How to Antique a Brick Fireplace

Rub over the brick with medium-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface. Wipe down the brick with a sponge and soapy water. Wipe off the soap with a clean, damp sponge. Allow the brick to dry for 12 to 24 hours.

Cover the floor around the fireplace with a drop cloth. Attach painter's tape onto the portions of the walls that butt up against the fireplace.

Fill a paint pan with latex primer that is made for masonry surfaces. Roll a thick-napped paint roller into the paint pan. Roll the primer onto the surface of the brick. Start at the top of the fireplace and work your way down and move in a left-to-right fashion. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.

Fill a paint pan with white latex paint. Dip a six-inch wide handheld paintbrush into the paint and wipe the sides of the brush against the side of the paint pan to remove any excess paint. Beginning at the top of the fireplace, apply the paint to the brick, working in a left-to-right fashion and move your way down the fireplace. Apply two coats of paint in this manner. Apply three coats if you use the fireplace often. Allow the paint to dry for 12 hours between each coat. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours after applying the final coat.

Rub medium-grit sandpaper over the painted brick. This will remove some of the paint and expose some of the natural brick, giving the fireplace an antique look. Concentrate on areas that would naturally have a worn look over time, such as around the opening of the fireplace. Rub the sandpaper over the painted brick until you are satisfied with the appearance.