How to Stain Firebrick

Scrub the firebrick clean with a stiff-bristled brush and soapy water. Sponge the wall down with clean water to remove any soap residue. Allow the firebrick to dry completely before moving on to step two.

Put on your gloves, dust mask and goggles. The particulate in the dry stain mix may irritate your hands, lungs or eyes.

Mix a test batch of the dye as per the listed instructions. This usually requires mixing a prescribed amount of water and a pre-measured amount of dry pigment and liquid carrier solution. Stir well using the test brush provided by the dye kit.

Paint one small section of the firebrick to test the stain. If the stain is too dark, add water in the amount suggested by the product's instructions. Stir well and test again. Repeat until you find the desirable color.

Add the kit's fixative to the water in the amount specified by the label. The amount you use will depend on the amount of water you used to dilute the dye in step 4. Stir well.

Pour the stain into a seperate container.

Dip the brush into the dye. Swirl it around. Wipe the brush on the edge of the container so that the brush is wet but not dripping.

Paint a brick face. Use slow, even strokes and press lightly to allow the brick to absorb the dye as you move across it. Take care not to get the dye on the grout in between the firebricks. The stain is permanent now that you've added the fixative.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all of the firebrick is stained. Take care to stir every time you dip the brush to ensure color uniformity.

Allow the stain to cure overnight before you touch the firebricks or use the fireplace.