Fixing an Ugly Fireplace

I set out, many months ago, to fix our ugly fireplace in our downstairs den. It seemed super easy, but don't most home projects? I guess it was pretty simple, it just wasn't as quick as I had anticipated!

So, the ugly part of it was not that it is brick (natural brick is lovely), but that some previous owner had decided that slapping some black and white paint on it with sponges would make it look nice. That was not the case. Want proof? Here's a before photo!

Some online guidance strongly advised cleaning the brick first, to rid it of oils and soot so that the paint can adhere properly. I ended up using Savogran brand Liquid TSP substitute (diluted properly in water) in a spray bottle, a sponge, and a wire brush (similar to this one).

After cleaning the brick really well, I could go ahead and prime it. You'll want to use something like Kilz 2 All Purpose White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker for priming. You'll also need a paint tray, mini roller, stiff paint brush, and painters' tape.

I ended up needing 3 coats of primer(!!) - remember that brick is porous and soaks up your paint, so you're going to need to let things dry and redo it a few times! Still though, 1 gallon of primer was more than enough for our fireplace. In the end, the primed product resulted in this:

After an entire afternoon of priming, I was done. Like, my body was done and I was "over" trying to DIY house projects! So... a couple months went by with the painters' tape and drop cloth still sitting on the floor, just tormenting me every day to finish the project already!!

Today was THE DAY!! After my father-in-law poked fun that I hadn't finished the project yet, I told myself to "pitter patter" ;)

The actual painting of the fireplace was so much easier! Once that priming is out of the way, all I needed was one coat of actual paint! I used Valspar Simplicity Interior + Primer Satin Interior paint in Ultra White.

I am incredibly happy with the "final" product! I say "final" because the plan is to install a dark wood beam as the mantel, and then it's complete!