How do you paint a fireplace?

To paint a fireplace, perform a thorough cleaning followed by priming and a final paint layer. Choose the type of paint based on whether the surface being painted is on the interior or the exterior of the fireplace.

1. Clean the fireplace

   Remove any dirt or debris from the fireplace surface by scrubbing it with a wire brush. Place a drop sheet on the floor prior to scrubbing to catch the debris. Put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves, then clean the surface with a nonsudsy cleanser made from trisodium phosphate. Clean the fireplace a second time with a heavy-duty cleanser. Rinse the surface with clean water, and allow it to dry.

2. Apply the primer

   Tape off any of the surfaces that are to remain unpainted with painter's tape. Apply a strip of painter's tape along the edges of the fireplace that meet the wall or mantle to avoid paint slipping over onto adjacent surfaces. Use a stain-blocking, oil-based primer to prime the fireplace surface. Prime all areas that are to be covered with the final top layer of paint. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.

3. Paint the fireplace

   Paint the fireplace exterior using an indoor latex paint rated for temperatures of up to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply the paint over the dry primer using a textured roller, overlapping the edges of each row of paint to ensure complete coverage. Use a small paintbrush to reach areas of the fireplace that cannot be reached with the roller. For painting the interior of the fireplace, use heat-resistant paint instead.