How to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace (5 Easy Ways)

Last Updated on October 17, 2022 by Jason Nguyen

Do you have a brick fireplace that needs to be whitewashed? If so, you’re in luck! This blog post will show you how to do it in just three easy steps. Whitewashing a brick fireplace is a quick and easy way to give your home a fresh new look. So what are you waiting for? Follow these simple instructions and get started today!

What kind of paint do you use to whitewash a brick fireplace?

whitewash brick fireplace

There are a few different types of paint that can be used to whitewash a brick fireplace, but the most common type is latex paint.

Latex paint is easy to work with and it dries quickly, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to whitewash your fireplace in a short amount of time.

You’ll also need to use a paintbrush or roller to apply the paint to the bricks. Once you’ve applied the paint, you can use a clean cloth to remove any excess paint that might be on the bricks.

Do you need special paint to whitewash brick fireplace?

No, you don’t need special paint to whitewash your brick fireplace. Any type of paint will do the trick! Just make sure to choose a light-colored paint so that the whitewash effect is visible.

Also, be sure to dilute the paint with water before applying it to the bricks. This will help create a more even look. Finally, don’t forget to apply a sealer after the paint has dried to protect your newly whitewashed fireplace!

Related: 35+ Beautiful Painted Brick Fireplace Ideas and Designs

Should I paint or whitewash my brick fireplace?

Painting your fireplace is a great way to give it a fresh new look. But before you decide to paint, you should consider whether painting or whitewashing would be the best option for your fireplace. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

-The type of brick: If your brick is already painted, you may want to consider whitewashing it instead. Whitewashing can give your fireplace a more natural look.

-The condition of the brick: If your brick is in good condition, painting it may be the best option. But if your brick is cracked or chipped, whitewashing may be a better way to go.

Is whitewashing brick fireplace out of style?

There’s no definitive answer, as style trends come and go. However, many experts believe that whitewashing brick is definitely a trend that’s on the way out.

If you’re considering whitewashing your fireplace, you may want to think twice before taking the plunge. Here are a few reasons why experts believe whitewashing brick is out of style:

-It can make a room look dated and old-fashioned.

-Whitewashed brick can be difficult to maintain, as it tends to show dirt and stains more easily than non-whitewashed brick.

-If you decide to sell your home in the future, potential buyers may not be as enthusiastic about a whitewashed fireplace as you are.

How to whitewash brick fireplace with chalk paint

Here’s what you’ll need:

-Chalk paint

-Paintbrush

-Water

-Container for mixing paint and water

Before you begin whitewashing your fireplace, it’s important to properly prepare the area.

First, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the brick.

Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the brick and remove any remaining dirt or dust. Once the brick is clean, you can begin painting.

Whitewashing the Fireplace:

To whitewash the fireplace, you will need a bucket of water, a paintbrush, and chalk paint in your desired color. Begin by dipping your brush into the water and then into the paint.

Apply the paint to the brick in long, even strokes. As you work, add more water to your brush as needed to keep the paint from getting too thick. Once you’ve covered the entire fireplace, allow the paint to dry completely.

How to whitewash brick fireplace with black grout

Before You Begin:

  • Gather your supplies: water, white paint, brush, vacuum with soft brush attachment, damp cloth, hydrated lime, sponge or cloth

Preparing to Whitewash the Fireplace:

Start by removing any soot or debris from the surface of the brick. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment can help with this. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the bricks. Allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

To Whitewash the Fireplace:

There are a few different methods you can use to whitewash your fireplace. One is to mix equal parts water and white paint together, then apply it to the brick with a brush.

Another option is to make a slurry out of hydrated lime and water. This mixture will need to be applied with a sponge or cloth.

Once you’ve applied the whitewash, allow it to dry completely. You may need to apply a second coat depending on the level of coverage you’re looking for.

Once the fireplace is dry, you can add some finishing touches like painting the grout or adding new hardware. With a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily transform your fireplace into a beautiful focal point.

How to whitewash brick fireplace white

whitewash brick fireplace white

Before You Begin:

You will need to gather the following supplies:

  • White latex paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Roller
  • Bucket
  • Tsp solution
  • Water hose

Prepping The Fireplace:

The first step is to make sure your fireplace is clean. If it’s not, you’ll want to give it a good cleaning before you begin painting. Once it’s clean, let the fireplace dry completely.

If your fireplace is new, you may not need to prep it at all. However, if it’s an older fireplace, you may need to sand down the brick a bit to help the paint adhere better.

Once you’ve prepped the fireplace, it’s time to start painting!

Painting The Fireplace:

The first thing you’ll want to do is mix your TSP solution with water in a bucket. Then, using a brush or roller, apply the TSP solution to the fireplace. This will help the paint adhere better.

Next, you’ll want to apply a coat of white paint to the fireplace. You can use a brush, roller, or even a sprayer for this. Just make sure you get good coverage and let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Once the first coat of paint is dry, you’ll want to apply a second coat. This time, you’ll want to use a brush or roller to go over the fireplace with a light back and forth motion. As you do this, the brick will start to show through the paint and give it a whitewashed look.

Once you’re happy with the way it looks, let the paint dry completely and enjoy your newly whitewashed fireplace!

How to whitewash brick fireplace with limewash

Limewash is a slaked lime putty with color added to it. It has been used for centuries as a paint finish.

Limewash is ideal for whitewashing because it’s porous and permeable. This means that it will allow the brick to breathe while still providing coverage.

What’s the difference between limewash and whitewash?

They are both paints used to protect and decorate walls, but there are some key differences between the two.

Limewash is made from limestone that has been crushed, combined with water and then agitated to create a slaked lime mixture. This paint is popular because it is environmentally friendly and breathable, allowing walls to “breathe.” It is also non-toxic and has anti-fungal properties.

Whitewash, on the other hand, is made from lime and water that has been combined with chalk or calcium carbonate. This paint is popular because it is very inexpensive and easy to make. However, it is not as durable as limewash and can be more difficult to apply.

Before You Begin:

-Gather your materials. You will need a bucket, brush, and lime wash.

-Put on old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

-Open all the windows in the room to ventilate it.

How to whitewash brick fireplace with limewash

Step One: Mix the Lime Wash

Pour about two cups of water into your bucket. Add the lime wash to the water and stir until it is mixed well.

Step Two: Apply the Lime Wash to the Brick

Dip your brush into the bucket of lime wash. Starting at the top of the fireplace, brush the limewash onto the bricks in long, even strokes. Work your way down until you have covered the entire fireplace.

Step Three: Let it Dry

Allow the limewash to dry for 24 hours before using the fireplace. Ventilate the room during this time by keeping the windows open. After 24 hours, your whitewashed brick fireplace is ready to use! Enjoy your cozy new space.

Step Four: Maintenance

To keep your fireplace looking its best, annual touch-ups will be necessary. You can either reapply the limewash in the same manner as before or simply wipe down the bricks with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or soot build-up.

How to whitewash dated brick fireplace with paint

Before You Begin:

You will need a few supplies to get started including:

-white paint

-paintbrush

-sponge brush

-bucket of water

-drop cloths or old towels (to protect your floors)

Instructions:

Assuming your fireplace is already clean, you can start by painting the mortar joints with white paint using a small paintbrush. You don’t need to be perfect with this step, but do your best to get into all of the cracks and crevices.

Once the mortar is painted, use a sponge brush to lightly “dab” on some white paint to the face of the bricks. Again, don’t worry about being perfect—the goal is to just give the bricks a “kiss” of paint.

Once the bricks are painted, take a step back and look at your work. If you feel like you want more paint on the bricks, go ahead and add another coat. Once you’re happy with the coverage, allow the paint to dry completely. That’s it! You’ve successfully whitewashed your fireplace!

How to whitewash brick fireplace before and after

If your fireplace is looking a little drab, you may be considering giving it a makeover. Whitewashing brick is a great way to brighten up your space and give it a fresh look. Here’s how to do it:

First, gather your supplies. You will need white paint, a brush, and some water. Mix the paint and water together in a ratio of about three parts paint to one part water.

Next, brush the mixture onto the brick, working in small sections. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Once you have covered the entire fireplace, let it dry for 24 hours.

After it has dried, you can enjoy your newly whitewashed brick fireplace! It’s an easy and inexpensive way to give your home a fresh look.

How to remove whitewash from brick fireplace

If you have a whitewashed brick fireplace and want to remove the whitewash, there are a few things you need to do.

First, you need to score the surface of the bricks with a wire brush or another abrasive tool. This will help the whitewash come off more easily.

Next, soak a cloth in a mixture of water and vinegar, and then apply it to the bricks. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing at the whitewash with the cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get all the whitewash off.

Finally, rinse the bricks with clean water and let them dry.

How much does it cost to whitewash brick fireplace?

Whitewashing your brick fireplace is a great way to brighten up your living space and give it a fresh, new look.

The cost of whitewashing your brick fireplace will depend on the size of your fireplace and the type of paint you use. You can expect to spend around $50-$100 on supplies, depending on the size of your fireplace. hiring a professional to whitewash your brick fireplace will cost around $200-$300.

How long does whitewash brick fireplace last?

Whitewash can last for many years if it is applied correctly and allowed to cure properly. However, whitewash does require some regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips to help you keep your whitewashed fireplace looking great:

-Be sure to apply a primer before painting your bricks. This will help the whitewash adhere better and last longer.

-Use a high quality paintbrush or roller to apply the whitewash evenly.

-Allow the whitewash to cure for at least 24 hours before using the fireplace.

-Touch up any areas that may have been missed or damaged over time.

How long does it take for white-washed brick fireplace to dry?

We get this question a lot, and unfortunately, there is no easy answer. The drying time will depend on a number of factors, including the type of paint used, the weather conditions, and the thickness of the paint application.

In general, though, you can expect it to take at least 24 hours for the paint to completely dry. And even then, it is important to wait a few days before using the fireplace to ensure that the paint is fully cured.

If you’re in a hurry, you can try using a hair dryer or heat lamp to speed up the drying process. Just be sure not to get too close to the surface of the brick, as you could damage the paint.

How do you prepare bricks for whitewashing?

You need to clean the bricks before you whitewash them. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt, dust or debris. If the bricks are really dirty, you may need to use a power washer. Once the bricks are clean, let them dry completely before you start whitewashing.

To make the whitewash, mix equal parts water and lime. Add more or less water to get the consistency that you want. You can also add other ingredients to the whitewash, like pigment or cement, to change the color or texture.

Can you whitewash brick with any color?

The answer is yes! You can use any color you like to whitewash your brick fireplace. Just be sure to test the color on a small area first to make sure you like it.

If you’re looking for a more traditional look, white is always a good choice. But if you want something a little different, try a light blue or even a pink. Whatever color you choose, whitewashing your brick fireplace is a great way to give it a fresh new look.

What’s the difference between whitewash and German smear?

While both whitewash and German smear are white in color, there are some key differences between the two. Whitewash is made from a mixture of water and lime, while German smear is made from a mixture of water, mortar, and sand.

Whitewash is typically used as an exterior paint or coating, while German smear is typically used as an interior paint or coating. Whitewash dries hard and is more resistant to weathering, while German smear dries soft and is more susceptible to staining.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whitewashing your brick fireplace is a relatively simple process that can totally transform the look of your home. It’s an inexpensive way to update a space, and best of all, it’s something you can do yourself in just a weekend. So grab some supplies and get started!