Painting the fireplace has been one of the highest priorities on the old “to do” list for this living room remodel. Though the original brick is stunning, for the purpose of this space, it takes away from the bright, airy feeling that only white can give a room. If you remember the before here, take a better look at the space now with all the junk removed.

I mean it really was beautiful wasn’t it? All that light brick. So mid century. (I wonder if it was built when the house was? Or after? Hmmm….)

Either way, I really want the greens and the pinks I’ll be incorporating into the space to really pop. And the only way to do this is to go all white. And I mean, ALLLLLLLLLLLLL white. Ceilings, walls, and yes, the fireplace.

Once I decided to go all white, there was really only one brand that I trusted to go to for paint. Sherwin Williams has never disappointed. The colours are always true, exactly what you ask for, and last for ages. Plus, they just opened a new store right down the street. (And if you know me, you know I’m the kind of girl that likes to go in and gab with the experts.)

They were awesome and so easy to work with. Even with all my rambling.

If you plan on painting a fireplace, this is what you’ll need:

• 1 can Krylon High Heat Paint (for the firebox)

• 1 gallon Loxon Concrete and Masonry Primer (for use in priming the brick before painting)

• 1 gallon ProClassic Interior Acrylic Latex paint in Extra White (after priming)

• Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint in Extra White (Optional: This is what I used on the walls and ceiling. Stay tuned for a separate post on this!)

• Shop Vac and brush

• Paint tray and rollers

• Small paint brush

Step 1: Clean any visible debris from the surface of the fireplace. I used a mini broom thingy purchased at Dollar Tree. Side note: It’s amazing how much stuff sticks to brick over the years. Pretty gross!

Step 2: Shop vac like it’s your job: I used my shop vac (Yes, I have a shop vac. What?!?) I basically just went over every area that I used my handy dandy mini broom thingy. Just to make sure I got all the amazing-ness sucked away. You don’t ever want to paint on dirty brick. It will just make the paint peel up and not last.  So shop vac for a solid like, 30 minutes. Seriously.

Step 3: Prime. I used a mini paint roller. (I always use rollers actually. It’s faster, and it makes the paint/primer go on evenly.)

Step 3.5: This is like super important. While priming, I noticed that the primer wasn’t getting into the grooves of the brick. So I used a small paint brush to go in and press primer into the areas where the roller couldn’t reach. This was very time consuming and it made me want to punch myself in the face. But necessary.

Step 4: Paint! After you’ve go the whole area good and primed, you can start painting that baby up. I suggest using tape for the areas that butt up against the wood floors. I did not, and this made me want to also punch myself in the face again. Because now I have to go back and remove it. (See below)

Step 5: Firebox time. I used the Krylon High Heat Paint inside the area that would be exposed to the most heat. Compared to the paint used on the facing of the fireplace, the firebox paint is wayyyyyyy runnier. At first I thought it hadn’t been mixed enough. But it had. It’s just not as thick.

I also had the same problem with the grooves in between the brick. So I used a paintbrush again to get in between.

(Note: My fireplace is gas only. If you will be painting a firebox that isn’t gas, you may want to consult with a paint expert. Actually, just always consult a paint expert like I did.)

And voila! So much brighter! I’ll be sharing the full room paint reveal soon, so stay tuned!

I was compensated by Sherwin Williams in collaboration with this post. Thank you to Sherwin Williams for partnering with me!

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