Today I’m sharing all about how I painted a stone fireplace for a friend. I’m breaking down the process into easy-to-follow steps and sharing what I learned for next time. Get the full DIY tutorial below on how to paint a stone fireplace!
How To Paint A Stone Fireplace:
This was an easy project that anyone could do no matter what level of DIY’er you are! I was intimidated by this project at first but I’d highly recommend it (if it fits into your home’s style, that is). Here’s everything you need to know on how to paint a stone fireplace.
Tools & Materials
- Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer
- Masonry Paint – Tintable
- Round Paint Brush
- Small Soft Paint Brush
- Paint Sprayer (optional)
- Paint Tarps
- Painter’s Tape
How to Paint A Stone Fireplace: Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean the fireplace surface.
Make sure the fireplace surface is clean and free from dust and debris. This is essential so that the primer and paint adheres properly. Here’s exactly how I cleaned ours with just a drill attachment!
Step 2: Prep the area.
Tape off the walls and floor to keep them clean and paint-free. If you have a mantel, tape it off or remove it to protect it.
Step 3: Add texture between the stones if needed.
Before we decided to paint this fireplace, my friend and I tried a German Schmear technique first. This helped even out the deep-set stones and make it look better after it was painted. It also added a ton of texture to this painted fireplace. If you have deep grooves between your stones, I’d recommend filling them like we did first. It could make a big difference in the final look. You can use grout or mortar for this step.
Step 4: Prime the surface.
Use a small round brush or a soft brush to get into all the nooks and crevices of the fireplace with primer. Let the primer dry fully before painting. Stone is porous and will absorb paint unevenly unless you add a layer of primer first. Consider using a stain-blocking primer like this one, especially for moss stone or naturally dusty stones. Priming is ESSENTIAL before painting!! It helps the paint bond properly to the stone, preventing paint chipping and pealing.
Step 5: Paint the stone with masonry paint.
Using masonry paint, carefully hand paint the fireplace from top to bottom. Use as many coats as needed, letting the surface dry between coats. You can use a paint sprayer for this too, but I found that there were just too many little crevices that I couldn’t get to with a paint sprayer.
Step 6: Seal, if necessary.
If you use masonry paint, you likely don’t need to seal the painted stone! But check the instructions on the paint you purchased to see what it recommends. We did not seal our paint and it turned out just fine!
Step 7: Style your new fireplace!
This is the fun part! Add your decor back and enjoy your fresh, new fireplace!
Painted Stone Fireplace Before and After
FAQ: Painted Stone Fireplace
Do I need to use a special kind of paint? Like heat resistant?
If you’re painting inside your fireplace (the fireplace box), it’s super important to use high-heat paint! For this project, I’ve seen recommendations that yes, you need to use high heat paint or heat tolerant paint on your fireplace surround too. If you’re fireplace is more decorative and you don’t use it, it probably doesn’t matter. But if you use it often, the fireplace stone will be exposed to heat so this is something to consider. We did not use heat-resistant paint! I am not an expert in this area, so I’d recommend asking a paint-pro.
Do I need to seal the paint?
Totally depends! If you want an extra layer of protection, go for it. We used an eggshell finish which has a little gloss in it, so we did not seal ours. Just make sure the products you use for primer, paint, and sealant are compatible.
Are painted fireplaces in style?
In my expert design opinion, yes and no. I would never choose to build a new fireplace with painted brick or stone. I don’t think painted fireplaces are a timeliness design look.
But as a homeowner with a budget, I totally get that you can’t always just tear something down and start over. There’s lots to consider here like product waste, financial waste, and feasibility.
It’s good to use a variety of natural elements throughout your home, and brick or stone add a lot of texture and depth to a space.
Painting a fireplace can make it feel flat because you lose those natural elements. I’d recommend looking at ways you could resurface or re-grout the stone or brick first. Can you try giving it a good clean, or a lime-wash or German Schmear treatment first?
Painting brick and stone is a permanent decision, to take your time and really think about it! Especially if you plan to sell your home anytime soon. Painting a stone fireplace can be the right next step for your home to help it look more modern and updated without fully replacing the fireplace surround. In 50 years, I think it will be “outdated” but that’s not necessarily a reason to not do it.
Especially if you pick a more natural, timeless paint color and make sure it blends well with the rest of your home.
Sometimes painting a stone or brick fireplace is the right option for your space. For my friend’s home, it made a drastic difference! It brightened up their living room and totally changed the look and feel of the space. I’m glad we chose this!
What’s most important is that YOU love it!
Can I remove the paint later?
No, it’s permanent.
Can you paint over a painted stone fireplace?
Absolutely! Just make sure to clean and prime the fireplace first. Use the same type of paint as before if possible.
Save this post for later!
How to Paint A Stone Fireplace: Summary
This is a beginner-friendly DIY project that anyone could do! It’s an easy, affordable way to update your outdated stone fireplace on a small budget. If you try this project, share a picture in the comments! I would love to see how it turned out.
- Step 1: Clean the fireplace surface.
- Step 2: Prep the area.
- Step 3: Add texture between the stones if needed.
- Step 4: Prime the surface.
- Step 5: Paint!
- Step 6: Seal, if necessary.
- Step 7: Style
At HillHomeLove, I’m all about helping homeowners transform their home on any budget. I hope this tutorial inspires your next project and makes it a little easier.
Questions on how to paint a stone fireplace? Ask away in the comments below!
