Decor Coaxing :: Paint That Ugly Brick Fireplace

Today, my girlfriend, Anita, will be sharing how she overcame her

fear of painting over brick.

She'd anguished for far too long over the decision.

She'd lost precious time and brain cells worrying that she'd make the wrong choice:

too keep the brick as is, or freshen it to her liking.

Her hope is that, by the time you finish reading her story 

you will be encouraged to turn your HOUSE into your HOME.

This is a story of hope for those of you that are still on the fence about what to do 

about that sore thumb of a brick (or stone) surround in living room.

Anita's Story:


I was scared!!! 

I hated the dark, dull looking brick fireplace but should I break the cardinal rule of never painting brick? 


Day after day, I would sit and look at it. 
I would think, "I know it would look so much better a brighter, white color." 
But, I was afraid. 
The question of whether or not to paint the fireplace would be posed to any visitor walking through my door.

One Friday morning, I told my husband, "I am going to paint the fireplace today." 
He said, "Ok, but I am not helping with that project." 
No worries. 


I went and bought paint (the good kind - didn't go cheap on it) and started. 
I started. 
Unfortunately, with the wrong equipment. 
I have heard many times to always make sure you use the right tools 
and a foam brush is certainly not the correct tool for painting brick. 
I went to my nearby Hobby Lobby and found the perfect stenciling brush with stiff bristles 
that worked awesome in between the bricks. 
(You know, into those killer concrete grooves.) 

I also rolled it with those cute little rollers you always see them using on HGTV. 
I bought the correct roller type for brick. 
(I always wanted to use one of those!) 

Needless to say, a couple of hard, sweaty hours later I was done. 
I stepped back and took in my beautiful, bright fireplace! 
I LOVED IT!!! 
The room had brightened up considerably. 


Even the little boy down the street whom I lovingly refer to as my 3rd son 
walked in and said, "That looks great!" 


I knew that boy had good taste. 




My husband came in and said he loved it too! It was a win all the way around.

I would do it over again and again. 
It was almost 2 years of looking at that dull fireplace before I got up the nerve to just give it a shot. 


What could it hurt? 
That is the beauty of paint. 


If you don't like it, paint it another color. 
If you are thinking of doing this make today the day! 


I promise, you won't regret it.

Be inspired....GO... paint.

We thank you, Anita, for your testimony.

*wink.