Do I Need to Prime a Fireplace Before Painting It?

Clean

• Vacuum the fireplace with the hose nozzle attachment to remove dust and other substances. Using soapy water and a sponge, clean the fireplace. You'll want to select a sturdy sponge that won't crumble off on the fireplace while you are cleaning. For excessive soot and powder, use trisodium phosphate (TSP), which can be purchased at most home improvement and hardware stores. TSP is a strong cleaner, so wear protective gloves and eyewear. Rinse the fireplace well after applying, and wait at least 12 hours for the fireplace to dry.

Repair

• If there are any chips or cracks in the fireplace, these need to be repaired before you start priming. If you skip this step, the fireplace's imperfections will show through the finished product and stand out like a sore thumb. You can use spackle or caulk for cracks and small chips. However, if your fireplace has substantial damage, you may have to use textured caulk, or you can ask an associate at your local hardware or home improvement store for special products designed for these problem areas.

Prime

• Use painter's tape to cover the mantel and walls, and put drop cloths or tarps on the floor. Select a primer specifically designed for masonry or mortar that can withstand extreme heat without peeling and that is also a good sealant to help fill the cracks in the fireplace. You may want to tint the primer the same color as the paint, which makes it easier to paint and requires fewer coats. You might only need one coat of primer, but if the fireplace is a very dark color, several coats may be required.

Paint

• Starting from the top, paint the fireplace with a roller, and use a paintbrush for the grout lines. Paint tends to build up and drip on the corners of the fireplace, so use extra care to avoid paint accumulations in these areas. You may only require two coats of paint since the fireplace has already been primed. Once you have finished, remove the painter's tape while the color is still wet to prevent pieces of the tape from sticking to the fireplace.