Comments on Painting Brick Fireplace

10 years ago

Been living here for a good 9 months, I've thought of a good cleaning of the fireplace bricks, maybe a glaze to brighten them up. But now I'm considering painting. Scary cause you cannot go back after doing it.
Some photos here, it's a big fireplace, the main focus in the living room. That wood stove insert was just added this winter, it works great, so this fireplace will see a lot of fire.
I'm open to any comments, on painting or not, color, changing the mantle, adding any other decor to the brick. Anything.

Thanks

Featured Answer

geoffrey_b

10 years ago

IMO - people who paint over wallpaper or brick should be sent to a gulag in North Korea!

I'd say someone with design skills, could 'break up' that massive expanse of brick. (you can get stone / brick veneer, maybe rustic wood?). It needs a different mantle also.

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Comments (10)

kheflw
Original Author
10 years ago
side view
kheflw
Original Author
10 years ago
had to lookup Gulag! I hear you, it's a lot of brick.
lam702
10 years ago
I would definitely not paint the bricks! They are beautiful! Besides, if you ever plan to sell that is going to have a negative impact. I hate painted bricks. I know they are tough to clean, but a magic eraser cleans up just about everything. I would not do a thing to the fireplace. If you want to freshen up the room, paint the walls, not the bricks, please!
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
10 years ago
I agree, no paint. Do something with the mantle( more wood painted white, maybe) and put a big picture above it
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
10 years ago
quote" people who paint over wallpaper or brick should be sent to a gulag in North Korea!

at the very least!
kheflw
Original Author
10 years ago
nuff said, I've seen so many photos of painted brick, and thought a forum like this might like the idea. I will not paint the bricks.
Now, on cleaning and restoring brick, any suggestions?
The current wood mantle is pretty lame, any suggestions on a replacement reasonably priced if I can mange to do it myself?
WendyB 5A/MA
10 years ago
how about some crown molding and corbels? I'm not sure how you would get the same wood and stain to match the existing, but I'm sure it is do-able.
geoffrey_b
10 years ago
"Now, on cleaning and restoring brick, any suggestions?"

I don't think the brick is dirty. In 1871 there was a great fire in Chicago. A lot of brick buildings were destroyed - however the brick was still OK. Thus people sold the used brick. What you have is either real Chicago used brick, or new brick that is made to look like used brick.
graywings123
10 years ago
You might want to post photos of the room on the Home Decorating forum to get advice on whether to paint and what changes could be made.

I'm not opposed to painting brick (I am opposed to painting over wallpaper) but I like your brick. A larger mantel might help.

From what little I see, what's missing in your room is lighting, and the right kind of lighting might make the brick more attractive to you.