How to Paint a Gray Brick Fireplace
- 1). Wash the brick to remove soot and other deposits. Use a degreasing soap. Scrub tough stains with a sponge. Wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp sponge.
- 2). Protect the walls and floor around the fireplace. Use a strip of painter's masking tape on the wall. A drop cloth will keep spatters off the floor.
- 3). Repair damage to the bricks and mortar with spackling compound. Spread it on with a putty knife. Use a damp sponge to reach into small areas and smooth out the compound. When it hardens, lightly sand the compound. Wipe away dust with a damp sponge.
- 4). Roll primer onto the masonry surface with a thick-nap roller sleeve. Start at the top of the fireplace and work your way down.
- 5). Use a small brush to apply primer between the bricks. Wipe up drips and thick areas of primer.
- 6). Apply at least two coats of paint, following the same procedure you used when applying the primer. Be sure each coat has dried completely before applying another coat. Masonry is a very porous surface and may require a third coat of paint for complete coverage.
- 7). Remove the tape when the paint has dried. Pull carefully to avoid taking any of the paint off in the process. Wash the brush with soap and water.
