Techniques for Finishing a Painted Brick Fireplace

Glazing

• Glazing will provide a durable sealant to enhance a painted fireplace. The goal is to let the color standout and use glazing to protect the color. If you have used a latex paint, all you need to do subsequently is apply the glaze. Make a mixture of two parts water to one part glaze. Apply the glaze mixture to the painted fireplace with a brush. The result will seal the color and add a glossy finish.

Stenciling

• You can embellish the look of a painted fireplace through stenciling to give the fireplace added character and customization. Use stencils from a craft or home improvement store to add an extra design element on the top, side or bottom of the fireplace. Select colors that will blend with the fireplace paint color or the décor of the room.

Grout Coloring

• Coloring the grout lines on a brick fireplace can create a stylized look. Paint old grout a neutral color such as gray or beige to add definition. Alternatively, you can be creative and give a nontraditional look to the grout lines by painting them black or brown. Another option is to set aside traditional color rules and go extreme by using a color like dark purple, or give a continuous color treatment by using brick red to give the fireplace a seamless color look.

Staining

• You can use staining as both a painting and finishing technique with dramatic results. To use staining as a finishing technique, you must remove any existing paint by applying a latex paint remover according to the manufacturer's directions.

  Because brick is a naturally porous material, it takes to staining applications very well. Use multiple stain colors to give the fireplace a gradient and natural look. You can even transform a brick fireplace into one that conveys the look of natural stones by using various stain colors. For example, use a combination of light, medium and dark stains of cedar, maple and oak to create a stone-colored palette. Stagger the application of the various stains to create a natural look. Use a short, narrow brush to apply the stain, and place a cloth below each brick to keep the stain from seeping into the grout lines.