After many requests for a fireplace tutorial, we’re finally delivering a clear, simple guide you can follow this afternoon.
We’ve painted more than one brick fireplace and learned a few things along the way.
…and another.
When we moved in, both fireplaces were dark, dated red brick that weighed the rooms down. Painted brick transformed them instantly and helped the lighter furnishings and wall colors feel cohesive and fresh.
Natural brick certainly has its place, but for our light, airy aesthetic the maroon brick simply didn’t work. Painting the brick was fast, inexpensive, and required no power tools — a perfect weekend project with big impact.
Step 1 — Clean the brick
Wipe down the bricks with a damp (not dripping) rag to remove dust, cobwebs, and loose soot. A quick cleaning makes the paint adhere better and prevents texture inconsistencies.
Step 2 — Prime if needed
If your fireplace shows heavy soot or dark stains, use an oil-based primer to block stains from bleeding through. If the brick is relatively clean, you can skip priming and move straight to painting.
Step 3 — Paint with the right tools
Choose a napped roller designed for textured surfaces and apply two to three coats of latex paint in a flat or semi-gloss finish, depending on your preference. Use a brush to work paint into deep grout lines and any recessed areas. Brick is porous, so it often requires more paint than a smooth wall — for reference, our den fireplace used over a gallon, while the living room one took nearly half a gallon. Keep extra paint on hand to avoid mismatched touch-ups.
Step 4 — Enjoy the result
Once the final coat is dry, step back and admire the transformation. Painting brick is straightforward: if you can paint a wall, you can paint a fireplace.
A painted fireplace often sparks more updates — new artwork above the mantel or refreshed accessories instantly complete the look. Before-and-after photos are a great way to document the change and inspire future tweaks.
For added warmth and texture, place a woven basket of firewood beside the hearth. Birch logs give a crisp, clean appearance and add inviting ambiance.