How to Age a Brick Fireplace

Traditional red brick fireplaces are a favorite of many people. Others, however, may find them too formal for their casual style. If you are decorating your room using a shabby chic or other aged style, a dark brick fireplace can stand out like a sore thumb. Artificially age the brick of your fireplace to make it match the rest of the room and look older than it really is. A good whitewash over the fireplace surround will mimic the faded look that old brick takes on.

Degreasing cleanser
Nylon scrub brush
Towel
White latex paint
Paint stick
Paintbrushes
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Clean off any soot with a 2-to-1 mixture of water and degreasing cleanser using a nylon scrub brush. Wipe off excess cleanser with a damp towel and let the brick dry overnight.
- 2
  Mix together equal parts of water and white flat latex paint. Stir the mixture with a paint stick until the consistency is uniform throughout. Mentally divide the fireplace surround into quarters.
- 3
  Apply whitewash to 1/4 of the surround at a time using a paintbrush. Wipe away the white wash in areas where it is too thick using a rag. Add more whitewash or remove more to tone the brick as you like and let the surround dry 24 to 48 hours before using the fireplace.

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