How to Paint and Remodel a Fireplace

Clean the fireplace. Fireplaces are dirty. Use a damp rag to wipe away dirt and soot from the fireplace. If the fireplace is brick, you might need to take some extra time to get into the grooves to clean it.

Cover the fireplace with oil-based primer. Use a paintbrush to get into small spaces if you are painting a rock or brick fireplace. Use oil-based primer instead of latex primer. Oil-based primer will block stubborn soot stains and dirt from showing through the paint job. Allow the oil-based primer plenty of time to dry.

Paint the fireplace with latex paint. Use a high-nap paint roller to get into the grooves of the stone or brick. A paintbrush should also be used to reach into corners or crevices. Wood fireplaces should paint easily, but brick or stone might need several coats of latex paint because they are a porous material. Let the paint dry to the touch between each coat.

Consider painting the mantel a different color or staining the wood to contrast the paint. Painting or staining the mantel of the fireplace a different color will make the mantel stand out.