This may sound crazy, but I am wondering if I can use polyurethene on a brick hearth that is faded. I would only do it on the part that extends into the room and outside of the actual fireplace so it would be away from the fire. The brick is faded and whitish, but when I tried a test spot it actually brought back the true brick color. I really don't know of any other way to restore the brick. To tear it out and replace it would be a big job. The brick is flush with the hardwood floor so I couldn't put something over the top of it. Thanks for your help!