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How to Brighten and Lighten a Stone Fireplace

Bobby Stones

Stone fireplaces are durable and energy efficient. The stones absorb heat from the fire and radiate it into the room, and they can remain hot for some time after the fire is out. These fireplaces also can accumulate soot, dust and burn marks.

Stone fireplaces can be cleaned and protected.

You can beautify and brighten a stone fireplace and add some protection to the stone and mortar by cleaning and sealing it.

Tip

Apply enough acid solution to burn and clean the stones. Scrub in a circular motion to get into the crevices.

Warning

Use safety precautions when working with acid and proper ventilation when working with sealers.

    Use caution when working with acid.
  1. Wear rubber gloves. Mix one pint of muriatic acid with a gallon of water in a five-gallon bucket. Carefully fill the trigger-sprayer bottle. Attach the trigger and pump a few sprays into the bucket to be sure that the sprayer functions.

  2. Acid is able to penetrate and clean stone and cement.
  3. Begin at the top of the stone fireplace. Spray the acid solution over a small area. Allow the acid to fizz and burn for one to two minutes. Scrub the area with an acid scrub brush to remove thick residue or stains.

  4. Most stone fireplaces can be acid-washed.
  5. Mix a cup of ammonia with a gallon of water. Fill a trigger sprayer and neutralize the entire fireplace with the ammonia-and-water solution.

  6. Use a paint brush to cover all areas of the stone fireplace.
  7. Allow the stone to completely dry. Apply two coats of a masonry sealer with a paint brush. Allow two to three days of curing before lighting a fire. These steps will brighten up the stone fireplace.

The Drip Cap

  • Stone fireplaces are durable and energy efficient.
  • These fireplaces also can accumulate soot, dust and burn marks.
  • Mix one pint of muriatic acid with a gallon of water in a five-gallon bucket.
  • Fill a trigger sprayer and neutralize the entire fireplace with the ammonia-and-water solution.