Can You Spray a Texture Over a Brick Fireplace?

Preparing the Space

• Spray-painting an uneven surface such as a fireplace requires some preparation before beginning any painting. Tape off all areas that you don't want to paint, such as mantles, floor space and the flue, leaving only the brick that you want to paint exposed. If you don't want to paint over the mortar, cover it with thin strips of painter's tape. Sand the brick surface with coarse sandpaper to remove any loose mortar or debris. Use a vacuum to clear the area of any remaining dust and debris. Loose particles may interfere with an even paint application.

Applying Primer

• Even when sanded, brick is a porous material and an uneven surface for paint. After you sand the fireplace surface, use a small paint roller to apply at least one coat of non-water-based paint primer and sealant over the entire brick surface. You can also use a spray rig, although this applies a thinner and less resilient coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before applying the spray-texture paint.

Painting

• Textured spray-paint splatters easily and at longer distances than regular spray-paint. To avoid splatter, cover several feet of the surrounding area around your fireplace with newspaper and painter's tape. If you're applying spray-texture multicolor splatter paint over the brick surface, you must spray at least one, and preferably two coats of the paint evenly over the entire surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the can for how far from the surface you should keep the paint nozzle. If you're applying popcorn texture, use a paint spray rig to apply the paint evenly over the entire fireplace. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before removing any painter's tape and floor covering.

Precautions

• Most paint is highly flammable and stains relatively easily. Never paint the interior of a fireplace unless the fireplace is only for decorative purposes. You should never paint a fireplace in an enclosed space. Leave at least one window in the area open for at least 24 hours after you paint. The open flue of a fireplace is not enough ventilation.