How to Paint a Brick Fireplace for a Makeover

Scrape off any loose or peeling paint with a wire brush. Repair any cracks or holes in the brick with exterior spackle and allow to dry.

Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of hot water. Add about 1 tbsp. of dish soap and mix it well.

Scrub the fireplace thoroughly with a stiff scrub brush and the hot, soapy water. Rinse well with plenty of clean water and allow the brick to completely dry.

Tape off all areas surrounding the brick with painter’s tape.

Pour an oil-based primer into a paint tray with a liner. Dip a 6-inch paint roller into the primer. Move the roller back and forth over the paint tray to remove the excess primer.

Roll the primer onto the surface of the brick working from the top towards the bottom and in a horizontal fashion. Overlap the strokes with the roller for even coverage.

Dip a 2 ½-inch paintbrush into the primer. Rub the brush over the edge of the paint tray to remove the excess.

Spread the primer onto the mortar lines and any other hard-to-reach spots with the paintbrush. Use long, smooth strokes, moving the brush in a back-and-forth motion. Allow the first coat of primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply a second coat of primer after the first is dry. Allow the second coat to dry completely.

Stir a can of 100-percent acrylic interior paint with a paint stirrer. Pour the paint into a clean paint tray liner.

Apply the paint to the surface of the brick with a clean 6-inch paint roller. Paint the mortar joints and other crevices with a 2 ½-inch paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply a second coat of paint to the brick. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.