How to Paint a Fireplace Weathered Brick Style

Scrub the bricks with a wire brush and a solution of one part trisodium phosphate, one part laundry soap and 32 parts water. This will remove surface dirt that would prevent paint adhesion. Allow the bricks to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Distress the bricks, using a dremel tool, if desired. Create vertical lines in select bricks to create the illusion of old-fashioned wire-cutting, and make dents and pits in other bricks. Use a metal file to grind down the edges and corners of each brick for a rounded, weathered look.

Mask the mortar between the bricks with masking tape to keep paint from dripping where you don't want it.

Apply a thin layer of paint to the surface of each brick, using a nylon paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Choose a beige paint for brown bricks or a white paint for red bricks. Alternatively, paint all the bricks the same way.

Feather the edges of the painted surfaces with 100-grit sandpaper to create a natural faded look.

Rub charcoal into the mortar and into dented and pitted brick areas to mimic the appearance of soot toning the bricks and mortar over time.