Having a fireplace in the living room or den is a plus for many homeowners, but sometimes an outdated design can create more problems than pleasant, cozy feelings. Thankfully, there are ways you can give your prefab or masonry fireplace a quick facelift without having to spend a fortune.

Benefits of Refreshing Your Fireplace

In most layouts, the fireplace serves as the focal point of the room. That means it could make or break the interior style and decor choices you’ve made. By refreshing the facade, you can create a significant impact on the entire room and improve the feel of your home without much effort. Even if you only change the exterior color, you have the option to create a brighter feeling with lighter tones or make an accent wall with a bolder hue. It all simply depends on how you want to improve the space.Making cosmetic changes to your fireplace can also increase the value of your home. The National Association of Realtors conducted a study where participants rated fireplaces as one of their most desired features. In fact, 40% said that they would pay extra for a house that included one in a living space. Making updates could be vital if you plan to sell soon or want to borrow against your equity in the form of a loan. A more visually appealing fireplace could help to increase the value of your home, meaning you might receive more capital if you are looking to finance another renovation project or make a quick sale in a competitive housing market. 

No matter if you have owned your home for years or have just purchased it, updating your fireplace is a good home improvement project that can be completed in a few short days. Below are four of our favorite DIY projects that can give your fireplace a quick and easy makeover. 

1. Paint It a New Color

Masonry or stonework can be a great feature and design characteristic for the home. However, if the color of the stones or bricks doesn’t naturally match anything else in your house, you may want to consider painting them a different color. While this might sound like an intimidating project, it can be quickly accomplished in a few steps.

Before painting, you have to prepare the surface of your fireplace. This means you’ll need to thoroughly clean it to remove any built-up dust, grime, or soot. Using warm water and cleaning spray, wash the areas you are going to paint. Make sure to rinse again with clean water and that the surface is dry before continuing.

Once that step is complete, it’s time to move on to painting your bricks or stones. You’ll need a base coat, a few different accent colors, and a glaze. After deciding on a color, you can use a paint kit to purchase all of the necessary materials in one transaction. You may also want to get some paint for the firebox if it is looking chipped or faded. 

To prevent making any messes, tape off areas and lay down drop cloths to protect the floor. Then you can start painting your fireplace with the base coat and adding more colors after the first complete layer. Using a variety of tones gives your fireplace dimension and a more natural look. 

2. Replace Outdated or Damaged Doors

Besides painting, you can also give your fireplace a new look by replacing the glass doors. This update is beneficial if your current doors are unfashionable or have any scratches or cracks. If the glass is damaged, you may want to replace them as soon as possible to avoid safety concerns when using the fireplace. Scratches or cracks in the glass weaken the integrity of the doors. Depending on how damaged the glass is, it could shatter while in use, creating a mess and even a fire hazard. Imperfections can further create an eyesore for your otherwise pristine fireplace. To replace the doors, you need to measure their dimensions and figure what type of fireplace you have, whether it’s masonry or prefab. With that information, you can order new fireplace doors that better fit your interior design and are safer for the home.

3. Install a New Mantel

Fireplace mantels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some may only be a wooden shelf, while others could include a decorative surround and stonework. Depending on the style of your home, your mantel could be due for an overhaul that will better match your intended aesthetic. 

Over the recent years, wooden mantels have become popular for their varied designs and affordability. Most wooden mantels are typically made from attractive hardwoods that can be painted or stained depending on your preference. You could purchase a completed mantelpiece from a home improvement store or find a vintage one at a salvaged lumber yard.

For a more hands-on approach, you can even build your own mantel with cheap materials like pine boards and wood veneers. You simply create a hollow wooden box that will be stained and installed over the existing one, giving the fireplace a new look for less time and money!

4. Add Extra Storage with Shelving 

As a homeowner, you may be on the lookout for ways to create extra storage space throughout your house. Fortunately, your fireplace makeover could include building new shelving to hold books, collections, or even household odds and ends.

If your fireplace is in the center of the wall, you probably have room on either side of it. Instead of leaving that wasted wall space empty, you can create built-in bookshelves or even an entertainment center. This design accommodates additional storage for your living space and can spark new ways to decorate your home. An out-of-style fireplace doesn’t have to hold back your interior design dreams. By taking a few days to give it a quick update with paint or a new mantel, you can make your old fireplace match any style. 

Moving to a house with a fireplace can be a great idea! Fireplaces provide an ambiance of warmth and tranquility; it could be one of the essential elements that decides your new place of abode.

However, even though fireplaces come with a crackling, cozy glow, it can pose problems. Not only are many fireplaces outdated, they can become dangerous fire hazards when not cared for properly.

If you want your house relocation to be safe and efficient, consider these fireplace tips from the get-go:

Have the Chimney Inspected

Before the moving day, be sure to get the chimney inspected by a specialist. Unless you’re a trained expert, you need the assistance of a professional to check whether the chimney is in good working condition. Remember, if you inspect the chimney before you move in, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your new home’s fireplace is safe to use upon your arrival.

Sweep the Chimney

In addition to inspection, it’s important to have the chimney swept when moving to a house with a fireplace. This is one of the most important things to do to make sure you’ll not end up dealing with chimney fire. 

Unless you have documentation that the chimney is clean and safe, you have to clean it up to prevent creosote buildup which is highly combustible and a fire hazard. Also, when the chimney is filled with this substance, carbon dioxide poisoning might happen.

You’ll want to do this before you move in so you don’t risk covering your covering your new furniture and flooring with a sooty mess. Hiring well-rated professionals is a must for a thorough job that doesn’t make too big a mess!

Think about a Fireplace Remodel

In most layouts, the fireplace is set as the focal point of the living room. If it is outdated, your whole living room will have an outdated feel. It is essential that you update your fireplace. You may just need a new mantel or a quick whitewash, but if your brick is really dingy, you may want a transformative look!

You can resurface your fireplace, of course, but that can be very costly. The Brick Anew paint kit is designed to transform your brick, maintain a natural brick look, and brighten your space, all for $200. If you’re considering moving to a home with outdated brick, the Brick-Anew paint kit might be just what you need!

Test Your New Damper

The fireplace damper is used to regulate the flow of exhaust from the fire. When you aren’t burning in the fireplace, you can keep the damper closed to keep out cold weather.

However, when substances like ash and creosote build up, they’ll stop the damper from opening and closing properly, which might cause a fire hazard. To ensure your safety, you should hold a lit candle under the closed damper. If the flame flickers, a draft is coming in through the damper which indicates a fire safety hazard as well as a potential strain on your heating bill.

If your damper opens fully but doesn’t close, you can install a set of fireplace doors to keep out the draft. Sometimes dampers break and buying doors can be less expensive than replacing the damper.

Create a Fire Escape Plan

While your professional movers Manhattan NYC or wherever you may be are busy handling the logistics aspects of your relocation, you can now focus your attention elsewhere. It’s important to create a fire escape plan so you’ll know what to do if a fire escapes from the firebox.

For instance, your fire plan should include whether certain members of the household will try and put out the fire or simply go to safety. If you’re moving to a home with bedrooms upstairs, be sure to purchase fire ladders for each room in the event fire occurs and the stairs are blocked.

Purchase a Fire Extinguisher

Another safety tip to keep in mind when moving to a new house with a fireplace is to buy a fire extinguisher. If your fire escapes from the fireplace, a fire extinguisher can extinguish the fire before it grows.

Know and Follow Safe Operation Practices

Moving to a house with a fireplace can be very exciting, but it comes with risks that you should be aware of. Here are some tips anyone starting, maintaining, or putting out a fire in your home should know:

1. Avoid using chemicals as well as wet, moldy, or rotten wood to fuel your fireplace.
2. Refrain from creating a roaring fire; use an appropriate amount of fuel and keep the fire contained in the firebox.
3. Make sure to dispose of the ashes once they are completely cool. To be safe, place the ashes in a metal container.
4. If you plan to use newspapers as kindle, remove any colored portion. Colored ink can contain lead and other substances that can create toxic gasses.
5. Inspect your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on a regular basis.
6. Store poking tools and matches in a safe place, out of reach of pets and children.
7. Be sure you keep curtains and other flammable materials a safe distance from the fireplace.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things to take note to ensure a safe fireplace operation once you arrive. For the meantime, you should get quality moving packing services from a reputable company while you’re preoccupied with the safety of your new home. Instead of stressing yourself out with the tasks involved, you can use some extra hands to make the transition less stressful. 

If you’ve always dreamt of a fireplace in your dwelling place, then, there’s nothing to worry about. Despite the safety risks associated with having a fireplace, you can always keep everyone in the household safe by following the tips mentioned above when relocating to a new house.

Thinking about whitewashing your fireplace? You’re not alone. Whitewashing is a popular way homeowners update their brick while preserving a somewhat natural brick look.

You probably dislike your current brick or stone. Maybe it is dark, dingy, and outdated. But, if you’ve settled on whitewashing, you probably want to keep a natural brick look and don’t want solid-painted brick.

The problem with whitewashing is that it doesn’t deliver a natural brick look. The finished brick will look…whitewashed. Sure, bits of the brick peak through the white paint, but the natural brick look is lost with a whitewash.

That is why our customers love the Brick Anew paint kit. It delivers a real natural brick look. It doesn’t look painted; it looks like real brick! When people see fireplaces transformed with Brick Anew, they think the old brick has been torn out and replaced with a lighter brick.

What is Brick Anew?

Brick Anew is an all-in-one paint kit and technique designed to transform outdated brick. Each kit comes with painting equipment, multiple paint colors, and a video tutorial walking you through the process. By applying multiple colors in layers, you create a real brick look from just paint!

Don’t believe you can get a real brick look with depth using paint? Check out these before and after pictures from real customers!

Obviously the difference between whitewashed brick and the Brick Anew paint kit is tremendous. What about the difference in cost? The difference in process? Let’s do a little compare and contrast.

The Process

Whitewashing is a relatively simple process. You thin paint with a little bit of water, brush it over the brick, and wipe it off as necessary to reveal the brick underneath.

However, whitewashing has a lot of variables. If you don’t thin your paint enough, you’ll be left with a patchy mess. If you let the paint dry before wiping it off, you’ll have an inconsistent finished look.

The Brick Anew paint kit, on the other hand, is a tried-and-true process that comes with clear, step-by-step instructions. You can use your artistic eye or follow the directions exactly. Either way, your fireplace will turn out great!

The Brick Anew process involves covering your entire fireplace with paint. Then you layer on additional colors in thin coats to create natural shadow and depth.

Let’s say you don’t like your finished look. You can paint over it again with the base coat and start the process all over again. This also means the Brick Anew process works well on previously painted bricks!

Customization

When you whitewash a fireplace, you don’t have many color choices. Sure you get to choose between shades of white; maybe you even choose a grey, but that’s it.

The Brick Anew paint kit has three unique color choices. Your finished look can be a creamy taupe, a cool grey, or a chic grey with hints of sunny yellow.

Below, you see each of these colors featured. From left to right: Frosted Sunshine, Misty Harbor, and Twilight Taupe.

If you’re not sure what color scheme is right for you, feel free to send pictures of your space to our team! We’d be happy to help you choose the best color for your space.

Cost

An average fireplace will cost $200 to paint with the Brick Anew system. You may end up spending more depending on the size of your fireplace.

If you already have all the painting supplies you need, you will probably end up spending less money whitewashing your fireplace. After all, you will only need a little paint and some water.

However, if you don’t have all the paint supplies you need, you will probably end up spending similar amounts on either process. The Brick Anew kit comes with everything you need: tape, brushes, sponges, rollers, and (of course) multiple colors of paint.

In some cases, the Brick Anew kit will be more expensive than whitewashing. However, the Brick Anew process is more complex than whitewashing so this is to be expected.

You can purchase the brick kit here and the stone kit here.

The Results Are In

If you’re considering whitewashing, consider the Brick-Anew paint kit before you make a final decision. You may find a color scheme perfect for your space!

Just like whitewashing, the Brick-Anew paint kit brightens fireplaces. Unlike whitewashing, the Brick Anew kit is a transformative look that preserves the appearance of real brick.

Still undecided? Check out some of our customer testimonials or our Facebook page!

We’ve walked hundreds of homeowners through the process of painting their fireplaces with the Frosted Sunshine paint kit.  The golden-grey tones in the paint really brighten and open up a space.

Many homeowners find themselves with the desire to add a few new decorations to tie the room together.  Others need to replace some outdated furniture that looked fine with the old fireplace but is a bit shabby with the new one.

We chose these pieces specifically for their high-quality, their good reviews, and the way they go seamlessly with the frosted sunshine paint kit.

Choosing Furniture

This DHP Andora Coil Sofa in Faux Leather doubles as a futon.  You’ll have plenty of space for an extra guest or just to get extra comfy for a movie night.

The couch is well rated and the faux leather will hold up over time.  The seats have spring coils for extra support and long-use.Reviewers say it’s easy to assemble and quick to pull out into the futon.  And at under $350, it’s a great value for the money.This Armless Floral Accent Chair from Best Choice Products has beautiful colors on a light ivory background.  It’s the perfect way to add some color to your living room.

Reviewers love the chairs, though some buyers have found them a little bit short.Adding bright colors, especially in such a vibrant pattern is an easy way to make your space sand out.  This is a head-turning piece, and you’re sure to get compliments.This Antique Tobacco Coffee Table by Linon Home Dcor is a great accent to the warm tones in your brick, especially if you have a mantel or mantle shelf in a similar color.

For the $100 price, it is a great value.  Reviewers say it’s relatively easy to assemble and that it holds up well over time.Adding bright colors, especially in such a vibrant pattern is an easy way to make your space sand out.  This is a head-turning piece, and you’re sure to get compliments.

Adding Decorations

These birch twigs from ECOVENIK with this chic turquoise vase from VANCORE would be a lovely addition to a mantel.  The tones in the Frosted Sunshine kit work well with the shabby chic/farmhouse decor that has become more and more popular.You could use faux flowers or greenery instead of the branches if that won’t work well in your space.  If the season is right and you don’t mind the extra work, you can use live flowers as well!This COTULIN Modern Table Lamp has a unique gold base adds a bit of elegance to your space, especially if you don’t have any metallic accents left into your space.  Lamps look nice in pairs of two, sitting on either end of a couch or long table.

If you already have nice lighting in your space, try using golden lightbulbs in your lamps.  During the day, you won’t need to turn them on, but at night they add lovely ambiance along with your fire.These Vintage LED Edison Bulbs are dimmable so you can adjust the brightness to set the mood.  Adjustable bulbs are a great way to control your evening atmosphere, from industrial to romantic.Adding pictures of you and your family to your mantel is an awesome way to make your living room feel like home.  You can replace the pictures yearly or choose some old favorites to keep all the time.Any of these cute frames would go very well with the cream tones in your Frosted Sunshine kit.  Think about what pictures you want to put in the frames and the rest of your decor in your room.  This can help with deciding on the final color.

Final Thoughts

A new fireplace gives your whole room a new feel.  It can be exciting, but it may also make you realize that your furniture and decor was a little bit outdated.

By investing in a new sofa or getting some picture frames to match the fireplaces, you can tie the whole room together without breaking the bank.  Don’t forget to send us pictures to our customer service email!

There is no getting around the fact that removing paint from brick is no simple task. Most methods for removing paint from brick have considerable drawbacks: they can be caustic, expensive, time-consuming, and can permanently damage your brick.

This article explores several of the options available for removing paint from brick—especially indoor brick, such as that in a brick fireplace—as well as less dangerous and invasive solutions to ugly painted brick.

Doing It the Hard Way: Standard Options for How to Remove Paint from Brick Fireplaces

Most options for removing paint from bricks in your home are dismal at best, dangerous at worst. You be the judge: Would you like to experiment with any of the following techniques in your home?

• Power washing and sandblasting: This almost seems ludicrous to mention for interior applications, but if you are flipping a house or remodeling, you could conceivably sandblast interior brick. But consider the following before renting that equipment: 
• Sandblasting or power washing brick is the most damaging way to remove layers of paint from brick and mortar due to its forceful nature. 
• Sandblasting brick erodes the protective exterior of the original brick you’re trying to expose. This can lead to further damage later. 
• Power washing brick must be done by professionals, which is not very cost effective to remove brick paint affordably.

Even after you sandblast or power wash brick, you will still probably need to go over the remaining patches of paint with a wire brush to remove them by hand.

• Lye: Yes, Lye! Lye is a very volatile, very toxic and very risky acid. Sodium hydroxide is the same ingredient found in products marketed to dissolve clogs in drains. Some people use it to remove paint from their brick and they must be rather brave considering the following factors: 
• To make the lye-based solution to remove paint from your brick fireplace all you do is mix some water with the powdered lye solution. But remember to put the lye into the water, because if you forget and do it the other way it will explode or catch fire! 
• If you still want to remove paint from bricks with lye, you will need something akin to a hazmat suit—this chemical really is that caustic. Any contact with skin requires immediate first aid. Consider wearing long sleeves, a mask, and possibly even a raincoat. 
• Lye can also require repeated treatments. Sometimes the process can take weeks. 
• Once again, have a wire brush handy to finish the job as lye generally leaves unsightly patches of paint on the brick—even after several applications.

If you do decide to try lye to remove paint from the surface of the brick, be sure to review the material safety data sheet for sodium hydroxide to review the risks and potential dangers.  Also use drop cloths to protect the surrounding area!

• Paint stripper, paint thinners, and other solvents. A quick internet search should make it obvious that there is no magic bullet when it comes to removing paint from brick. Of course, people have come up with their own homemade recipes—generally involving even more caustic chemicals that were not even designed for use with brick. These include paint stripper, paint thinner, and even a type of marine stripper including several caveats about how dangerously strong it is. The problems with these pseudo brick paint removers are numerous:
• As they are not designed to work with brick, they can ruin the brick, compromise the brick’s integrity, and even ruin the mortar.
• Due to the relative weakness of some of these products, their endorsements often include that it took weeks to complete, was tedious, and even required scrubbing the brick with a toothbrush due to the porous surface retaining paint.
• The products can have dangerous chemical reactions with pre-existing paints, tints, or treatment.

A Better, Safer Way to Remodel Ugly Painted Brick

Despite anyone’s claims to the contrary, there is no safe, easy way to remove paint from brick. But there is a safe and easy alternative to remodel a fireplace with ugly paint—and one that gives you the look of natural brick.

Brick-Anew is a patented painting process that is specially formulated for painting brick. Unlike the odious task of removing brick paint, Brick-Anew offers a more practical and efficient solution that can be done quickly, easily, and safely. You can paint over existing paint, and being acrylic based, you can do so without the fear of hazardous fumes, the danger of unexpected chemical reactions, or the expense of having to hire outside help.

The obvious advantages to using Brick-anew when dealing with brick paint:

• Brick-Anew is a brick paint kit that is formulated to approximate the look of real brick.
• Brick-Anew will make your painted brick look like real new brick.
• Brick-Anew is a latex based paint, thus it is very safe and not reactive to other substances.
• Brick-Anew is a simple, do-it-yourself process requiring no outside help.
• No explosions or even any threats of explosions!
• Inexpensive.
• No scrubbing the brick with a wire brush.
• The specially formulated paint is fire-resistant and perfect for your brick fireplace.
• You can get great results in a single weekend instead of toiling away for a month.
• Is a great solution if you are even thinking about redoing your fireplace.
• If you don’t like it, you can always paint over it, and you’ll get your money back.

If your brick fireplace seems beyond help, Brick-Anew is a great way to try to remodel and revitalize it with very little investment of time and money. Check out these testimonials from actual customers including pictures of brick fireplaces that have been “brought back from the brink.”

Of course, if you WANT to spend hours on your hands and knees inhaling chemicals or scrubbing bricks with a wire brush, you can get some pretty good results. Otherwise you might want to tackle your brick remodeling project in a novel and efficient manner with the end result looking like real brick.

So you’ve breathed new life into your tired old fireplace with the Brick-Anew Twilight Taupe Paint Kit and it looks AMAZING (if you do say so yourself!) Now what about the rest of your room? Could it use a little sprucing up as well?

If the answer is yes, you’re in luck! Our design team has put together 10 fresh new ideas to help you create a bright, modern space to coordinate beautifully with your new Twilight Taupe fireplace without breaking the bank:

 

1. Add a Colorful Rug

2. Change Your Furniture

Has your sofa seen better days?  It just might be time to invest in a sleek new model.  Curl up in front of the fireplace on this modern cream-colored sofa from Stone & Beam.  Even though it looks expensive, this sofa is affordable for almost any budget.  The neutral background allows you to add pillows to match your rug or the season.  Super cozy and comfortable, it’s the perfect spot to unwind by the fireplace after a long day.

3. Purchase a Few Accent Pillows

Accent pillows add color to a neutral couch and compliment the shades in the rug.  Light blue, cream, and tan add a subtle and relaxing vibe. We love the textured look of these Burlap Linen Square Throw Pillows from Home Brilliant.

4. Add a Coffee or Accent Table

Now for a coffee table! This modern farmhouse coffee table from Liberty Furniture looks perfect with its storage drawers and wood top. It’s the perfect combination of warm wood paired with creamy white. Throw in one of their matching end tables to complete the look!

5. Update Your Entertainment Center

6. Display Some Artwork or a Mirror

Remember that oriental rug we mentioned? Here’s three examples of paintings that would compliment it well:

7. Dress Up Your Mantel

Once you’ve found that perfect centerpiece for your mantel, finish it off with some smaller decor that helps wrap it all together. These Rustic Candlesticks from Deco 79 and this Textured Modern Vase from Stone & Beam both make great additions to subtle tan tones of your Twilight Taupe brick.

8. Don’t Forget Lamps

9. Add a Touch of Nature

10. Get a Festive Bar Cart

Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to take a look at your space after your fireplace remodel and see what else in the room might need a little update.  Even if your budget doesn’t allow everything to be done at once, even a few small changes can make a big impact.  Enjoy!

WATCH: New homeowners Katie & Boo transform their old brick fireplace into the centerpiece of their living room using Brick-Anew.

When Katie first called us, we knew that her husband, Boo, was skeptical about painting over their brick fireplace.

Which, I might add, is totally understandable. Preserving and restoring old brick can make for a great aesthetic, and there’s enough nauseating pictures of poorly painted fireplaces floating around the web to make someone nervous about giving it a shot. But if Katie wants the modern, updated look of painted brick, and Boo wants to keep the look of natural brick, is there a solution?Yes, there is. This is a situation we’ve heard a thousand times at Brick-Anew. And with our fireplace paint kit, you get the best of both worlds!

Take a look at the beautiful results they achieved with our Twilight Taupe color scheme:

Items Featured In Video

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BEFORE

AFTER

One of the best parts about Twilight Taupe is how it opens up the room while still complementing dark, warm tones like wood and leather. Katie and Boo’s fireplace is the perfect example of this. Apparently it also makes the perfect backdrop for the family photo!Thank you Katie & Boo for sending in this great video. The best part about Brick-Anew paint is the freedom of the process, and we love seeing our customers having fun with it! Our kits include detailed instructions that teach you how to get the look that you want, so the finished result will be completely unique to your home.

So when it comes to painting old brick or preserving it, there really are no wrong answers. But maybe some answers are more right than others… You chose well, Katie!

Who knew painted stone could look so natural?

Brick-Anew customer, Pat, purchased the twilight taupe Brick-Anew kit to remodel her outdated stone fireplace. Tired of looking at her dark stone, Pat wanted a lighter look.

Pat really wanted her fireplace to look like natural stone and not have a solid painted look. While researching some different options, she found Brick-Anew, and decided to give it a try.

“I played around with the application a bit. The paint colors in the kit looked amazing and complimented each other for a natural look.”

After Pat completed the project, her family and friends couldn’t believe the dramatic change.

“Some people thought we’d changed out the stone. They really couldn’t believe it was painted! I’m very happy with the kit and my new fireplace.”

Pat, we’re impressed! You did a great job.

 

Before using the Brick-Anew Stone Fireplace Paint Kit

After using the Brick-Anew Stone Fireplace Paint Kit

Remodel your outdated, drab brick fireplace with….you guessed it, Brick Paint!

Fall is just around the corner.  Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here and relatives will be knocking on your door.  Don’t be embarrassed another year by that ugly old fireplace.

Nicole was dealing with that same situation a few months ago.  She was looking for a way to remodel her fireplace and update the look of her dull drab brick. She didn’t want to spend a lot of money so she knew her choices on how to do the project would be somewhat limited.

“I thought about resurfacing the fireplace with cultured stone or a brick veneer,” she explains. “So I contacted a brick mason to check out how much it would cost. The price he gave me was ridiculous.”

That’s when she started researching “faux painted brick”.  Brick painting was something she had been interested in learning more about.  After looking around on the internet for a while, she says she stumbled onto the Brick-Anew website.

Looking over all the before/after pictures, Nicole was impressed by the “everyday people” who had created beautiful marble-looking fireplaces just by painting their existing brick.

“I just knew Brick-Anew brick paint couldn’t be that easy to use but thought I’d give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose?”

But guess what? She says the process ended up being so much easier than she thought. “The end results were shocking and incredible. “I had so many compliments from friends and family. When they asked who I had hired to paint my brick, I just pointed to myself.” I’m so proud.”

The Brick-Anew brick painting kit can transform any outdated brick fireplace in a snap.  With easy step-by-step instructions and all the materials you need to do the job, you don’t need to be a DIY pro.

For some of us, we get a warm cozy feeling when we think about our fireplace.

Roasting marshmallows with the family. A glass of wine by the fire after a long day.  Cozying up with a warm blanket and a book, watching the dancing flames. For others, we get a creepy eerie feeling thinking of the dark structure lurking in the corner of our living room. Never enjoyed by anyone. Just sitting there taking up space.

You’ve lived with that drab outdated brick for years, not knowing how to make it better.  No matter how you’ve tried to decorate your room…there it is. Heavy. Looming. Depressing.

That dingy “Brady Bunch Brick” was groovy in the 1970’s…

But today…not so much.  It’s time to consider getting rid of that ugly brick once and for all and give your fireplace a facelift with –

You guessed it… paint!

Painting your brick is a fast, easy way to get a fresh new look without ruining your budget. Whether your ugly outdated brick is a wall in your kitchen or a fireplace in the middle of your living room, paint can be just the thing for a quick facelift.  It’s cheaper than any other remodeling option and what have you got to lose by giving it a try? You can always choose another remodeling option if you don’t like the painted look.

Still not convinced?  Read on and maybe you’ll be inspired to tackle that fireplace painting project you’ve put off for so long……

Why Paint Your Brick Fireplace?

Are you asking yourself, “Why in the world should I paint my brick fireplace?”  Here are some reasons to help you think through your decision:

1. Painting your brick is quick, easy and you get immediate results. 

Even if you’re not a DIY pro, painting brick is not a project that requires a lot of skill.  Grab a paintbrush and a can of paint and you’re off and running. If you’re in a hurry to complete the project, painting a brick fireplace can be done pretty quickly unless your brick wall or fireplace is extremely large.  Even then, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of days to finish. Depending on what kind of paint project you decide on (there are several options), you might need additional materials, but we’ll get to that a little later. As soon as you start applying the paint to your brick, you’ll see immediate results.  That feeling of “Why didn’t I do this a long time ago?!? There’s something satisfying about the immediate gratification you feel about covering up ugly brick that just makes you smile.

2. You can do it yourself without having to hire a contractor.

Painting your brick is a project you can do yourself without having to hire expensive contractors.  Professionals could charge anywhere from $500 – $2000, depending on the complexity of the project. But this article is here to show you that paying a professional to paint your brick is so unnecessary because the project is so simple. With the proper tools and paint, it’s possible to make your fireplace look as if it was painted by a professional while spending less than a quarter of a contractor’s price.

THERE IS MORE ON THIS ARTICLE HERE: FIREPLACE PAINTING 

Ashes, and soot and stains…Oh my!  During the cold winter months your firebox, the area of your fireplace where the fire burns, takes a beating.  With smoke, soot, and ashes building up after every fire, the firebox looks like an ugly, dirty mess. Painting your firebox can be just the thing to give your fireplace a fresh, clean look.  Here’s how to paint your firebox in 3 easy steps.

1. First, Purchase Some High Temperature Paint.

This type high temperature paint comes in two types:  brush-on or spray. High temperature paint withstands temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people prefer the brush on type since it allows for more control when applying.  Others prefer the spray- on since the paint can be applied faster. Either way, be sure you have plenty of ventilation since most of these high temperature paints have a very strong odor until they dry.

You’ll need to decide on what color to use since this paint comes in a variety of shades.  Basic black is a good choice since it’s a neutral color and can hide soot easily. Also, black tends to look nice with almost any fireplace and room decor. Beige, off-white or almond creates a bright, fresh look and is a good choice if you don’t burn real wood in your fireplace or you don’t use your fireplace at all.  

2.  Next, Clean and Prep Your Firebox.

Lay a drop cloth or old sheet down in front of your fireplace so you won’t get your carpet or floor dirty.  Remove any leftover wood, soot, and ashes using either a shop vac or a sturdy broom and dust pan.  Shop vacs can sometimes be rented at your local hardware store if you don’t own one.  Deposit all debris into a large trash bag or old container for disposal, making sure all embers have gone out and cooled.  Be sure to take out metal log holders so your firebox is empty since these can be cleaned and painted as well.

After the firebox has been emptied, use soap and water and a good firebox cleaner formulated to remove creosote and soot to clean the walls and sides of the firebox.  Rutland makes a good brick and stone cleaner that works pretty well.  A scrub brush or long- handled sponge should do the job nicely.

3.  Finally, brush or spray on the high temperature paint covering the walls, sides and floor of your firebox.  Remember to open windows and doors to fully ventilate the area until the paint dries since the odor is very strong.  After the paint dries there should be no odor.  

 

Whew!  Now you’re finished.  What a huge difference painting your firebox makes!  But wait…

Now the rest of your fireplace looks…well…

Not so good.

You did such a good job painting your firebox..

Why Don’t You Paint the Rest of Your Brick Fireplace for a Complete Fireplace Makeover?

It’s not as difficult as it sounds and the results you get with paint are incredible.  You get a lot of bang for your buck and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than hiring a contractor to tear out and reface your entire fireplace with another material like stone, rock, granite or tile.

First, decide if you want to paint a solid color over your brick or whether you prefer a “real brick” look.  If you want a solid color, use a latex paint and a brush to go over all your brick and mortar.  A safe bet is to choose a neutral color that complements your decor such as light tan or gray.

You might even prefer lighter look such as a “white washed” effect where you thin white paint by adding water and brush the paint over your bricks.  

If you want to keep the“real brick” look of your fireplace but change the bricks’ color, try the Brick-Anew paint kit.  This kit shows you how to get a real brick look using several shades of paint.  The great thing about this kit is it’s perfect for novice as well as pro painters.  Everything you need to do your project is included – 5 shades of paint and tools including brushes, paint tray, and rollers. There’s no trial and error and everything you need for your project is included.

Next, purchase your paint and gather your materials to get started.  If you’re painting your fireplace a solid color, you’ll need large and small paint brushes and latex paint.  A paint tray or plastic margarine tub will work fine to hold the paint.  Lay down a drop cloth or old sheet and you’re ready to get started.

Finally, brush on the latex paint evenly over each brick taking care to cover all cracks and crevices. The face of each brick as well as the mortar lines should be covered.

If you’re using the Brick-Anew Do-it-Yourself Paint Kit, all the materials you

need are included.  Just follow the easy, detailed instructions that come with the kit.

Now, stand back and admire your fresh, new-looking fireplace!  By painting the firebox and the fireplace brick, you’ve saved hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars compared to what a contractor would have charged to reface the entire fireplace – and you can be proud you did it all yourself!

Tessa recently sent us pictures of her old brick fireplace makeover using our Brick-Anew paint kit and we were thrilled to see her results!  Not only did her fireplace turn out beautifully, she says she had so much fun with the project she wishes she had five more fireplaces to do.  Of course we love to hear that!  Here’s her story in her own words.

What problem were you trying to solve with Brick-Anew?
I moved into a lovely, half renovated 1947 house last year that had 2 fireplaces. The first had been resurfaced already, but the other was in a darker section of the house and the old brick fireplace came off dated rather than charming. I wanted to revive that section of the house and brighten up the ambiance as a whole. I kept selling everyone I wanted that “Pottery barn” feel, yet couldn’t afford the price tag.

What other solutions had you considered?
I’m a true (proud) single mom and was expecting at the time. Living alone, working full time and then coming home to a newly purchased house and seeing all of the elements I needed to fix was a bit daunting. I thought about hiring someone to do it for me, but I didn’t trust how it would be done and the rates were outrageous. I looked at other “white-washing” types of projects, but they just looked bland- not dynamic at all but rather exactly like it sounded- washed over with a less-than-reliable mix of white paint and water. I knew right away I was sure to screw that up if I tried it on my own.

What did you think about the process and the transformation?
First off, let me set the disclaimer that I’m probably the least handy, non-crafty, do-it-NOT-yourself type of woman around, but after looking at picture after picture after picture of other transformations with the product, and for as inexpensive as it is for what you get in the kit- I just had to try it.
The base coat took the longest, but was really simple. Honestly,  I let it be just with the base coat for a good week or two (just due to lack of time on the next coats), and everyone kept raving about it thinking it was complete. I would laugh and say, “That’s just the base coat! Come back in a day!”
The next steps were super fast, maybe just a few minutes each. I even messed up and skipped over the glaze accidentally and returned to it later, so I repeated a few coats and it still ended up flawlessly. I used the roller for the first coat and the sponge for all of the rest. I had a blast! So much fun, very rewarding, and everyone walks right in and says “Wow I love your fireplace!” They are shocked when they find out it wasn’t originally the way it is now.

Would you recommend Brick-Anew to friends?
Absolutely, 150%, all day-every day! I can’t say enough about Brick-Anew– it’s cheap, a toddler could do it, and it turns out beautifully. If anyone is having even he slightest reservation about taking the plunge to try this- just do it! It will be the best decision for your home, I promise.

Tessa’s Fireplace Before

Tessa’s Fireplace After

Bridget Navarro wondered what to do with her dingy reddish-brown brick fireplace.  She described the fireplace as looking “old and dirty,” definitely not what you’d want in the middle of your family room.

She and her husband discussed stoning over the brick but reconsidered after getting an estimate for over a thousand dollars.  Bridget explained that they had a smaller fireplace in their bedroom that she had whitewashed.

“We thought about whitewashing the living room fireplace but we really wanted a different look than that. We didn’t just want to paint it either. We wanted to keep the look of real brick.”

After searching online, Bridget came across the Brick-Anew paint kit.

“It took a couple of weeks for me to talk myself into placing the order but the price looked good since everything was included in the kit to do the project. My husband figured if the Brick-Anew didn’t work out , we could go back to our first plan to renovate with stone.”

Bridget did the project herself, using the Brick-Anew paint twilight taupe color, and it only took one day. Now, after the fireplace is finished, Bridget is happy with the beautiful results and her husband is especially happy with all the money they saved. The outdated dingy brick now looks fresh with a new and adds a modern vibe to their living room.

We are proud of you, Bridget…you did a fantastic job!!

Color Used: Twilight Taupe

Take a look at this beautiful fireplace that home renovation specialist, Yvonne,  from Phoenix Arizona, sent us after using the Brick-Anew paint system.

This is how the fireplace looked before. Yvonne’s client was sick and tired of the dark, speckled brick and wanted to make a change without spending a fortune. Yvonne had used Brick-Anew before so she knew just what to do.

I chatted with Yvonne last week and  here’s what she had to say:

“I work in the home remodeling industry and my Brick-Anew project turned out really great. I will definitely use it again. The homeowner wanted to replace the fireplace brick with stone but it was really expensive. I talked her into trying Brick-Anew since it was a much cheaper option. She used the money she saved on other projects in the house. We decided that worst case, it’s just paint. What did we have to lose? My client ended up loving the new look. The project worked out perfectly!!”

The results are in, and they are amazing! One of our favorite bloggers, Karla Holley with the Small Town Rambler, worked with a friend on a fireplace makeover using the Brick-Anew fireplace paint kit. (more…)

Here’s a question we’ve learned that many folks struggle with before coming to Brick-Anew.com to purchase their brick fireplace paint kit—should I paint my brick fireplace? (more…)

Meet Brick-Anew customer Alison from Illinois. Alison just completed her fireplace remodel this fall, giving it a complete makeover with the Brick-Anew paint system just in time for the chilly weather. Check it out! (more…)

Brick-Anew recently caught up with home stager Sharon Tara, owner of Sharon Tara Transformations,  and were lucky enough to get her insight into the home staging business as well as some challenging issues she’s had to help her clients solve. (more…)

We love to hear from our customers!

Take a look at what Brick-Anew customer Lisa Patterson was able to do with her brick fireplace makeover project using the Brick-Anew paint kit. (more…)

It’s that time of year again, people are thinking about updating their fireplaces, prepping fireplaces for the busy holiday season, and cleaning things up a bit before everyone heads indoors for the winter.

That’s why we want to share a top post from the Brick-Anew blog again, with tips for cleaning up your firebox, getting your fireplace cleaned up, and choosing the right firebox paint. If you’re planning on cleaning up your fire box for the season, then you’ll definitely want to check this post out!

“When you want to make your firebox look like new, a fresh coat of firebox paint is just what the doctor ordered. Before you start, you have to think about what kind of fireplace you have, and also be prepared to prep and clean the firebox for painting.”-Brick-Anew.com

Now get to work!

 

 

Meet Laura Putnam! Her blog is called Finding Home where she writes about her life in the Hudson Valley of New York where she lives with her husband and two daughters as they craft maple syrup, share home decor projects, and their ideas and inspiration. Her warm style has captured the attention of DIY enthusiasts for several years.

Laura used our Brick-Anew paint kit to change the look of her fireplace when she redecorated her living room and completed her fireplace makeover. What a huge difference painting the fireplace made in the room! Here’s what she had to say about her decorating style…

Brick-Anew: What aspects of being a designer/decorator do you enjoy most?

Laura:  I love being able to help someone create the home that they feel comfortable in and proud of.

Brick-Anew:  I love your mantel decor ideas! Where do you get your inspiration and what are your favorite ones?

Laura:  I usually start with one main idea and build around it from there. I think the one I love the most is my Christmas mantel from this past year. My style seems to be moving towards simpler style and I loved the colors.

Brick-Anew: What is the first thing you start with in a room you are about to decorate?

Laura:  it is never the same for any room. Each room has some pieces that “make or break” a room while some pieces can be interchangeable with different options.

Brick-Anew: Are there rules about color?

Laura:  my only rule is working with colors that you love.

Brick-Anew: What are some ways to freshen up your home using some things you already have without having to start all over?

Laura:  I am always moving things around from room to room or putting things away for a few months and then bringing them out “new” at another time. Of course, never overlook the power of a new paint color on walls or furniture.

Brick-Anew – I love your screened porch and pool (jealous!)! How did you come up with the themes/colors?

Laura: We built everything around the vintage furniture set we found. I knew I wanted the colors out there to be fun and bright so I built everything around a pretty loose color palette.

Brick-Anew: Your style seems to make a room cozy and homey. What are some tips you could give to personalize a home?

Laura: Never create a room that is just to look at. I believe investing in certain pieces but don’t spend a ton of money on a piece of furniture if you are going to be too uptight about people actually “living” in it.

Thanks so much and again it was so great to meet you!

“I just wanted to say thank you so very much for creating such a wonderful product. My husband was very reluctant of me making this change. I showed him the Before & After pictures on your website and he gave me the go ahead. I prayed the whole time this would work for us too. After the about the 3rd step I almost stopped because I was so pleased with the results but continued until the end. I’m telling all my friends and family about Brick-Anew!”

That’s what Merl and Nate, from Dover, Delaware, had to say about the Brick-Anew brick paint kit! Their dark brown brick fireplace competed with the light-colored surrounding stone and made it stick out like a sore thumb. What an eyesore!

They painted their fireplace brick using our twilight taupe paint kit and created a softer look that makes the fireplace blend in with the surrounding stone,  creating a space that’s calm and serene.  Here’s to a  great job taking dated “Brady Bunch” brick and turning it into a beautiful focal point for their room!

We know how important it is to make a first impression when we meet someone for the first time.

(more…)

Designer Laura Putnam tells the story about how she made a sad room happy on her blog, “Finding Home”.  She was working with a client who had an older home with all the 80’s decor you can imagine…plaid couch, textured wallpaper, oak cabinets, and worst of all a big old dark red brick fireplace that seemed to suck the air out of the room.

(more…)