Interior Painting · Sep 2019
Brick fireplace painted light gray
Brick fireplace painted light gray. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Sep 2019. This interior painting project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Dark Brick Fireplace Painted a Soft Light Gray with a Natural Stone Hearth
This corner fireplace runs from the floor to the ceiling in brick. The before photo shows the brick in a dark brown with pale speckles and dark mortar lines, which made the corner feel heavy. The whole area is masked for work. Brown paper and blue tape cover the side walls, the floor, the firebox opening, and the stone hearth ledge, and the edge where the brick meets the ceiling is taped off. In the after photo, the brick is a soft light gray. The finish lets some of the brick texture and shadow show, so each brick still reads on its own. The mortar lines look slightly darker, which keeps depth in the wall. The black fireplace insert now stands out, and the rough cut stone hearth stays natural. A pale green wall on one side and a beige wall on the other look brighter next to the lighter fireplace, and the wood laminate floor is clean. The photos were taken in Sep 2019.
How We Painted This Brick Fireplace Light Gray
- We covered the floor, side walls, firebox opening, and stone hearth with brown paper and blue tape, and taped the line where the brick meets the ceiling.
- The brick was cleaned with a stiff brush and a degreasing cleaner to remove dust, soot, and residue that would keep paint from bonding.
- We checked the mortar for loose or crumbling spots and let the brick dry fully, since moisture trapped in masonry can cause paint to fail.
- A masonry primer was brushed and rolled onto the brick, working it into the mortar joints and the rough texture of each brick face.
- The light gray finish was applied in thin coats so the brick texture and some shadow would still show through, keeping the wall from looking flat.
- We pulled the paper and tape, checked the edges along the hearth and insert, and touched up any spots where the gray met the ceiling or walls.
Paint Colors Similar to This Light Gray Painted Brick
These are similar colors to consider for a painted brick fireplace. They are not the exact color or product used on this fireplace.
Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice SW 7647
A light, cool gray similar to this painted brick that brightens a corner fireplace while keeping some depth in the texture.
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23
A very soft warm gray for brick that reads almost white in daylight and pairs well with a black insert and natural stone.
Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016
A deeper mid gray to consider if you want more contrast between painted brick and nearby beige or green walls.
Questions About Painting a Brick Fireplace
Is it safe to paint brick around a fireplace?
Painting the outside face of a fireplace surround is common. The firebox interior should not be painted with standard paint. Around the opening, painters often use products rated for the heat that area sees. Always check that the fireplace and insert are cool and follow the insert maker guidance.
Can painted brick still look like brick?
Yes. Applying thinner coats, using a limewash or whitewash style finish, or letting mortar lines stay a little darker keeps the brick texture visible. A solid, heavy coat looks more uniform. Deciding on the look before starting helps the painter choose the right product and method.
How do you clean brick before painting it?
Brick is scrubbed with a stiff brush and a cleaner that removes soot, dust, and grease. It then needs to dry fully, sometimes for a day or more, since brick holds moisture. Painting damp or dirty brick is a common reason the finish peels or looks blotchy later.
Get a Free Estimate for a Project Like This
We’re not just a painting company. We’re your personal painter.