Refreshing Your Fireplace with Paint

Refreshing your fireplace with paint is a budget-friendly way to give your living space a whole new look. Not only does it breathe life into your old fireplace, but it also offers numerous benefits and cost savings. Let’s explore why opting for a fireplace refresh with paint is a smart choice. We are super-obsessed with using paint to refresh our tiny Italian villa. I’ve painted the countertops, tiled walls and now fireplaces!

In case you missed it, we are completing a  DIY renovation of our tiny Italian villa! If you didn’t already catch them, click the links to read my previous posts in this series: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. I also posted about the many, many kinds of tile used by the previous owners, including on the fireplaces.

Benefits of Refreshing Your Fireplace with Paint

When you choose to refresh your fireplace with paint, you open up a world of benefits that go beyond just aesthetics. Here are some key advantages:

1. Transforms the look: A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the appearance of your fireplace. Whether you want to update its style, match a new colour scheme, or simply give it a modern touch, paint offers endless possibilities.
2. Enhances the overall ambiance: Your fireplace is often the focal point of the room, and a well-painted fireplace can create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. You can choose a colour that complements the surrounding decor and adds warmth to the space.
3. Covers up imperfections: Fireplaces, especially older ones, may have chips, cracks, or discoloured areas. Painting your fireplace can effectively hide these imperfections and give it a smooth, flawless finish.
4. Increases resale value: A beautifully painted fireplace adds value and appeal to your home. It boosts the overall aesthetics, making your property more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.

 

Cost Savings of Painting Your Fireplace

Refreshing your fireplace with paint is a cost-effective option. Here’s why:

1. Avoids expensive renovations: Renovating a fireplace can be a costly endeavour, involving extensive construction work, hiring professionals, and purchasing new materials. By choosing paint, you can achieve a similar transformation at a fraction of the cost.
2. Saves on replacement costs: If you have an outdated or worn-out fireplace, replacing it with a new one can be an expensive investment. Painting allows you to modernize the look without the hefty price tag of a brand-new fireplace.
3. Reduces maintenance expenses: Fireplaces require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. However, painted fireplaces are generally easier to clean and maintain compared to their natural stone or brick counterparts. This means spending less time and money on upkeep.
4. Budget-friendly materials: Paint and painting supplies are relatively inexpensive compared to other fireplace renovation materials such as tiles or stone veneers. With a wide range of affordable paint options available, you can achieve a stunning look without breaking the bank.

 

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Fireplace Refresh

When it comes to giving your fireplace a budget-friendly refresh, choosing the right paint is crucial. Not only should the paint be aesthetically pleasing, but, at a minimum, paint which will coat the inside of the fireplace needs to withstand high temperatures. 

For the outside of our fireplaces, I used tile paint since each of the two fireplaces were comprised of different tiles, bricks, stone like marble, etc. One fireplace had 10 different tiles! The easiest solution was to paint all the tiles with a high-quality tile paint. For the inside, I used a heat-resistant paint discussed below but any high temperature paint will work.

Types of Paint Suitable for Fireplaces

1. Heat-resistant paint: Fireplaces generate a significant amount of heat, so it’s essential to choose a paint that can withstand high temperatures without cracking or peeling. Heat-resistant paint is designed to withstand temperatures up to 200°C (392°F) and is specially formulated for use on surfaces exposed to extreme heat. I used this Saratoga brand and it had incredibly high coverage (one tiny can was enough for a large fireplace).
2. Epoxy paint: If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting option, consider using epoxy paint for your fireplace refresh. This type of paint creates a tough and resistant surface that can handle the heat and won’t chip or fade over time.
3. High-temperature aerosol paint: When it comes to convenience and ease of application, high-temperature aerosol paint is a popular choice. It comes in a spray can, allowing for even coverage and smooth finishes. Just make sure to choose a high-temperature variant suitable for fireplaces.

 

Preparing Your Fireplace for Painting

When it comes to refreshing your fireplace with a budget-friendly paint makeover, proper preparation is essential for achieving professional-looking results. Before diving into the exciting part of applying fresh paint, take the time to prepare your fireplace properly. This section will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure a clean and flawless surface for your paint application.

Cleaning Your Fireplace Before Painting

Before you begin painting, it is crucial to thoroughly clean your fireplace to remove any dirt, dust, soot, or residue that may have accumulated over time. Follow these simple steps to get your fireplace clean and ready for painting:

Outside of the Fireplace (Tile)

1. Check the tile grout to ensure there are no loose or damaged parts. If the grout has gaps, you’ll need to chip out loose grout and apply fresh grout.

2. Once the grout is dry, clean your fireplace thoroughly. If using tile paint, you’ll need a soda based cleaner (I used caustic soda, but be careful it’s potent). Read my tile painting pro tips for more guidance on how to properly clean a surface before applying tile paint.

3. Tape off areas you do not wish to paint and use a drop sheet (tile paint and heat resistant enamel paint are hard to get off your floors).

 

Inside of the Fireplace (Brick)

1. If you didn’t already cover your floor with a drop cloth or tarp, now is the time to do so.

2. Start by removing any loose debris and ashes using a brush and dustpan. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a face mask to avoid inhaling dust particles.
3. Next, wipe down the entire surface of the fireplace using a damp cloth or sponge. You can use a mild detergent solution to cut through stubborn stains or built-up grime. I used simple dish soap and warm water.
4. Pay extra attention to areas around the hearth and mantel, as they tend to collect more dirt and residue. Scrub gently to avoid damaging the surface.
5. Rinse the fireplace thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution or soap.
6. Finally, allow the fireplace to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Best to wait 24 hours if you can.

 

Repairing Any Damages or Imperfections

Inspect your fireplace closely for any damages or imperfections that may need to be addressed before painting. Fixing these issues will ensure a smooth and even paint application. 

We started with some pretty old, chipped fireboxes missing grout everywhere with flaking red paint. Here’s what they looked like before:

It’s easier than you think to repair common fireplace imperfections. If you have ever applied grout to tile, it’s a very similar process. Here are the steps you can take before commencing painting your fireplace:

1. Fill any cracks or holes in the fireplace surface using a high-quality, heat-resistant filler. Be sure to choose a filler suitable for your specific fireplace material, such as brick or stone. I unfortunately started with a fire resistant cement (something got lost in translation at the hardware store) which cracked quickly. My second attempt used a product called Sika Monotop 100 – Fire Resistant and it worked like a typical grout.
2. Smooth out the filler or grout using a putty knife or scraper, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Our fireplaces had a ton of odd corners and tricky spots, so I often just applied with my finger. 

3. Like with tile grout, wipe away the excess ensuring you don’t add too much water to dilute the product applied.

4. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding. I added a damp cloth to cover larger areas and waited 24 hours to ensure the product would harden properly without cracking.
5. If needed, once dry, sand down the repaired areas gently to create a seamless finish. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to avoid damaging the surrounding surface.
6. Wipe away the sanding dust with a clean cloth or sponge.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Your Fireplace

When it comes to giving your fireplace a budget-friendly refresh, painting can be a game-changer. It not only transforms the look of your fireplace but also breathes new life into your living space. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the process of painting your fireplace to achieve a stunning makeover. 

Painting Your Fireplace Surface

If you’ve followed the steps above to prepare your fireplace, it’s now time to paint! You can choose to use a primer if you are painting tile, stone or brick, but I knew my tile paint would stick and cover without primer so I jumped in to apply the paint directly to the prepared tile.

1. Start by stirring the tile paint thoroughly to ensure a consistent colour and texture.

2. Using a high-quality foam roller, apply a thin and even coat of paint to the tile surface. I found it helpful to use the roller to paint the tile grout first as it tends to absorb paint, then paint the tile surface.

3. Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To be certain, I waited a full 24 hours between coats as we are operating in a hot and humid climate. Tile paint is delicate, don’t disrupt it by sanding aggressively between coats or reapplying paint too early.

4. Optional: Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand any knobs with high-grit sandpaper very lightly.

5. Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of paint in the same manner. This will help achieve a more opaque and professional-looking finish. You may also need a third coat, maybe a fourth if your tile is dark and your paint is a light colour.

6. If you want to ensure the longevity of your fireplace paint job you can now also apply a protective topcoat. This will safeguard the painted surface from stains, heat, and general wear and tear. A protective topcoat will not only enhance the appearance of your fireplace but also make it easier to clean and maintain over time.

 

By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently paint your fireplace and achieve a stunning and budget-friendly refresh. Remember to take your time, prepare the surface properly, and choose high-quality materials for a long-lasting result. Happy painting!

Painting Your Firebox

You’ve done all the prep work above and your firebox is clean, free of chips and gaps in the grout and ready to be beautiful! Here’s what you do next:

1. Brush or roll on your heat-resistant paint ensuring you get into the grout lines and corners of your firebox. I used a brush for this purpose and found the paint to have exceptional coverage (one coat was enough). Keep at a minimum a small amount of paint for touch-ups later on.

2. Allow the paint to dry 24 hours to see the consistency in colour. If there are spots missed, go back and reapply the paint with a brush.
3. Enjoy your freshly painted fireplaces!

 

Who doesn’t like a good before and after?! Here’s how our fully tiled fireplaces and nasty fireboxes looked in the end:

BEFORE

AFTER

 

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Painted Fireplace Looking Fresh

When you’ve given your fireplace a budget-friendly refresh with paint, it’s important to maintain its fresh look over time. Regular cleaning and occasional touch-ups will help keep your painted fireplace looking its best. Here are some maintenance tips to guide you:

Cleaning and Dusting Your Painted Fireplace

To maintain the pristine appearance of your painted fireplace, regular cleaning and dusting are essential. Here’s how you can keep it looking fresh:

1. Remove loose debris: Begin by using a soft brush or a feather duster to gently remove any loose dust or debris from the painted surface. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as it may damage the paint.
2. Use a mild cleaner: Mix a small amount of mild soap or detergent with warm water in a bucket. Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth into the soapy solution and wring out any excess water. Gently wipe down the painted surface, paying attention to any areas that are visibly dirty or stained.
3. Avoid abrasive materials: Refrain from using harsh scrub brushes, abrasive cleaners, or scouring pads as they can scratch or dull the paint finish. Stick to gentle cleaning tools and products to preserve the quality of the paint.
4. Dry thoroughly: Once you’ve cleaned the painted fireplace, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any residual moisture. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before proceeding with any touch-ups or adding decorative elements.

Touching up Paint as Needed

Over time, your painted fireplace may experience minor wear and tear, such as small chips or scratches. To maintain the flawless appearance, consider these tips for touching up the paint:

1. Inspect regularly: Take the time to inspect your painted fireplace on a regular basis, looking out for any areas that may need touch-ups. This proactive approach will help you catch any imperfections before they become more noticeable or extensive.
2. Patch small chips: If you notice a small chip or scratch in the paint, gently sand the affected area using fine-grit sandpaper. Clean the surface thoroughly, apply a primer if necessary, and carefully touch up the paint with a small brush or a paint pen that matches the original colour.
3. Blend in touch-ups: It’s important to blend the touch-up paint seamlessly with the existing paintwork. Feather the edges of the fresh coat using a soft brush or sponge to create a smooth transition between the old and new paint layers.
4. Protect with a clear coat: Consider applying a clear coat or protective sealant over the freshly touched-up area. This will help protect the paint from further damage and ensure the longevity of your fireplace’s refreshed look.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a budget-friendly fireplace refresh with paint is an excellent way to transform your living space without breaking the bank. Grab your paintbrush and get ready to create a stunning focal point in your home with a fireplace refresh that won’t cost a fortune.