How to Paint a Brick Fireplace (and the Best Paint to Use!)

Learn how to paint brick, including which types of paint to use. Painting a brick fireplace is an inexpensive and easy way to brighten a room.

Brick can be a beautiful accent in a home. I love aged brick walls — especially in old farm kitchens or peeking out from crumbling plaster. However, sometimes brick just feels dark and heavy. That was definitely the case in our dining room and it had to go.

I use to live in the “big city,” as they say; and would always head to a big box store for paint. Not that there is anything wrong with those stores; but I love our local hardware store. While the selection is smaller, they are always so much more knowledgeable when it comes to answering our questions.

What’s the Best Paint to use when painting a brick fireplace?

After doing some internet research, I expected to be purchasing a masonry, brick and stucco paint; but the paint tech suggested otherwise. He recommended a can of Zinnser Primer, which he tinted to match the paint. He said that after using the Zinnser Primer I could use a basic interior latex paint. As usual, I chose my go-to, Porter Paints Hi Hide, in a Semi-Gloss finish so that it would be easy to clean.

I expected to be painting this brick for weeks. All I had heard about brick was how much it would soak up the paint… plus there were so many small crevices. However, this combination of paint turned out to be very impressive. Don’t believe me? Well, let’s just say the proof is in the pudding pictures {hehe!}.

Supply List

• tinted primer
• paintbrushes
• high nap rollers designed for rough surfaces
• semi-gloss paint

How to Paint a Brick Fireplace

1. Vacuum and dust the brick fireplace to clear it of debris, cobwebs, and dust bunnies.
2. Collect your supplies. The first and second coats will be a tinted primer.
3. Use a brush to apply paint to the mortar in between the bricks.
   
4. Once the mortar has received a coat of primer, paint the face of the brick with primer. You can use either a brush or a high nap roller designed for rough surfaces to apply the primer.
   

   After 1 Coat of Primer:

   
5.  After the first coat dries, repeat steps 3-4 in order to apply a second coat of tinted primer. This second coat should result in near-to-full coverage of the brick.
   

   After 2 Coats of Primer:

   
6. Once the second coat is dry, apply a semi-gloss paint. Again, follow the order of steps 3-4, painting mortar followed by the face of the brick.
   

   After 1 Coat of Semi-Gloss Paint:

   

Can you believe the coverage? I couldn’t. I fully expected to be painting – at a minimum – a coat of primer and 3 coats of paint. I also expected it to be tedious. However, when you buy good quality paint, it makes all the difference. This combo went on easily, with a smooth semi-gloss finish, and great coverage.

Now, we just get to enjoy it. The best part, of course.

If you’d like to see more of our farmhouse style dining room, click here.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t spend big bucks on a fancy brush! The rough brick texture won’t be easy on brush bristles. I like to buy affordable multi-size paintbrush packs that can be used for a project and tossed afterward.
• Make sure to prep correctly. Cover the floor around the hearth and tape off the fireplace doors/insert.

FAQs: Painting a Brick Fireplace

What color paint did you use?
Unfortunately, it’s a custom mix to match the wood trim in our home. Here are the details on the formula: PP109 – Porter Paint Hi Hide Interior Latex – Light Base B=3 C=15 F=1

How does the paint hold up?
After 3 years, there is only one spot where the paint chipped on the hearth. We have young kids, which means that hearth is regularly used for play, jumping, banging toys {haha!}, etc.

Should I wash the brick before painting?
In most cases, no. A thorough vacuuming and dusting should remove most debris. If there is a heavy amount of soot around the firebox or hearth, you may need to wash the brick before painting. Still, the primer should cover most residue.

Can I use this same paint combination in the firebox?
No! If it is a functional fireplace, you must use a paint designed for high temperatures in the firebox. If the fireplace is not functional, you would not have to use a high-temperature paint in the firebox.

10+ More Painted Brick Fireplace Makeovers

If this project wasn’t enough to convince you to paint your brick fireplace, check out 10 more Painted Fireplace Makeovers by clicking Page 2, below.