No, never paint brick.

Derek Hurd

Gravitas, Inc.

112 E 33rd St.

Garden City, ID 83714

208.367.1184

www.gravitaslc.com

I very rarely prefer painted over natural brick ... but I really don't care for the white and black bricks scattered amongst the red bricks. It's a small fireplace, doesn't appear to have historical or designer significance. So I'd paint it white, using a paint that is appropriate for use on interior brick.

Yes, whitewash or paint it. It not the most attractive brick.

I would paint it as it doesn't seem to be original etc.

Whitewash or stain the bricks.

Paint or whitewash. I see it done all the time on HGTV

Whitewash!

I painted a fireplace with a similar brick to white back in 1978. Who knew I was so fashion forward? ;>))

To answer the question, I would whitewash or paint because I agree that is not an attractive brick and/or does not have any type of significance.

Agree whitewash would be nice in this case.

Not usually a fan of painting brick but that brick is not particularly attractive.

You might consider leaving the top of the hearth -- the "flat" surface of the hearth -- as is -- red brick -- but use heat resistant black paint to paint the front and sides of the hearth.

Then create or invest in a fireplace surround to cover the rest of the brick between hearth and mantel..

https://www.google.com/search?q=fireplace+surround++fireplace&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiV3aHV0pDoAhWQlVMKHVq5DDMQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=fireplace+surround++fireplace&gs_l=img.12..0l2j0i7i30l5j0i7i5i30l3.107117.107117..108887...0.0..0.115.115.0j1......0....1..gws-wiz-img.QSaANDBR7GQ&ei=EutnXpWMFJCrzgLa8rKYAw&bih=654&biw=1366&client=firefox-b-1-d#imgrc=5VyQ5nqSi62FhM

Yes, definitely, it would be beautiful. Look at Romabio a limewash product at Home Depot... it comes in lovely soft off whites.

If a surround is not in the budget, consider staining it all darker (even black) or actually painting the brick a stark white rather than settling for a half done whitewash look.

jck10, you always give such helpful suggestions. Were you leaning toward whitewash?

chloebud, thank you.

yes I'm leaning towards whitewash was just trying to visualize it with the dark rug (which I love). I covered it with newspaper to have a visual of it whiteish

If you whitewash the brick, what will you do with the mantel? It is more cream than white.
And...the black surround will become the dominant feature. Can you replace it or change the finish?

I would whitewash first, then if you don't like it, paint

brick use flat white, mantle semi gloss same color

check out my before and after:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5674161/help-with-fireplace

You could also paint it a darker shade of the wall color.

houssaon that's an idea I hadn't considered. definitely looking into that thanks

felizlady yes I see how the black is very dominant.

The brick is not very attractive, so I don't think I'd worry about doing something to it. Start by whitewashing it first, but with the color variations and black brick, I think you'll eventually end up painting it out. BM white dove works great for brick.

I think the whitewash will not do the job I would paint it and I would do the whole thing hearth and all you do not need the hearth with a gas insert I like the FP to be painted with a satin finish to make it easy to wipe clean and IMO a wood mantel would be nice

Looks amazing white! Great job

Love it...such a pretty room!

Pretty!! Is that paint or whitewash?

looks great!

It's painted. Kilz2 then BM Pearlized paint

Hello, I read about your situation with your rude, and arrogant neighbor with the excessive lights. I am going through a similar situation. The new neighbor from India, installed multiple light fixtures at the end of their driveway, each with three light bulbs. I asked them to in a nice way, if they could turns a few of the light bulbs off and they said they would replace the light bulbs with lower watts, but they have not done anything. There are around ten adults in this house, they are here in America on working visas. They also have installed other excessive light fixtures, and literally installed what looks like Christmas lights all on their roof and throughout the outside of their house but they do not celebrate Christmas, and they keep these lights on for their huge parties. How did your situation work out? Did your lawyer make a difference? Do they still flash their lights?

@andrewparkla yes they did turn the offending light off after the lawyer's letter but not without a rebuttal trying to convince us they are great neighbors. That was all in 2016. Out fast growing Leyland spruces block a lot of the view to their house now. Update to November 2020: a friend sent me a text "Your ahole neighbors house is for sale" . Week after Christmas lovely young couple and their toddler moved in. Even the mail carrier has commented on how glad he is these people are no longer on his route. Needless to say there was no going away party for them lol