How to Change the Texture of a Brick Fireplace

Scrape and brush the bricks with a wire bristle brush to remove all dirt from the stone. Use water with a small amount of dish soap to scrub tough stains. Allow the bricks to dry for about 24 hours.

Place painter's tape onto any surfaces touching the brick. Burnish and buff the tape into place to ensure it attaches to the surface well. Loose tape allows plaster and paint to seep underneath the paint.

Put on latex gloves. Apply latex caulking to the grooves of the brick. Pipe in the caulk and then spread with your finger. Allow to dry. Repeat the process until the grout line is flush with the brick. Lightly sand with a medium-grit sanding block for additional smoothness.

Cover the remainder of the brick with lightweight joint compound. Smooth on the plaster with a drywall trowel or roll on with a small roller. Once rolled on, use a trowel to smooth and reduce any peaks created by the rolling motion.

Sand the entire surface with the sanding block. Wear a dust mask and eye protection during this process. Wipe the surface with a damp rag to remove all powder and dust created from sanding. You may need to wash the surface more than once.

Paint the plaster with acrylic paint. More than one coat of paint will be needed, because the original paint coat will be instantly absorbed by the plaster. Once you are finished painting, you may apply a glaze or color-wash faux finish for added depth.