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Here are the pics. (Sorry got pulled aside and I can’t post pics from my computer only iPhone)

We need pics of your fireplace also. I looked this up using Grok.

Recommended Process for a Smooth Coat and Painting:

1. Inspect and Clean the Brick:

• Inspect: Check for loose mortar or damaged brick. Repair minor cracks with DAP Alex Plus acrylic caulk or Quikrete Mortar Repair.

• Clean: Remove dust, soot, and grease to ensure adhesion:

  • Use a wire brush or vacuum with a brush attachment.
  • Wash with a mild dish soap solution or Insl-X® All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner. For stubborn soot, use diluted trisodium phosphate (TSP) with gloves and ventilation.
  • Rinse with a damp sponge and let dry for 24–48 hours.

2. Apply a Smooth Skim Coat:

To achieve a smooth surface over the brick’s rough texture, use a masonry-compatible skim-coating product. Recommended options:

• Sakrete Surface Bonding Cement:

  • A cement-based product that adheres well to brick, creating a smooth, durable surface.
  • Apply in thin layers (1/8–1/4 inch) using a trowel or plastering hawk.
  • Mix to a creamy consistency and work in small sections to avoid drying out.

• Lime-Based Plaster (e.g., LimeWorks.us Ecologic Plaster):

  • Breathable, ideal for interior masonry, and provides a traditional, smooth finish.
  • Apply in thin coats with a trowel, following manufacturer curing instructions (typically 7–14 days).

• Quikrete Concrete Bonding Adhesive with Stucco Mix:

  • Use the adhesive to prime the brick, then apply a thin layer of Quikrete Stucco Mix for a smooth topcoat.
  • Ensures strong bonding and a paintable surface.

Application Tips:

• Prep: Lightly dampen the brick with a sponge to improve adhesion, but avoid soaking.
• Technique: Apply the skim coat in thin, even layers using a trowel. Smooth with a steel trowel or float for a polished finish. Multiple thin coats (1–2 mm each) are better than one thick layer to prevent cracking.
• Curing: Allow the skim coat to cure fully per manufacturer instructions (7–14 days for most products). Keep the room ventilated and avoid rapid drying (e.g., no direct heat from the fireplace).
• Sanding: Once cured, lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper (120–150 grit) to remove minor imperfections for an ultra-smooth finish.

Alternative: If you want a very polished, plaster-like look, consider hiring a professional plasterer to apply a veneer plaster over the brick. This is more costly but ensures a flawless, smooth surface.

3. Prime the Skim-Coated Surface:

• Use a high-quality primer to seal the skim coat and ensure paint adhesion. Recommended primers:

  • Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer: Covers well and seals porous surfaces.
  • Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer: Bonds to skim coats and prevents paint issues.
  • Sherwin-Williams Multi-Purpose Latex Primer: Suitable for masonry and plaster-like surfaces.

• Application: Apply one or two coats with a brush for edges and a 3/8-inch nap roller for the surface. Allow 4–6 hours of drying between coats (check product instructions).

4. Paint the Smooth Surface:

• Type: Use 100% acrylic latex paint for interior use. It’s durable, washable, and suitable for a fireplace facade, which experiences minimal heat (under 200°F).

• Recommended Paints:

  • Sherwin-Williams ProClassic® Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel (satin or semi-gloss): Smooth, durable finish, ideal for fireplaces.
  • Behr Premium Plus Interior (satin or semi-gloss): Cost-effective, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
  • Benjamin Moore Regal® Select Interior (satin or pearl): High-quality, stain-resistant, perfect for a living room focal point.

• Sheen: Choose satin or semi-gloss for a smooth, reflective finish that’s easy to clean and resists soot or fingerprints. Avoid flat finishes, which show dirt.

• Color: Whites, grays, or bold colors (e.g., black, navy) work well. Test samples, as the skim coat may slightly alter color appearance.

• Application: Apply two thin coats using a brush for edges and a 3/8-inch nap roller for the surface. Allow 4–6 hours of drying between coats. Tape off the hearth and mantel for clean lines.

Recommended Products:

• Cleaner: Insl-X® All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner or diluted TSP.
• Skim Coat: Sakrete Surface Bonding Cement, LimeWorks.us Ecologic Plaster, or Quikrete Stucco Mix with Bonding Adhesive.
• Primer: Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® High-Hiding, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3, or Sherwin-Williams Multi-Purpose Latex.
• Paint: Sherwin-Williams ProClassic® (satin/semi-gloss), Behr Premium Plus (satin/semi-gloss), Benjamin Moore Regal® Select (satin/pearl), or PPG Manor Hall (satin/semi-gloss).

@BeverlyFLADeziner - yes that first one is what I’m going for. I just need to find the right product!

Our fireplace has smooth stucco on it, which is much like venetian plaster. It was then painted the same color as the walls to give it a little texture but also to sort-of blend in. It's hard to tell from the photos, but ....

Here is something I found online about different products