Looking for a budget friendly way to update your outdated fireplace? If so, you aren't alone! Many homes today still feature brick or stone fireplace surrounds in dark or dated styles that haven't aged well over the years. These materials can be expensive to demo and replace, but the good news is that most fireplace surrounds can be easily brightened up with a bit of paint. Read on for tips on using Jolie products to make your fireplace work more seamlessly with the rest of your space.

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When it comes to painting your fireplace, there isn't a whole lot of prep work required. Depending on the condition of your fireplace surround, you may want to begin your project by giving your surface a quick cleaning to remove any dust or grime. If you have soot that has accumulated over the years, use a degreaser to remove, then rinse well with water.

Right before painting, we recommend using a spray bottle to spritz the brick or stone with water. This will help the paint settle into any grooves or recessed areas, making the painting process go much more quickly. If working over a large area, you may want to work in small sections, spritzing and painting as you go.

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Typically, homeowners that are painting a stone fireplace are looking to tone down the existing color, either to make the material look more natural or to help the fireplace blend more seamlessly with the rest of the space. Because of this, we tend to recommend sticking to more neutral paint colors, such as whites or colors naturally occurring in brick or stone. However, it's important for you to consider the style of your home and choose a color that complements your space and personal style, which could mean opting for more color. Below are a few of our go-to neutrals:

Your color choice will also depend on the finish you are trying to create. When painting brick or stone, you'll likely want to go with one of the following finish options:

This straight forward finish is a great option for those wishing for a total color change or a more modern look. We recommend applying 2-3 coats of a single paint using a Jolie Signature Brush for easy application.  

You may also choose to use a few colors to give the brick or stone more variation, as demonstrated below on the brick fireplace by Jolie Retailer Allure with Decor.

A washed finish is best for those who want to allow some of the original stone or brick to peek through. We find that layering two or three colors in varying tones works best for creating a more natural look.

Starting with your darkest color first, add a bit of water to the paint, brush it on using a Signature Brush, then wipe or blot off the excess using a clean rag. A terrycloth towel or painters rag will work best, as opposed to a paper towel. Continue these steps with the remaining colors, working your way from darkest to lightest and blending as you go. You can continue to spritz the surface with water as needed to help the paint settle into any hard to reach areas.

A topcoat is not required, however, if you wish to seal your painted finish, Jolie Finishing Wax or Varnish in Gloss or Low-Luster can be used. Keep in mind we do not recommend a topcoat for fireplaces where the surround experiences high temperatures, so you'll want to test this out beforehand. Be sure to also check your local building codes for to confirm if there are any restrictions on painting near a firebox.

In addition to brick and stone, Jolie Paint is great for transforming mantels and even sometimes tile around the fireplace. Check out projects by the Jolie Community for more project inspiration.

Did this post inspire you to tackle a project of your own? Share photos of your progress with us by tagging #JolieByMe on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our site and social channels.