How to Refinish a Gypsum Fireplace Surround

Slip on a pair of rubber gloves before creating a mixture of 1 gallon hot water, 1/2 cup ammonia and 2 tbsp. liquid dish soap. Stir the ingredients and dampen a rag with the moisture.

Wipe down the gypsum plaster with the mixture to remove any dirt, grime and soot stains. Use a plastic scrub brush and the homemade cleaner to remove any difficult stains. Dampen a rag with water and rinse away the homemade cleaner.

Allow the gypsum fireplace surround to dry completely. Mask the wall and flooring around it with painter’s tape and heavy paper.

Cover the fireplace surround with a thin layer of latex-based primer. Using a short-nap roller, apply the primer in even back-and-forth motions. Allow the primer to dry for at least eight hours or overnight before continuing.

Apply a thin layer of acrylic latex paint to the fireplace surround with a short-nap roller. Once again, use even back-and-forth motions to cover the gypsum with the product. Allow the first layer of paint to dry to the touch. Wait at least three to four hours before applying a second coat.

Allow the final layer of acrylic latex paint to dry for at least 48 hours before removing the painter’s tape and heavy paper.