Painting brick is a great way
to update the look.

Painting Brick

If the natural color of the brick doesn't suit your decorating style, consider painting it.

To play up the architectural importance of the feature, paint it to match the trim in the room. If that draws too much attention to the element, color the brick a shade or two darker or lighter than the walls and paint the mantel to match the trim.

In the case of a fireplace, match the brick to the room's woodwork to emphasize its role as a natural focal point. Or paint the brick to blend with the walls and match the mantel to the room's trim.

To paint raw brick, get advice from a paint store for your particular application. Generally you'll want to apply a good-quality exterior latex primer, which adheres to brick better than interior primers do. Alternatively, you can use a primer-sealer stainkiller.

On previously painted brick, prime with a stain-blocking primer-sealer formulated for glossy surfaces (a deglossing primer) so you won't have to sand first.

Brush on the primer, working it into all the crevices. Then apply two coats of the desired color of latex paint (oil-base or alkyd paints are not recommended for brick, because they trap moisture).

For these finish coats, a high gloss or semigloss will show off the texture of the brick better than a flat finish and will be easier to clean.

More: Cleaning Brick Fireplaces