Should I Paint My Fireplace?
Yes, it's a great way to give your fireplace and room a new and fresh look without breaking the bank with an expensive remodel.
The best paint for a brick fireplace will be rated to withstand the heat that is generated by the fire and absorbed by the brick. For the outside of the fireplace any indoor latex paint, either gloss, flat, or semi-gloss, will be able to get the job done. For the inside it should be a heat resistant paint. Rust-Oleum Specialty High Heat Ultra spray paint is a premium fast-drying formula offering superior durability and color retention for indoor and outdoor high-heat applications. Rust-Oleum Specialty High Heat Spray retains color and finish up to 1200 F.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you decide to paint your brick fireplace:
1. Is your fireplace the focal point of your room? If your brick fireplace is dark and heavy, in your living room, it could be time for a change and painting is a great way to spruce things up.
2. How much money do you have to spend on a fireplace remodeling project? The good thing about paint is it’s fairly inexpensive compared to what a contractor would charge for other remodeling options. Painting your brick fireplace is one of the least expensive ways to update the look of your brick.
3. Is your mortar in good repair? Before deciding to paint your brick fireplace, make sure your fireplace is in good repair and the mortar is not loose or falling apart.
4. Do you like the color of your brick? If you like the bricks’ color, a good cleaning might be all you need. A scrub brush, some soap and water, and a good brick and stone cleaner can remove soot and make the brick look a lot better.
5. Is your brick over 100 years old? If you have antique brick, consider not covering it up with paint. Antique brick adds character to any room.
6. Has your brick already been painted? If your brick has already been painted, you can go over the painted surface with a different solid color paint but whitewashing would not be an option. You will need to completely remove all traces of paint before applying anything new.
7. Can I get paint off the brick if I change my mind after I paint? Getting paint off brick can be done but it’s not easy. It’s time-consuming so be sure you want to cover your brick with paint before you get started. If you’re afraid of painting your brick, think of it this way…If the brick is outdated and unsightly, you’ll want to do some type of remodeling project. Painting the brick is the easiest and least expensive option. If you don’t like the outcome, you can always choose another type of remodeling and/or hire a contractor to resurface your fireplace with a material such as stone, tile, or granite.
Give painting a try. Contact Cobb Brothers Company for a free estimate today. 508-655-7910