Interior Painting · Oct 2020
Ceiling beams painted black, brick fireplace whitewashed, other rooms
Ceiling beams painted black, brick fireplace whitewashed, other rooms. These are before, in-progress and after photos from the job, taken Oct 2020. 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
Vaulted Ceiling Beams Painted Black and Red Brick Fireplace Whitewashed
The before photo shows a vaulted family room with honey-stained wood beams crossing a white ceiling, a full-height red brick fireplace with a stained wood mantel, and beige walls. In the next photo, the beams are now a glossy deep black, the mantel matches them, and the brick has a soft whitewash that lets the brick shape and mortar lines show through. A ladder and drop cloths are still in the corner. Other rooms were part of the job too. On the stairs, blue tape and drop cloths protect the treads while the handrail is coated dark and the spindles are painted bright white. A double bath vanity and a powder room vanity are now clean white. Beige-greige walls run through an office with white French doors, a breakfast nook with white shutters, and a hallway of white six-panel doors with black hinges and handles.
How We Finished These Beams, Brick and Rooms
- We protected the floors with drop cloths and covered the fireplace insert, TV and furniture before working high on the vaulted ceiling with ladders.
- The stained beams were cleaned and scuff-sanded, then primed with a bonding primer. Glossy stained wood needs that grip coat, or black paint can peel off over time.
- Two coats of black enamel went on the beams and mantel. We cut a sharp line where each beam meets the white ceiling so the edges stay clean.
- For the fireplace, we brushed off loose dust and mortar, then applied a thinned white masonry wash in sections, wiping back as we went so the brick texture still shows.
- On the stairs, we taped the stained treads, coated the handrail dark, and brushed the spindles white. Vanities were cleaned, sanded, primed and painted with a durable white enamel.
- Walls in the office, nook and hallway were cut in and rolled in a warm greige. Doors and trim got fresh white, and hinges and handles were protected.
Paint Colors Similar to These Black Beams and Whitewashed Brick
These are similar colors to consider for black beams, light brick and warm walls. They are not the exact colors used in this house.
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
A deep black like these beams and the mantel. It gives a vaulted ceiling strong lines against white and suits a farmhouse look.
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036
A warm greige close to the walls in the family room, office and nook. It sits well between black beams and white trim.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005
A clean white for a brick wash, vanities and doors. It keeps the fireplace soft and bright like the finished one here.
Questions About Painting Ceiling Beams and Whitewashing Brick
Is whitewashing brick the same as painting it?
No. Whitewash is a thinned coating that soaks into the brick and lets some of the original color and texture show. Paint covers the brick completely. Whitewash gives a softer, aged look. Both are hard to reverse, so it helps to test a small area or look at sample photos first.
Can wood ceiling beams be painted without taking them down?
Yes. Most beams are painted in place from ladders or scaffolding. The ceiling and walls around them are protected, the beams are cleaned and sanded, and a bonding primer is used before the color. Real wood beams may also need knots spot-primed so sap does not bleed through.
What sheen looks best on black ceiling beams?
It depends on the look you want. Satin or semi-gloss gives a rich shine and wipes clean, as seen on these beams. Flat or matte black looks more rustic and hides wood flaws. Higher sheens show dust and brush marks more, so careful prep matters if you choose gloss.
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