How to Clean & Paint the Fireplace Box

When first installed, a fireplace box can become the cornerstone of a room. However, over time, it may become stained from smoke and soot. This can cause it to transform into more of an eyesore than a centerpiece. Fortunately, a fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate a dingy, stained or worn-out looking fireplace box. However, before you slap a coat of paint on the fireplace box, you need to learn the preparation steps that are critical to a durable, long-lasting finish.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
• Coarse brush
• Rags
• Mineral spirits
• Blue painter's tape
• 5-gallon bucket
• Paint roller cover
• Roller frame
• 3- to 4-inch latex paintbrush
• Latex primer
• Latex paint

Instructions

1. Remove all ash from the fireplace after making sure the fireplace is cool.

2. Scrub away dust and dirt from the fireplace box using a dry coarse brush.

3. Apply mineral spirits to a dry rag until it is slightly moist. Wipe away soot and smoke stains on the fireplace box using the rag.

4. Scrub the mineral spirits into the the fireplace box using a coarse brush. Allow about 10 minutes for the mineral spirits to dry.

5. Cover areas surrounding the fireplace box with heavy-duty fabric drop cloths.

6. Apply blue painter's tape to areas you don't want painted.

7. Fill the 5-gallon bucket about halfway with primer. Slip the roller cover onto the roller frame.

8. Apply primer to the fireplace box using the roller. Continue applying primer moving from left to right until the fireplace box is coated.

9. Apply primer to any areas that proved inaccessible to the roller using the paintbrush. Fill any tiny holes within the mortar with primer by dabbing them vigorously with the paint brush. Allow the primer to dry for two hours.

10. Clean the paintbrush, roller frame, paint roller and paint roller cover using warm water. Remove excess water from the paint roller cover and the paintbrush by shaking vigorously.

11. Repeat steps seven, eight and nine, using paint instead of primer. Allow the paint to dry for two hours. Apply another coat if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to paint over a fireplace box unless you have primed it first or you may end up with peeling and chipping.

• Mineral spirits, latex primer and latex paint are flammable. Never attempt to paint a fireplace box without first ensuring that it is clean and cool.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics; "5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know"