Tips on Painting a Fireplace
- Ensure that the fireplace is cool.fireplace image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
Many homeowners choose to transform their tarnished, smoke-stained or mismatched fireplaces by refinishing them with a coat of paint. Because fireplaces are made of nonporous brick or stone, they are ill suited for adhesion and will reject painted finishes unless they are pretreated prior to application. Once the fireplace is properly prepared, it will accept its new finish. - Amateur painters tend to undervalue the cleaning process. Primer and paint will not adhere to a dirty fireplace. Dust the fireplace with a coarse brush, and scrub the mortar between the brick and stone. Keep scrubbing until the fireplace is free from dust, or you may have problems with adhesion.
- Paint mishaps can ruin flooring and furniture near the fireplace. Take the time to meticulously cover surrounding surfaces with plastic coverings, masking paper, heavy-duty fabric drop cloths and professional painter's tape.
- Paint will not adhere to a bare, unfinished fireplace. Coat the fireplace with a latex primer prior to painting. If the fireplace is marred with smoke stains, choose an oil-based stain-blocking primer. Apply the primer, using a roller, equipped with a nap cover. Apply the primer liberally, and smooth any runs or drips, using a a paintbrush manufactured for use with water-based coatings. Use the paintbrush to force primer into porous areas within the mortar. Dab the brush against the fireplace to fill tiny holes and fissures.
- Once the fireplace is primed, it is ready to accept its new finish. Choose a semi-gloss or gloss latex paint. These coatings are easy to clean and provide an attractive sheen. Apply the paint just as you did the primer. Wait two hours for the paint to dry. Apply additional coats if you can see the primer showing through. Wait six hours for the paint to cure before using the fireplace.
- Not all oil-based primers are compatible with latex paint. Kilz oil-based primer is ideal for blocking smoke stains. It is also compatible with water-based latex paints. If you choose a different brand, examine the labeling to ensure compatibility. Do not use oil-based primer if the labeling says it is incompatible with latex paint, or you will end up with flaking and peeling on your fireplace.
