How to Repaint a Brick Fireplace

Prepare the brick fireplace for repainting by covering the floor and the fireplace base with either dropcloths or sheets of plastic. You can also use old sheets or blankets or tarps if you do not have dropcloths or plastic.

Vacuum the fireplace brick using the brush or crevice tool. The vacuum will help remove any loose debris, dust or surface dirt attached to the painted brick.

Pour TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaning solution into a bucket and mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the TSP with a stiff brush. A heavy-duty cleaner that removes grease, smoke and ground-in dirt, TSP can help to clean and prepare the brick for repainting.

Rinse the TSP from the fireplace using a clean cloth and a second bucket filled with clean water. Wipe the brick fireplace down with a soft, clean cloth after you finish rinsing the TSP.

Apply the new paint color using a thick paint roller. Use a paintbrush to paint inside smaller crevices that the roller cannot reach. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Acrylic and latex paints take only several hours to dry. Apply a second coat if necessary.