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For Your Home Brick Fireplace

Paint an Interior Brick Fireplace

Project Scenario

Ron, the residential painter, wants to paint an interior brick fireplace. What is the process?

Preparation

  • Use a vacuum to clean the outside and around the fireplace
  • Loose paint needs to be scraped or wire brushed.
  • Areas with soot and heavily soiled areas must be cleaned with soap and water.
  • Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
  • If there are any holes, repair with an exterior spackle.
  • Cracks should be filled with a paintable caulk or exterior spackle.

Primer Coat

  • Note: For a smoother finish, use Block Filler as a primer to fill the voids.
  • Then use First Coat Interior / Exterior primer
paint-brick-fireplace-rodda

Top Coat

  • For bright and dramatic colors use Color Base satin, available in primary colors.
  • Select your desired sheen from chart of finish coat products:
Gloss: 552001 Unique II Gloss
Semi Gloss: 542001 Unique II Semi Gloss
Low Gloss: 542001 Unique II Low Gloss
Eggshell: 533001 Lasyn Eggshell
Satin: 523101 Master Painter Satin
Flat: 513001 Lasyn Flat

Caution! Things to consider

  • Do not paint the interior of the fireplace. Direct falmes can reach 1200° and most paints cannot withstand these temperatures.
  • If, due to an uneven textured surface, all of the smoke and soot deposits cannot be removed, prime affected areas with Z-Prime, available at Rodda Paint stores.
  • Soot will tend to build up quicker on white / off white colors as well as flat finishes.

For more information about this or other painting tips & techniques, our paint & coatings products, or general DIY paint and coatings questions, please contact us online or by calling 1-800-452-2315.