How to Remodel an Old Brick Fireplace to Stucco

Scrub the surface of the brick fireplace with a wire brush. This removes loose dust and dirt particles while simultaneously roughening the brick's surface. Wipe down the bricks with a clean washcloth and a solution of warm, soapy water. Let the fireplace dry.

Prepare concrete bonding agent according to the instructions on the bottle. Apply the bonding agent to the bricks with a stiff-bristled scrub brush. Work the bonding agent into the bricks and mortar using a circular scrubbing method.

Spray the fireplace with a water-based curing compound. This helps the concrete bonding agent cure properly. Let the fireplace dry.

Mix stucco following instructions on the bag. Spread a thin base coat of stucco over the fireplace with the trowel. The base coat should be no more than ¼ inch thick.

Scratch lines through the base coat with a plasterer's rake. Let the base coat dry for at least 48 hours.

Mix a second batch of stucco. Apply the second coat of stucco with the trowel. This coat can be thicker that the base coat, depending on your preferences. Apply the stucco however you wish, leaving either the plain trowel marks or creating a design with the stucco. Let the second coat dry.