How To Whitewash Your Brick Fireplace
Here's a project that will have a big impact and cost you little. Whitewashing that tired old brick fireplace is easy to do. With this finish, you are not just painting the brick. The whitewash application maintains some of the original brick colors underneath making for a more interesting finish as compared to be painted. You'll just new a few supplies and a little time to transform your fireplace.
Tools & Supplies
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
- 2-4" Paintbrush
- 1-5 gallon bucket or container
- Rags
- Masking tape & paper
- Dropcloth
- Wire brush
- Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser
- White latex paint
Steps to Whitewash Your Brick Fireplace
To get started, give the bricks a good cleaning to remove any dirt or grime. You can use some soapy water and a rag to get this done. If you have some areas with built-up dirt or soot, you might need to use a wire brush. Make sure to rinse with clear water and let the bricks dry before starting to paint.
If you have walls, floors, or ceiling you want to protect, mask them off and an use a drop cloth.
STEP 2 Mix the Paint
In a clean bucket, add an equal part of paint and water. Mix it up. Get some rags handy and you're ready to go.
STEP 3 Apply the Paint
Okay now for the part that's a little scary. You're going to start to apply the paint mixture. Start with a small section maybe 12" x 12". Dip your brush in the paint solution and get it fully loaded and start painting it on the brick. Make sure to get all the nooks and cranny's. At first it might look like the paint completely covers the brick (not whitewashed). But after you complete the small section, dab the area with a dry rag and wait. It may take a few minutes or more, but the the paint mixture will soak into the brick some and leave the whitewashed effect. Continue the process section by section until the entire fireplace is done!
