I have a large brick fire place that I want to paint suggestions/advise?
Question:this fireplace is one entire wall that is 16 ft long with a harth that is 12" from the floor, the fireplace has gas logs, should the concrete be painted in between bricks.
Answers:
Personally, I think painted brick looks awful. Plus, if you ever change your mind, it'll be hell getting it off again.
I think the person who suggested aging the brick has the right idea; it won't look so raw that way. When we had our fireplace built, we bought used brick. It was expensive, because the old concrete had to be chipped off, but the result was worth it. It looks like it's been here forever, and is so warm and inviting.
Instead, I would suggest that you break up the solidity of the brick wall. Do you have a mantlepiece? If not, see about installing one. Hang pictures on either side, or start collecting horse brasses that can be displayed on leather straps called martingales. (I have several hanging against the brickwork above my fireplace, and they look great.) Maybe a couple of country-style tables with vases of flowers (dried or fresh) either side of the fireplace would help break up the monotony of all that brick.
If you are goiong to paint it make sure you have the right kind of paint. I painted my fireplace and it is just fine. Go to Lowes or Home Depot and they will point you in the right direction. I burned wood in mine so it made it a lot easier to clean. I did mine years ago but the paint is a high-gloss and I am sure it was for stone/brick.
geez i have seen lots of shows where they have painted the fireplace and i never thought it looked good, but i guess it would depend on the color. Don't do any wierd colors. I would say you should paint between the bricks. I would pick a color like off-white, or maybe a light tan
If made of brick I would suggest to use lacquer instead of paint
You can paint it any which way you want. But unpainted brick is much better looking. It will be hard not to get the paint on the concrete between the bricks, but it will be tedious work if you try that.
In my old home we had exposed dark wood beams in the ceiling and our brick fireplace with redish. I paited is bark brown top to bottom and loved it! Got the idea from TV decorating show and I'm glad I did.
you should take just a little white paint and dab it on and wipe it off it will age it with out it looking painted or you can also get a nice sleek color and do the who fire place grout and all and then paint inside the fire box black with high heat paint it will make it look pull together
Aloha from Down Unda!
Perhaps use a textured, slightly expensive paint which renders a flat 'sandy' white surface. That's what I used. It cost more than whitewash but the results look good enough for compliments from lots of guests.
By the way ~ Fugidaboud tryin tahdo each brick! That's just beggin for hassles & doubtful that results would be good.
Best wishes ~ K-den, M1/NSWMoke ;-)
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i would try a masonry stain before i painted any brick. and its not concrete between the bricks its mortar. painted brick is not very attractive in my opinion...
make sure you pick a light neutral color and i would paint between the bricks. lighter colors make rooms look bigger and darker colors make rooms look smaller. if you want to get rid of the brick look all together you can drywall over it. you would have to frame out a "wall" with 2x4's and then you can attach the drywall to that. leaving the brick behind the wall in case you ever change your mind.
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