Restyling A Fireplace Interior With Paint

Transforming the look of a fireplace with a fresh coat of paint is an easy and dramatic way to update the style of a room. Painting the inside of a fireplace requires some preparation and the right type of high-heat resistant paint, but the end results can have a major visual impact with minimal time and effort.

Painting a previously used fireplace that contains years of smoke, soot, and char offers a special set of challenges. But armed with the right supplies and techniques, even amateur DIYers can achieve an eye-catching makeover.

Benefits of Painting A Fireplace Interior

Before deciding to paint the inside of your fireplace, consider these excellent benefits:

• Provides a dramatic visual effect with minimal time and effort
• Ideal for upgrading fireplaces currently not in use
• Improves drab or dated brickwork's appearance
• Makes keeping the fireplace clean much more manageable
• Freshens up the entire room's look and feel

Painting the interior transforms traditional masonry fireplaces with an injection of color and modern style. The eye-catching results inject new life into unused fireboxes without undergoing extensive renovations.

Supplies Needed For Fireplace Paint Projects

Painting inside a fireplace requires just a few special supplies on top of the typical painting essentials:

• High heat resistant paint (Rust-Oleum High Heat or equivalent)
• Angled trim brush for tight spaces
• Roller and extension pole for large areas
• Vacuum cleaner with hose attachments
• Hot, soapy water and cleaning rags
• Painter's tape for protecting surfaces
• Drop cloths or old sheet to cover nearby objects

High heat paint withstands temperatures up to 1200degF, perfect for firebox interiors. Look for brands rated for metal, wood stove, engines, and grills for durability. An angled trim brush navigates corners and crevices easily.

Preparing A Fireplace For Painting

Thorough preparation before painting ensures better adhesion and longer-lasting results:

1. Clean interior surfaces with a vacuum hose, brush attachments, hot soapy water, and cleaning rags to remove loose debris, dirt, soot, and grease.
2. Lightly sand glossy surfaces to rough up the previous paint or finish coat.
3. Use painter's tape, rosin paper, or drop cloths to mask off nearby surfaces like floors and walls.
4. Check for cracks or missing mortar and patch prior to painting.
5. Allow all cleaned surfaces to fully dry before applying primer or paint.

Addressing cracks or missing mortar before painting keeps these flaws from showing through the new paint. Unpainted masonry may need a coat of masonry primer first for proper adhesion.

Choosing The Best Fireplace Paint

With so many options on the market, selecting the right fireplace paint ensures durability and safety:

Types Of Fireplace Paint

• High Heat Paint - Formulated for temperatures up to 1200degF on stoves, engines, grills, and fireplace interiors.
• Masonry Paint - Superior adhesion to brick, concrete, stucco, and stone than standard paints.
• Latex Paint - Budget-friendly option but less durable in high heat situations.
• Oil-Based Paint - Very durable and max heat resistant but requires mineral spirits for cleanup.

Paint Sheen And Finish Options

• Flat - No shine and hides imperfections but struggles with dirt, moisture, and scrubbing.
• Eggshell - Soft glow sheen, durable, resists yellowing, easy to clean.
• Semi-Gloss - Durable shine, accentuates color depth, resists moisture and frequent cleaning.

Semi-gloss or gloss enamel paints better withstand repeated fires, built up creosote, and routine maintenance. Match the new paint sheen to the existing room decor.

Get The Necessary High Heat Rating

Standard paint discolors, bubbles, peels, or catches fire if exposed to high temperatures. Specialty high heat paint undergoes testing in extreme temperatures for safety and durability:

• Up to 500degF for stoves, engines, grills, or lower-heat fireplaces
• 800+degF for wood-burning fireplaces and inserts
• 1200degF+ for gas fireplaces or decorative fire pits

Check manufacturer ratings and reviews to confirm sufficient heat resistance for your fireplace type before purchasing.

Match The Existing Decor

Choose a high heat paint color that coordinates well with current room colors and furnishings. Neutral black, white, gray, or brown, blend in without overpowering. Bold red, yellow, green or other colors make for an eye-catching focal point.

Applying Paint To A Fireplace Interior

Follow these tips when applying paint for best results:

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Paint fumes require ample cross ventilation, so open windows and use fans or exhaust vents. Protect nearby rooms by closing doors and covering air vents.

Use An Angled Trim Brush

The angled brush adapts to corners and uneven masonry surfaces beautifully. Maintain light brush pressure to prevent dripping through mortar gaps or onto floors.

Apply Paint Carefully And Evenly

Work methodically and patiently to ensure full coverage on the first coat. Lap marks or light spots require additional coats later. Apply in smooth, slightly overlapping strokes according to brushstroke lines.

Allow Proper Dry Times

Rushing the paint drying leads to tacky surfaces prone to damage. Drying times vary based on humidity, ventilation, paint type, and layers applied. Check manufacturer guidelines for estimated dry times.

Immediately Clean Up Spills or Splatter

Accidental drips or spills on floors stand out prominently after drying. Blot up spills quickly before drying using soap and water. Carefully smooth out textured surfaces to eliminate brush marks.

Finishing And Protecting The Painted Fireplace

Adding extra protection ensures the newly painted fireplace stays looking fresh for years:

Apply A Second Paint Coat If Needed

One thick coat often covers sufficiently, but two thin coats provide extra durability. Inspect for thin spots or light mortar showing through before finishing.

Avoid Fireplace Use For Paint Curing

Prevent fires or excessive heat for at least 48 hours to allow proper curing. Fumes remain for several days until fully hardened. Allow at least 2 weeks before moderate use.

Touch Up Paint As Needed Over Time

Inspect for damaged paint each season before use. Use leftover paint to quickly touch up cracks or peeling spots.