A painted brick fireplace can add a pop of color, charm, and character to any room. Unlike a traditional brick fireplace, painted bricks allow you to customize the look and feel, creating a focal point that reflects your personal style. There are many creative ways to paint brick fireplaces to liven up your living space.
An Overview of Painted Brick Fireplaces
Painting over an existing brick fireplace is a relatively easy and budget-friendly way to transform the entire feel of a room. The colors and patterns you choose can range from bold and dramatic to soft and subtle. Paint opens up countless possibilities when decorating a brick fireplace.
Here are some of the benefits of painted brick fireplaces:
- Customization – Paint allows you to choose any color palette and design. Go for a solid color, ombre effect, horizontal stripes, geometric patterns or stenciled details.
- Affordability – Brick paint and supplies are inexpensive compared to a full remodel.
- Quick update – Painting brick is a fast project that can be completed in less than a weekend.
- Refreshed style – A new color instantly modernizes the look of a dated brick fireplace.
- Coordination – Match or complement your existing interior design with a painted fireplace.
Painted brick fireplaces first became popular in colonial times, though the color palette tended to be limited to earth tones. Over time, brighter paint colors emerged, allowing more creativity. Today, painted brick fireplaces can take any form you desire.
Preparing Brick for Painting
Proper prep work is crucial when painting brick to ensure the paint adheres and lasts. Here are some tips:
- Clean the brick to remove any dirt, soot or grease that could prevent paint from bonding. Use a degreasing cleaner and a stiff scrub brush.
- Repair any cracks or damage with brick filler designed for exterior masonry. Let it cure fully before painting.
- Remove loose paint already on the brick with a wire brush or paint scraper.
- Lightly sand the brick to help the new paint grip. Watch for crumbling, which means the brick can’t hold paint.
- Apply masonry primer to seal the brick and improve adhesion. Opt for high-quality acrylic latex primer.
With the brick prepped, it’s time to decide on your color scheme and start painting!
Colorful Painted Brick Fireplace Ideas
Paint opens up an endless rainbow of color options for your brick fireplace. Here are some eye-catching ways to use color:
Solid Paint Color
Coating all the brick in one color is a simple but high-impact approach. For a subtle look, select a neutral tone like warm white, dove gray or tan. Make the fireplace a accent wall with a saturated shade of teal, navy, marigold or forest green.
Ombre Effect
Create visual interest by graduating from dark to light. Start with a deep color at the base of the fireplace, then overlap with lightly with a lighter shade moving upward. Blue fading to gray is a popular ombre combo.
Horizontal Stripes
Bold horizontal stripes in two or three colors add a graphic punch. Paint thicker stripes on the lower portion of the fireplace, then thinner stripes moving up for a dimensional look. Try black and white for dramatic contrast.
Geometric Shapes
Get creative with geometric shapes in contrasting colors, like triangles, diamonds or overlapping circles. Keep shapes large-scale for maximum impact. Neon colors make geometric patterns pop.
Faux Brick
For realistic looking faux brick, paint horizontal strips in alternating colors like red, brown and tan. You can also stencil or freehand a brick pattern. Use colors similar to real brick for the most natural effect.
Moroccan Tile
Recreate the look of decorative Moroccan tiles with colorful geometric designs. Paint each tile shape by hand for shading and depth. Stick with two or three complementary colors for vibrancy.
Focal Wall
Painting only one wall of a room draws the eye to the fireplace. Opt for saturated hues like cobalt blue, emerald green or violet to make this wall the bold focal point. Keep surrounding walls neutral.
Paint Techniques for Brick Fireplaces
How you apply the paint plays a big role in achieving your desired look. Consider these painting techniques:
Primer + Paint
Priming ensures proper adhesion and coverage. For bolder colors, tint the primer close to your topcoat color for better results. Apply two coats of acrylic latex paint for durability and vivid color.
Sponging
Dab on paint haphazardly with a natural sea sponge for texture and dimension. Overlap colors for a subtle blended effect in soft shades.
Color Washing
Dilute acrylic paint with water and apply a thin glaze over the brick. Overlap diluted paints for a watercolor look. Softer than solid colors.
Rag Rolling
Dip a paint-soaked rag in the color(s), then roll it over the brick in sections for a textured finish. Creates a stippled effect with natural variations.
Dry Brushing
Use a dry brush to lightly sweep thinned paint over detailed areas, leaving behind paint just on the edges and grooves. Blend and layer colors.
Stenciling
Cut your own stencils or use pre-made ones to paint patterns or designs like flowers, shapes and laurels. Stencil borders also work well.
Stamping
Press rubber stamps into paint pads and imprint patterns onto the brick. Try geometric, floral, star or medallion stamps. Overlap and layer for interest.
Traditional Painted Brick Fireplaces
Painting your brick fireplace in classic shades and traditional designs creates a timeless, inviting look. Here are some go-to color combos:
Black and White
A black and white palette always looks classic and clean. Try large-scale black and white horizontal stripes or a checkerboard stencil pattern.
Earth Tones
Stick with natural, subdued hues like beige, tan, warm white and light brown. Soft earth tones keep the focus on the fire.
Bright White
Crisp white painted brick illuminates and expands a room. Add touches of black for contrast, such as on the mantel or inner hearth.
Soft Gray
Light gray is both soothing and refined. Pair with bright white mantel detailing and trim for understated elegance.
Red Brick
Painting faux red brick on top of real brick adds natural texture and charm. Keep the look genuine with authentic variations.
Decorative Paint Techniques for Brick Fireplaces
If you want an extra decorative flair, integrate panels, textures, painted accents or faux finishes. Some eye-catching techniques include:
Stenciled Panels
Measure out panels on the brick surface and paint inside them with stenciled patterns like medallions, flowers and scrolling vines.
Metallic Accents
Add modern glam with metallic silver, gold or copper accents. Try metallic geometric shapes or vertical stripes.
Textured Roller
A textured paint roller creates irresistible dimension. Go for a subtle texture like sandstone, or larger brick-like grooves.
Faux Wood Grain
Achieve the look of weathered barnwood planks with wood grain toolkits. The realistic effect adds rustic charm.
Painted Mantel
Paint or stencil the mantel to match or complement the brickwork. Boost character with painted legs, trim and molding too.
Hand Painted Mural
Commission a stunning hand painted mural featuring landscapes, animals or botanicals across your brick fireplace.
Faux Finishes
Try sponging on glaze tints, texture paste or crackle effects over painted bricks for added antiquity and depth.
Design Tips for Painted Brick Fireplaces
Follow these guidelines to design a cohesive and polished painted brick fireplace:
- Stick to a cohesive color palette of 2-4 complementary colors. Too many looks chaotic.
- Tie in your wall color, accent decor, window treatments and soft furnishings to create a put-together look.
- Add candle sconces, garland and a decorative mirror or art piece to the mantel to accentuate the entire fireplace.
- Paint built-in shelving or alcoves on either side of the fireplace to make it look more polished and intentional.
- Replace metal fireplace doors with painted ones matching your color scheme. Add some glass doors for a view of the flames.
- Keep any trim or molding bright white for clean contrast against painted brick.
- Add an area rug, furniture, plants and accessories in front of the fireplace to define the space.
Paint Finishes and Sheens for Brick
Choosing the right finish and sheen is key for vibrant color and longevity:
- Flat – Hides imperfections but prone to scuffs. Opt for soft matte hues.
- Matte – Subtle sheen, good durability. Works with any color palette.
- Satin – Low luster sheen resists yellowing. Ideal for bold or dark colors.
- Semi-gloss – Durable, shiny finish. Best for high-traffic fireplaces. Shows imperfections.
- For the longest-lasting results, select a 100% acrylic latex paint formulated specifically for masonry and brick.
- Consider radiation-resistant paint if the fireplace gets hot. High heat can damage regular paint.
- Apply a polyurethane sealer over the painted brick for extra protection and durability.
Decorative Bricks for Fireplaces
For another way to personalize a fireplace, consider using decorative bricks and finishes rather than paint:
Glazed Bricks
Glazed bricks have a glass-like coating for sheen and color. Available in glossy finishes like jewel tones, metallics and iridescent. Adds flair without paint.
Antique Bricks
Reclaimed bricks from old buildings or salvaged locally have an aged, weathered look. Mix with regular bricks for patina.
Etched Bricks
Brick etching uses a process like sandblasting to carve patterns into the surface. Geometric, floral and medallion etchings add texture.
Colored Mortar
Skip painting bricks and tint the mortar joints instead for subtle pops of color. Try deep red, tan, brown or black stained mortar.
Mismatched Bricks
Using bricks in different shapes, sizes, colors and textures together adds quirky cottage character to a fireplace.
Stacked Stone
Switch out bricks for stacks of natural stone like slate for organic texture. Mix stone sizes for visual interest.
FAQs About Painted Brick Fireplaces
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about painting brick fireplaces:
Is it okay to paint over real brick?
Yes, paint adheres well to most standard masonry bricks as long as proper preparation and primer are used. Avoid painting soft, crumbling or deteriorating brick.
How do I pick colors for a painted brick fireplace?
Select 1-3 colors that coordinate with your home’s existing color palette. Tie in hues from artwork, textiles and other accents in the room.
What kind of paint should be used on brick?
High-quality 100% acrylic latex paint is best for brick’s porous surface. Avoid cheaper vinyl, oil or enamel paints which don’t flex well or withstand heat.
How do I paint geometric shapes or stripes on brick?
Use blue painter’s tape and a level to map out stripes or shapes with straight edges first. Then fill in each section with color. Remove tape immediately after painting.
Should I seal painted brick?
Yes, apply a clear polyurethane sealer over painted brick to protect from moisture damage, fading and scuffs. Reapply sealer every 2-3 years.
How long does painted brick last?
With proper prep, primer and paint, painted brick can last 5-10 years or more before needing touch ups. High traffic areas may need paint redone every 3-5 years.
Achieve the Fireplace of Your Dreams
Painting brick fireplaces opens up endless possibilities for infusing color, texture and personality into your living space. With the right prep work, materials and painting techniques, your custom painted fireplace can become a showstopping focal point and conversation piece.
So go ahead, get creative with color combinations, patterns, stencils and finishes to transform your traditional brick fireplace into your dream fireplace. Paint allows you to match any decor style from modern to classic.
Turn your plain brick firebox into a hand painted mural, opt for an ombre rainbow effect, or simply freshen up dated brick with a coat of bright white paint. However you choose to paint it, your fireplace makeover is sure to ignite major style.
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