How To Do A Simple Fireplace Refresh
How To Do A Simple Fireplace Refresh and get your fireplace ready for the season.
It’s getting to be that time of year again! Can you feel it! I was trying to hang on to summer just a little bit longer! Not sure why fall is my favorite season! But this year I want summer to last just a little longer. It seems like it went so fast! But you can’t miss what’s happening all around us. Everywhere I go there’s fall foods, fall decor, fall colors and smells! And you know what, it’s getting to me to it’s that season again!
Oh and heres how I decorated my mantel for fall. https://houseofmar.com/easy-and-simple-fall-decorating-through-out-the-home/
So I decided to do something that I have been wanting to do for a long time refresh my fireplace. My husband said he didn’t think I should and really should leave the fireplace as it is. He thought I wouldn’t like it the fireplace refresh, he didn’t think it would look very good.
Well, I decided I was going to do it!
I refreshed a fireplace at a home we owned years ago, and I loved how it turned out.
My fireplace really needed an update!
Some years ago we replace the old tile with this stone and I really liked it then, but the colors in the stone made it hard to decorate. I really like the look of painted brick so I thought I would try t update the stone.
This refresh was really very easy to do and didn’t take much time to do.
The first thing I did for my refresh was clean the stone by vacuuming the stone to make it dust free.
Next I wiped down the stone with hot soapy water making sure to do a good cleaning so there was no dust or dirt.
I then let it dry for just a bit.
The whole project took me a few hours to do, I had all the materials on hand… and it dried very quickly!
Painting The Fireplace Refresh
When painting the fireplace to refresh I used a mixture I found on line. I used a 1/2 cup of water and 2 cups of paint. This made the paint thinner to apply on the fireplace stone. A stiff paint brush help to apply the paint and get into the groves of the fireplace stone. I applied two coats, there was no need to let it dry between coats of paint as the stone soaked up the paint pretty quickly.
The mantel and surround also received a little update with some added paint.
And here it is!
The fireplace refresh!
This project was really easy to do and didn’t take much time at all, I also I had all the material on hand!
These are the steps I used to refresh my fireplace.
Items To Use
- Vacuum
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Dusting Cloth
- Paint Tarp
- Paint Tape
- Paint Brush
- Container to hold paint
- Paint opener
- Paint stick
- Paint
- Measuring cup
Steps To Refresh
- Vacuum The Fireplace: Use a vacuum to take dust from the fireplace before you begin the refresh
- Clean the fireplace: Soapy water works well on brick, stone, or tile to clean the dirt.
- The surround of the fireplace: Clean the fireplace surround for a refresh as well.
- Drying: Let the fireplace dry completely from the cleaning.
- Paint tape: Use paint tape to protect any area’s around the fireplace you are not painting.
- Paint Tarp. Place a paint tarp down around the area to avoid any spills or getting paint on anything.
- Paint Supplies: Set the paint supplies in the area on the tarp.
- Paint: Pour the paint in a smaller container such as a plastic bowl for easier use.
Tips On How And What To Use On A Simple Fireplace Refresh
- Soap: Dawn dish soap works really well to clean brick, slate, and tile.
- Wood Fireplace Surround: Murphy’s oil soap works well on cleaning a fireplace wood surround.
- Painter Tape: Tape off an area’s you don’t want to get paint on. Green frog painting works great and removes easily.
- Painting Tarp: Any painters tarp will work, even an old sheet or blanket will do the job.
- Paint brush. Using a stiff paint brush on the brick helps the paint adhere to the porous surface.
- Painting the fireplace surround: When painting the surround of the fireplace use a good brush, one that has an angle at the bristles. Backyard Boss carries a great brush.
- If you choose to paint the inside of the fireplace use an approved paint. The paint must be a fire retardant paint or fire proof paint. Rust-oleum or Rutland both are good brands for this.
I hope you have gather some tips on how to do a simple fireplace refresh.
Thank you for stopping by and have the best day!
Mary Anne,
These are some links for the products I used to complete this project. They are sponsored links with Amazon. I do make a small commission if you purchase items from Amazon, this does not cost you anything, thank you!
If you like any items from my home please stop by my shop my home, I have many items tagged so you can shop my home!
Summer house tour
Karen
This looks so nice! You did a great job!! It’s amazing how a little paint can change the look, nice job!
maryannerusso
Thank you Karen! It is amazing what a little paint can do and I paint everything! Have a great weekend!
Renae
Your fireplace looks amazing! What a transformation.
Stacey
What a gorgeous update! Looks so good!
Barbara Lopez
I love, love, love it! Love the weathered look.
Just a FYI regarding ads on your page, they blocked your most of your article. It was a big square on the lower left corner, making it difficult to navigate.
maryannerusso
I am so sorry I’m just replying to you! I just saw your remarks, thank you so much for letting me know I really appreciate it. I will contact my add service and let them know. I’m also so happy you love it! Thank you! Happy Holidays Barbara!
Barbara
Do you have a link for the black screen?
maryannerusso
Hi Barbara, I’m sorry I’m just responding. I just found your remarks. I’ve recently been having some issues with my website. Yes I have a link for the screen which by the way is really a lovely screen. It’s made very well and sturdy. This is the link, https://rstyle.me/+k3m8nSqiEWxVqEy-0i1tfg I purchase it through Wayfair. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Janet
Love the look! I have a (dark) traditional brick fireplace, and have thought about this for a number of years. Other diy posts have you using some sort of harsh acidic chemical to clean the brick, so I have pushed the idea to the side. Vacuuming and warm soapy water seem totally doable! Looks like a painted fireplace is in my future!! Thank you, and a Happy New Year.
maryannerusso
Hi Janet, that is odd because I didn’t use any chemicals when washing the stone/brick on the fireplace. I only used warm soapy water actual dawn dish soap and I did vacuum before I started. This is the third fireplace I’ve painted the other two where in our other homes. I really love a painted look on the fireplace. If you do decide to paint your fireplace please share a picture I would love to see it !
Gail ROBINSON
Is this paint suitable for the exterior of the fireplace with regard to the heat generated by the fireplace?
maryannerusso
Hi Gail, Sorry I’m just replying to your question. I’ve had some issues with my website so I’m just getting my post comments. Most interior paints are suitable for the outside brick of a fireplace. It also depends on how hot your fireplace becomes. I have a gas fireplace that does not give off that much heat. The best paint for an indoor fireplace would be either a latex, heat resistant paint, or a flat semi-gloss paint. Latex paints usually can handle high heat. I was told by my local hardware that I really didn’t need to buy a special paint for the outside of the fireplace that most indoor home paint would be just fine. Mine has and I use my fireplace all winter. For the inside of the fireplace you will need a special paint that can withstand the heat of a fireplace. You’ll also want a non-toxic heat resistant paint for the inside of the fireplace. Rustoleum or Sherwin Williams carry paints for the inside of a fireplace. Of course this all depends on the type of fireplace you have. It’s best to talk with your local hardware store sales person. I always bring a picture to share of my project. Good luck I hope this information has helped some!