How to Seal Fireplace Bricks to Hang Art

Bricks can be purchased and used sealed or unsealed. Sealed bricks are easier to clean and to maintain. If your fireplace bricks are unsealed you can seal them yourself by using a sealer containing tung oil. Tung oil penetrates the brick and causes it to resist moisture and dirt. It also gives the brick a tough coating that you can wash with soap and water when necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Powder detergent
• Salt
• Stiff brush
• Sponges
• Bucket
• Brick sealer with tung oil
• Lint-free cloths
• #0000 steel wool

Instructions

1. Mix 1 ounce of detergent, 1 ounce of salt and some water to make a pasty mixture. Rub it onto the fireplace bricks and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Use a stiff brush to remove the paste along with the dirt, grease and grime.

2. Rinse the fireplace bricks thoroughly using a wet sponge. Let bricks dry completely.

3. Apply a coat of tung oil sealer with a lint-free cloth. Wipe off any excess and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

4. Buff the bricks with fine #0000 steel wool. This will create a satin sheen. Use a barely damp sponge to remove any residue from the steel wool.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 at least two more times for additional protection.

Tips & Warnings

• Test both the detergent mixture and the brick sealer on an "out of the way" brick first.

• For a more glossy finish, let the oil dry and use a paste wax.

• Directions may vary with different tung oil brick sealers. Follow the specific directions for your product.

• Treat older, more fragile bricks as gently as possible.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Cleaning Brick Fireplaces
• Masters Blend: Tung Oil -- 100% Pure