What is the Best Firebox Paint for Bringing Your Firebox to Life?

Your firebox endures a lot over time. Eventually it becomes charred, burned out, or even rusted, leaving your fireplace looking weathered and terrible. 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.

What Color Firebox Paint Should I Use?

Your paint color choices depend on whether or not you have a wood-burning or gas log fireplace. When you have a wood burning fireplace, I recommend you use a standard black high temp paint since the ash, soot, and dirt from burning wood would quickly stain any other color. If you have a gas log fireplace, you can use an off-white paint if black doesn’t light your fire (no pun intended). Off-white makes your fireplace look brighter and livelier, and is also a good way to display your gas logs. In the pictures below, you can see the difference between a firebox painted with standard black and one painted with off-white:

Choosing a Paint

You should choose paint especially formulated for high temperature environments. Regular paint can’t stand up to heat for very long. Manufacturers formulate firebox paint to withstand temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

What makes a good high temp paint?

“High quality specially formulated flat black paint resists peeling and blistering when subjected to temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit  Renews and protects the finish on steel or cast iron stoves, ovens, grills, and cookers. Non-graying and color-fast. It dries quickly to an even flat black finish.” Rutland Company

Cleaning and Prepping Your Firebox

Use these tips to clean your firebox and get ready to paint:

• Use a drop cloth in the the work area. You will need it since you’ll be emptying the firebox.
• Use a shop vac and get as much soot out of the firebox as you can. If you don’t have a shop vac on hand, rent one from a hardware store.
• Use a good cleaner formulated for removing soot and creosote.
• Use a long-handled sponge to clean the firebox so that you don’t have to crawl into the fireplace. See the example below:
• Use a mini-roller paint brush to get the painting done.
• Have you used firebox paint to give your fireplace a new look? Show us your pics below.