If you’re wondering how to paint a brick fireplace white, you’re not alone. Painting bricks is a low-cost and simple way to lighten a room. While old brick is beautiful and timeless, there are many reasons to consider painting it white.
In this article, we’ll talk about why you might want to paint your brick. Then, we’ll get into the actual step-by-step process of painting a brick fireplace so you can get started on your project with all the knowledge you need!
Reasons to Paint Brick
While many people love the look of natural brick, there are a couple of valid reasons to consider painting your existing brick fireplace.
1. Refresh Aging Brick
Over time, brick ages and cracks, which can result in an uneven and unappealing appearance. From crumbling mortar to a weather-worn face, aging bricks don’t look as good as they did in their prime. While you could regrout or lay new brick, giving the brick a fresh coat of paint is often the easiest and most cost-effective way to get it to look new and presentable again.
2. Create a New Aesthetic
Sometimes the existing aesthetic doesn’t fit anymore. For example, a dark red brick might not match a light-and-bright coastal-themed living room. The reality is that interior design trends change, and white fireplaces are incredibly versatile and fit a wide range of styles. Rather than laying new brick, painting an existing fireplace white is a quick and easy way to get the aesthetic you need.
6 Steps to Prepare and Paint a Brick Fireplace White
Thankfully, painting a fireplace isn’t too difficult if you know the right steps. Here’s the process to paint a white brick fireplace in six straightforward steps:
1. Fill in Any Cracks with Masonry Crack Filler
One of the most important parts of painting your fireplace white is ensuring that you have a smooth and even surface to start. You’ll need to take the time to fill in any cracks with a high-quality masonry crack filler, like DRYLOK® Masonry Crack Filler.
DRYLOK Masonry Crack Filler is ready-to-use and sets quickly, which makes it easy to seal and caulk cracks. In addition, it loads right into a caulk gun, making it easy to repair cracks.
If you aren’t a fan of caulk guns, a solution like DRYLOK pourable masonry crack filler can also be used. With this solution, you simply cut the tip and pour it onto the cracks.
2. Use a Brush to Clean the Entire Brick Surface
After your crack filler has dried completely, you want to clean the brick surface thoroughly. Use a wire brush to get any debris off the fireplace. Simply run the brush along the face of the brick and sweep the debris onto the floor.
3. Vacuum Up Debris With Industrial Vacuum
Once you’ve finished wire-brushing the brick’s surface to remove any debris, you will have debris around the fireplace. Use an industrial vacuum cleaner to vacuum it up before continuing. Using an industrial vacuum cleaner is crucial because a regular vacuum might not be able to vacuum up the fireplace debris.
4. Sponge Brick with a Cleaner and/or Degreaser for Final Cleanse
Once you’ve finished vacuuming, you’ll need to do a deep clean on the brick to remove any set-in dirt or stains. Use a sponge with a cleaner and a degreaser to ensure that the brick fireplace is entirely free from dust, debris and grime.
5. Apply a Concrete and Masonry Primer to the Mortar and Brick
Next, you’ll need to apply a high-quality concrete and masonry primer to the mortar and brick, like DRYLOK Wet Wall Bonding Primer. You might be tempted to skip this step and jump straight to the painting.
However, using a primer is an essential part of the process because it ensures that the paint applies evenly. Use a brush to apply the primer to cracks, crevices and mortar, and then use a roller to coat the rest in an even coat.
6. Use a Roller to Apply White Acrylic Paint to the Entire Surface
Once the primer has dried, it’s time to paint your fireplace. Select a white acrylic paint and consider using painting tape around the border of the fireplace to protect the walls and floor. Then, start with a brush and finish with a roller to get a nice and even coat and a beautiful final look.
Prep Your Brick Painting Project with Masonry Products from DRYLOK
Now that you know how to paint a brick fireplace with white paint, it’s time to get your supplies. If you’re looking for the highest-quality masonry crack fillers and primers, look no further than DRYLOK.
As the leading solution for masonry beautification and care for over 68 years, we’re sure to have the ideal products to prep your fireplace for painting. To get started, find a retailer near you!
