If you are tired of the appearance around the brick fireplace, please note: even the most inexperienced homeowner can learn how to paint a brick fireplace. That's it. 

If you have a free afternoon, you will have time to refresh your brick fireplace. All that is needed is a bit of elbow grease, some tools and some fireplace paint. 

Before you start this project, check your surroundings. Although there are many things that can be included in the list that can be painted, most stone fireplaces—such as limestone, sandstone, river stone—if you paint them, are less compliant and harder to change. Brick surround is the best choice. Then choose your color. A whitewashed brick fireplace is the classic choice, but a black fireplace adds drama. Choose a color that matches the style of your home and the decor of the room.

To ensure that your paint adheres and dries properly, you need to clean the bricks thoroughly. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt or dust, then apply non-foaming trisodium phosphate (also known as TSP; wear gloves and goggles) and wash thoroughly with a strong detergent. Rinse and dry. Cover your floor with drip cloth and tape any areas you want to keep free of paint.

The anti-fouling oil primer protects your paint from soot stains from future use of the fireplace. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply primer to the entire surface.

Once the primer is dry, it is time to paint. Choose indoor, latex, heat-resistant paint-flat, semi-gloss or gloss-rated to withstand the temperature generated by the fireplace, and a roller designed for textured surfaces. The latter helps to cover brick surfaces that may not be smooth. For any place that cannot be reached with the roller, please use a small paintbrush to retouch. Apply the second and third layers as needed, allowing sufficient drying time between the two layers.

This article originally appeared on www.bhg.com

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