How to Paint Concrete Fire Logs

A wood-burning fireplace creates not only warmth but also a place to gather and watch the burning logs. Concrete fireplace logs are often used in gas or electric stoves to mimic natural wood burning. Paint them with high-heat barbecue paint if you have unfinished fire logs or older fire logs that need a touch up. Barbecue paint is resistant to extremely high temperatures and will not melt or release toxic fumes.

Concrete cleaner
Scrub brush
Medium-grit sandpaper
Plastic sheeting or drop cloth
Wood blocks
Paintbrush
High-heat barbecue primer
High-heat barbecue paint

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the logs thoroughly if they aren't new. Scour them with concrete cleaner, using a scrub brush. Rinse them with fresh water and allow them to dry.
- 2
  Sand previously painted logs lightly with a medium-grit sandpaper.
- 3
  Place the logs on plastic sheeting or a painter's drop cloth.
- 4
  Prop one end of each of the logs on wooden blocks so you have access to all sides.
- 5
  Paint the logs with a coat of high-heat barbecue primer, using a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry.
- 6
  Paint the bark part of the logs with dark brown high-heat barbecue paint.
- 7
  Paint the core sections of the logs with light brown or gold-yellow high-heat barbecue paint. Allow the paint to dry for one hour.
- 8
  Apply a second coat of paint to the logs. Allow the paint to dry for at least 12 hours before reinserting the logs in the fireplace.

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Fireplaces