming and hawing about painting it, and since seeing how well yours came out, I'm going to do it! I like your mantel, too. How does one attach the mantel to the brick? Is this a job best left to professionals (I am hardly that) Any advice?