How to Fix an Ugly Brick Fireplace

Fireplaces are a great addition to any room. They make them feel warm and cozy. However, if your brick fireplace is a monstrosity, you may feel as if it would be better to just have a blank wall. Fortunately, fixing an ugly brick fireplace is much easier than you might expect. You have many options, including tiling over the brick and stucco. However, the easiest option for fixing a brick fireplace is to paint it.

Things You'll Need

• Oil-based primer
• Semi-gloss latex paint
• Paint rollers (long nap)
• Paint brushes
• Wire brush
• Mild liquid soap
• Dust mop
• Small bucket

Instructions

1. Wipe down the brick fireplace with the dust mop. This will remove dust and cobwebs from the brick so that you do not accidentally paint the dirt into the fireplace permanently.

2. Clean the bricks.. Use a solution of warm water and 4 drops of mild dish soap. You can mix it in the bucket. Scrub down the bricks and mortar with the wire brush to remove soot, grime and any loose mortar. Once you are done you need to let the bricks dry completely before you move on. This could take up to 24 hours.

3. Prime the brick. This will keep soot stains from coming through the paint. Use the rollers to apply an even coat of primer, then fill in any thin spots and crevices using the paint brushes. You can apply two coats of primer, waiting two hours between them. Once you are done, let the primer dry overnight.

4. Paint the fireplace with semi-gloss latex paint. As with the primer, use the rollers to apply even, thin coats. You will generally need two coats but you can apply as many as three. Use the paintbrushes to fill in and even out areas that the rollers did not hit evenly.

5. Let the fireplace dry. This could take up to 48 hours. Once it has dried, then you can start enjoying your new look.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding a mantle can also enhance your ugly fireplace. Simple wooden mantles can be mounted on the wall using screws and a drill, or more elaborate fireplace surrounds can be built at home or purchased for faster installation.

• Make sure that you paint with the windows open for good ventilation.

References

• Ideas for dealing with ugly brick fireplaces.
• How to paint a brick fireplace.