How to Paint a Fireplace
Old fireplaces look lovely and add a classic look to any family room, but if it’s too worn out already, maybe it’s time for you to spruce it up. You can brighten it up by coating it with paint. Here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need:
Latex primer paint
Sandpaper
Paint roller and brush
Paint tray
Drop cloth
Painter’s tape
Vacuum
Soap and water
Firm brush
Procedure:
Prepare your supplies. You can get all of these items from your local home improvement store or hardware. To help you pick out a color, bring out cloth swatches that you’ll be having in the room, so you’ll know which paint color will look best. If you don’t have any idea, ask for assistance from the salesperson.
Get a drop cloth or a big and old fabric you don’t use anymore, and lay it around the fireplace’s base. This protects the flooring or carpet from paint splatters. It also makes cleaning easier.
Protect the walls surrounding your fireplace by taping painter’s tape all over them. This material lets you create nice and straight lines. If you plan to paint the walls too, you can skip this step.
You have to clean the fireplace’s surface before you apply any paint. Most fireplaces are made from brick. Get a sandpaper and scruff the fireplace’s surface with it, removing loose mortar, cement and brick pieces. Afterwards, vacuum the surface, to remove the dirt and dust. Clean with soap and water and scrub with a brush. When it dries, vacuum it again.
Apply a latex primer to your fireplace, using the paintbrush or roller. Brick is porous, so latex is a great choice, since it breathes and moves without getting cracks. Let the primer dry completely before you proceed.
Paint the surface with your chosen decorative paint. At least two coatings will do, but if you want you can add an extra coat. Remember, before putting on one coating, make sure the one before it is thoroughly dry already.
A Few Tips
If you’re not using the fireplace, paint the inside as well.
Open the doors and windows to allow proper ventilation when you’re painting.
The brick surface can be rough on your paintbrushes and will ruin them. Just opt for cheap paintbrushes for this chore.
To highlight your fireplace, us ea different color for your walls. If you want to be adventurous, blend a complementary color over the base coat.
Make the best out of your fireplace by painting it. Follow these instructions and you’ll end up with a delightful looking space.