- To paint a fireplace with chalk paint, start by cleaning it thoroughly to remove any dirt or cobwebs.
- Next, apply a layer of primer to help the chalk paint adhere to the surface.
- Then, start painting the fireplace using light pressure and long strokes.
- Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely (usually 24 hours), then apply a second coat.
- Once the second coat is dry, enjoy your newly painted fireplace!
Chalk paint is a great way to update an old fireplace. It’s easy to apply, and the results are stunning. In this article, we’ll show you how to chalk paint your fireplace in just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
Contents
- What is chalk paint?
- Follow these simple steps to get started:
- How my friend updated her old brick fireplace with chalk paint
- More Tips
- Painting Over Brick
- Covering Solid Colors
- Using Chalk Paint to Cover the Mantel
- FAQs
- Do I need to use primer before painting with chalk paint?
- How long does it take for chalk paint to dry?
- Can I use chalk paint on other surfaces besides my fireplace?
- How many coats of paint should I apply?
- Will the paint be durable enough to withstand heat from a fire?
What is chalk paint?
Chalk paint is a decorative type of paint with a chalky appearance that can be used on a variety of surfaces. It’s perfect for painting furniture, walls, and even fireplaces.
Chalk paint is very easy to use, and it provides a beautiful matte finish.
- Use on a variety of interior surfaces like wood, metal, ceramic, canvas and easily distress to create a vintage look
It’s easy to apply, and the results are stunning. In this article, we’ll show you how to chalk paint your fireplace in just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Clean the fireplace thoroughly before painting: Dust off any cobwebs and debris, and use an ash vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck up any soot or dirt.
- Next, apply a layer of primer: This will help the chalk paint adhere to the fireplace surface.
- Once the primer is dry, start painting: Apply the chalk paint in long strokes, using light pressure.
- Allow the paint to dry completely: This usually takes about 24 hours.
- Apply a second coat of paint: This will give the fireplace a more even and consistent appearance.
- Allow the second coat of paint to dry completely: Once again, this will take about 24 hours.
- Enjoy your newly painted fireplace!
How my friend updated her old brick fireplace with chalk paint
It was a beautiful spring day, and Kendra was determined to get her fireplace painted. She had been dreaming of updating it with chalk paint for months, and today was the day she was going to do it.
She started by cleaning the fireplace thoroughly. She dusted off any cobwebs and debris, and used a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck up any soot or dirt.
Next, she applied a layer of primer. This would help the chalk paint adhere to the fireplace surface. Once the primer was dry, she started painting. She applied the chalk paint in long strokes, using light pressure.
She allowed the paint to dry completely, which usually took about 24 hours. Then she applied a second coat of paint. This would give the fireplace a more even and consistent appearance. Once again, she allowed the paint to dry completely, which usually took about 24 hours.
And finally, after three days of hard work, her fireplace was finished! She couldn’t believe how easy it was to update it with chalk paint. The results were stunning, and she couldn’t wait to show it off to her friends and family.
More Tips
Looking for a way to spice up your home this fall season? Why not try painting your fireplace with some water-based chalk paint? Each quart covers one hundred-fifty square feet and can be used directly over old paint. It’s a quick way to give your fireplace a new look. It’s also very buget friendly. All you need is the simple guide below to get started.
Painting Over Brick
Chalk paint is ideal for a brick or stone fireplace because it can be applied directly over the surface and you won’t need to use any primer.
Even better, you also won’t have to do any sanding or stripping either. Chalk paint is almost entirely odor free and is completely non-toxic. One coat of the stuff is usually all you will need to completely cover the surface of your fireplace. This type of paint is extremely easy to work with.
If you want to thin it out, just add some water. If you want a thicker consistency, just leave the lid off overnight.
If you want to paint the interior of the fireplace, you’ll need a special paint capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures.
Only use chalk paint on the outside of the fireplace, such as on the brick and stone, or even the hearth if so desired. Chalk paint is highly versatile for accomplishing many different looks. Coat over a solid color that’s already there or whitewash to achieve a distressed appearance. The look is whatever you want to make it.
Covering Solid Colors
Before painting over the surface of your brick or stone fireplace, you will first want to clean it to remove any dirt, dust, or other debris.
Painting over a dirty surface will show with a new coat of paint. To begin, you will want to pour some paint into a paint tray or small plastic tub. Use a sturdy brush to apply the paint.
Be sure to fully cover all of the brick and mortar. If any of the mortar is recessed, a smaller brush may be required. Decide whether or not you want to apply a thin coat to start, allowing some of the brick to show through or apply a thicker coat to cover the brick completely.
Using Chalk Paint to Cover the Mantel
Painting the fireplace might only be part of the new look. Why not paint the mantel too? Choose a light neutral color, like a chiffon cream or light white to create a more airy appearance. There’s no sanding required and you can easily add anywhere from one to three coats of paint. The ratio for mixing water with chalk paint varies. The most common ratio is to mix half water with half paint. The more water you add, the thinner the paint will become. If a thicker mixture is desired, add less water. It yields a greater coverage.
Applying Chalk Paint Wax
Adding chalk paint wax is always an additional option. The wax simply seals everything, but it isn’t necessary to get the look you want. If you do choose the wax, you will need a wax brush or lint free cotton cloth to apply the chalk paint wax mixture.
Using a brush suitable for the application of the chalk paint wax, massage it into one section of the paint. Simply work the brush in loose, rounded motions to completely cover the surface of the area.
Keep the pressure steady as you work. Continue to spread the mixture until the brush dries out and the product is gone.
Use a cotton cloth to lightly run across the surface and remove any extra wax. Large sweeps are okay. Fine polishing comes later. For a more polished appearance, just allow the mantel to dry over a twenty-four hour period.
Then buff the waxed surface. If durability is in question, all you have to do is add another layer of wax. If it looks like there is a large buildup of wax on the cloth, just switch to a clean side.
For a tinted effect, after the clear coat has been applied for at least a day, you can add one to two coats of dark wax.
This will yield a worn-in patina. Be sure to apply each coat in sections. Dark wax will impact the final color, whether it is applied to a fireplace or a piece of furniture. It adds warmth to cooler colors and has the ability to darken lighter colors.
To create a more rustic patina with dimensional details, you will want to leave more dark wax pigment in the crevices. Just be sure to wipe most of it off the flat surfaces. It should be noted too, that you will want to use a separate brush for dark wax and one for the clear coat. Using the same brush will only result in contaminating the clear wax.
After the work is done, soak any brushes used in odorless mineral spirits. Let them sit for about thirty minutes before rinsing the bristles with warm, soapy water.
FAQs
Do I need to use primer before painting with chalk paint?
No, you don’t necessarily need to use primer before painting with chalk paint. However, we recommend doing so if you want the best results. Primer will help the paint adhere better to the surface and will provide a more even and consistent appearance.
How long does it take for chalk paint to dry?
Chalk paint usually takes about 24 hours to dry completely. However, we recommend waiting 48 hours before using the fireplace. This will give the paint plenty of time to cure and harden.
Can I use chalk paint on other surfaces besides my fireplace?
Yes! Chalk paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including walls, furniture, and even fabric. It’s a great way to add a unique touch to any room in your home.
How many coats of paint should I apply?
We recommend applying two coats of chalk paint to your fireplace. This will give the best results and will ensure that the paint is evenly distributed. Allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one is also important.
Will the paint be durable enough to withstand heat from a fire?
Yes, the paint will be durable enough to withstand heat from a fire. However, we recommend waiting 48 hours after painting before lighting a fire. This will give the paint plenty of time to cure and harden.
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.
