Should I paint or whitewash my brick fireplace?

While painting over brick with 100 percent latex paint will give the brick a solid, opaque color, whitewashing mutes the brick's natural color with a translucent finish. The technique preserves the bricks' natural, random variations, depending on how much paint is applied and how each individual brick absorbs it.

Is it better to paint or whitewash a fireplace?

The choice between paint and limewash is very similar to the question between is it better to paint or whitewash a fireplace? Limewash and whitewash both give a rustic look that is very easy to maintain. Paint will give a more finished look that is more difficult to maintain.

Is it smart to paint a brick fireplace?

Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace? If your brick is dated or you simply do not like it, by all means paint your fireplace. If you have a large expanse of brick or a really huge fireplace that you are considering tearing out, try painting it white first.

Are white washed fireplaces out of style?

Whitewashing brick is very quickly going out of style. Most whitewashed fireplaces look half done. In this particular picture, the fireplace started out with some pretty grey brick, and the painter did a really good job covering everything evenly without leaving streaks. Lots of whitewash jobs don't turn out this good.

Is whitewashing brick a good idea?

However, once you paint the brick, it's permanent. The paint can chip and it can be harder to clean. Depending on your style, it may be better to whitewash your exterior, so that the originality of the brick can still shine through, it will protect the brick, and it is easy to paint over.

How to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace

Will painting brick devalue your home?

Since today's bricks are machine-made, these handmade varieties are worth preserving. Paint will only destroy their historic value, and if done incorrectly could result in structural damage to your home.

Is it better to whitewash or limewash brick?

The whitewash sits on top of the brick. Limewash is a mix of lime, minerals, and water that is applied directly to the brick. Limewash soaks into the brick instead of sitting directly on top of it. Whitewash in an easy way to lighten up brick and give your brick a fresh modern look!

How do you make a brick fireplace look modern?

Brick can look dated or old fashioned, but a floating mantel is just the thing to update a brick fireplace to make it look modern. This one is especially cool because it looks like a solid wooden beam but it's actually hollow inside! That makes it lightweight and easy to install.

Is painting brick a fad?

No fear. Painted brick homes have been around for a long time. It's not a fad. Paint is getting better and now with RomaBio there is no reason not to paint!

Are brick fireplaces coming back in style?

The return of the natural brick fireplace

We are 3-4 years deep into the black and white trend. So far in that most people who are re-decorating, renovating or building are choosing white, the end. In other words, this trend goes so wide and so deep that stark white walls are simply ubiquitous now.

Why you shouldn't paint a brick fireplace?

The temperature inside your chimney is different than the temperature outside your chimney. This creates moisture buildup, like steam from a hot shower. The moisture goes into the bricks and escapes through the pores. If you have paint on the bricks, the moisture has nowhere to go.

Is white painted brick going out of style?

Is painted brick going out of style? Ask any exterior design expert, painting brick is not going out of style any time soon. Painted brick is here to stay as new homeowners prefer this modern look over traditional unpainted brick exteriors. Likewise, you can always change the color of your brick siding if you'd like.

Should I paint my old brick fireplace?

Paint gives a uniformity to older fireplaces, which is helpful if you're trying to hide places where the brick has become cracked or broken. Paint can make your fireplace look more modern. Red brick and mortar is generally perceived as traditional in style and appearance.

How long does white wash brick last?

If applied correctly, whitewashing can last up to 20 to 30 years, with little need for maintenance.

How do you freshen a brick fireplace?

Painting or Sealing

This gives the bricks a sparkling shine and will make the next round of cleaning even easier. Painting bricks allows you to preserve that unique texture while giving your fireplace a modern update. Start by painting the clean, dry bricks with a primer designed for this material.

How much does it cost to whitewash brick fireplace?

Whitewash. The price for a whitewash project can range from $110 to $200 per 250 square foot for the paint plus rollers, brushes, and a ladder. This project will cost around $0.45 to $0.80 per square foot. Whitewash is the application of diluted white paint applied to your brick surface.

Why is everyone painting their brick white?

Exterior paint forms a seal over the brick's surface that will prevent any moisture in the bricks from evaporating and drying out. Trapped moisture, which can come from a leaky window or pipe, is a prime source of mold and mildew growth.

Is white brick timeless?

White Brick – A Timeless Design Element

No matter the design style, whether it be a more chic and modern finish, a country or craftsman home, commercial property or residential renovation, white offers the same benefits: a fresh and clean look.

Is white painted brick hard to maintain?

Is white painted brick too much maintenance? Truth, painted brick is a tad more maintenance than naked brick. But, if it's done correctly, with the correct paint and pro, the maintenance is minimal.

What color should I paint my brick fireplace?

Neutral colours like white and gray are the most common colours for painting a brick fireplace, but this is a project where you can be creative. Bold and contrasting colours can make your fireplace a true focal point.

What kind of paint do you use on a brick fireplace?

Paint the Brick

Choose fireplace paint—indoor, latex, heat-resistant paint (either flat, semigloss, or gloss) that's rated to withstand temperatures generated by the fireplace (generally about 200°F). Remember that this type of paint is only appropriate for the exterior of a brick fireplace, not the interior firebox.

Can you undo whitewash brick?

Is it possible to remove whitewash by myself? Yes, it is possible for you to remove whitewash from brick or stone by yourself. There are special paints and solutions that can help you strip whitewash from the outside of your building.

What kind of paint do you use to whitewash a fireplace?

Made of lime that is slaked and aged, limewash is a paint that can be used for a whitewash effect. Limewash sinks into porous materials like brick.

Is it bad to limewash brick?

Limewash is very durable, has a high UV resistance, won't chip or peel if applied correctly, and is safe to use on porous brick and other masonry surfaces. Also, because of its high PH quality, limewash is a natural fungicide that will deter critters.