Pick the Color (cont'd)

The fireplace surround in this house was fairly typical. It has an elevated brick hearth and modest-sized brick mantel with a small shelf. Laurie chose to paint all of the brick, as well as the shelf, the same color.

Prepare the Brick

Go over the entire surface with some sandpaper to scruff it up a little and remove any loose bits of mortar. If the brick was painted before, scrap off any loose paint. Scrub the surface with soap and water and a stiff brush, and then rinse the soap as best as you can. Let the surface dry thoroughly, and then finish cleaning with a good vacuuming.

Prime the Surface

Paint manufacturers offer primers and paints for just about every surface imaginable. Some manufacturers make sealers or conditioners that they recommend for an initial coat over bare brick. It is always best to talk with a knowledgeable paint dealer for advice on the best products to use for your specific need. At the very least, look for an interior latex primer that is suitable for use on brick and other masonry surfaces. Latex is able to move and breathe without cracking, making it ideal for a porous material like brick. In most cases, a single coat of primer should be sufficient. If you have a large surface to cover, you can use a roller to speed up the job. A roller pad with a fairly thick nap (3/4 in. or 1 in.) will work best. But for most fireplaces, a large paintbrush will do the job almost as quickly. Allow the primecoat to dry.