Paint Your Stone Fireplace for a Whole New Look! Easy DIY!
So it’s a new year and everyone I talk to seems to be on the same page, brighten, lighten and simplify. I know I’m hoping to create fresh, clean looking spaces throughout our home and I’ll share some ideas along the way. One of the best things I did late last year was paint our limestone fireplace. So many people told us it couldn’t be done or shouldn’t be. I did it and I’ll show you how!
When we bought our house I was in love with the big stone fireplace, but I wasn’t in love with the color. It was limestone brought over “All the way from Texas” as the previous homeowners said…we are in Florida…so it wasn’t all that far! 🙂 But even so, it was beautiful and a focal point of the living room.
For years we lived with it as is, a neutral sort of beige stone…but I always wanted it either bright and white or moody and dark. I asked our favorite painter, I asked the paint stores and of course I googled and searched Pinterest. I kept coming up empty and the people I talked to kept saying, I wouldn’t paint it or they had no idea how to. I figured if you can paint brick it should be easy enough. I’m here to tell you it is!
Here is what I used:
- TSP Cleaning solution
- Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Multi-Purposed Oil Based Primer
- Benjamin Moore Advance Satin Finished Paint
I learned shortly after using the Benjamin Moore Paint on our cabinets for our kitchen makeover that it truly is the best paint for any big job. It’s the best I’ve used by far.
The first thing I did, was clear everything off the fireplace and mantle, and dust. Then I put some TSP cleaning solution in a bucket and wiped the whole fireplace down. Because limestone is so porous I made sure to wipe it down well and let it thoroughly dry. I didn’t touch it for a few days to be sure the stone was completely dry.
Then I did a test patch, on the side where no one would notice. I applied a small amount of primer to see how it would absorb and dry. I would suggest doing this as well, no matter what material your fireplace is made out of.
Once the stone was completely dry, I applied a coat of primer. I made sure that because I was applying paint, I stayed clear of the firebox itself. I got as close as I could without getting the paint beyond the glass doors and keeping a small border around the firebox unpainted. Note, this is important because we want flames on the inside, not the outside. 🙂 Be sure to consider this and take the appropriate precautions, when painting yours. I couldn’t believe how different it looked after just one coat of primer alone!!
After letting the primer completely dry as well (3-4 days), I gave the fireplace 2 coats of paint. I did wait 2 days in between coats to allow the first coat to completely dry. Once the second coat was dry, I touched up any areas that looked a bit streaky…remember the stone is porous and it may dry differently in areas. I then took black paint and covered over the brass on the glass doors to update them a little. This is totally optional.
Well, what do you think? Doesn’t it look clean and fresh and just pop! I am so happy I just jumped in and did it…it made such a difference! If you’ve been thinking of painting your fireplace, I hope this helps you. Remember, I’m not a painting professional and I encourage you to do a test patch beforehand but don’t be afraid to try this! I would love for you to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and here on my blog. If you paint your own fireplace, tag me so I can see it!
Take care until next time!
~Holli
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What color are your walls??
Hi…the wall color is Thistle Seed by Valspar. 😊It’s a creamy white.
Your fireplace looks beautiful! I am using your way to paint our fireplace. I did the primer yesterday and using a brush it is sort of streaking at the hearth. Did you use only brushes? I was thinking a high density foam roller would work for a smoother finish, but wanted to see if you only used a brush. Thanks for your help!
Hi Amy. I only used brushes. It was streaky until the 2nd coat of paint. Again the BM paint was great bc it has a self leveling feature that works well for surfaces. But just let each coat dry completely and then give at least 2 coats of paint. Excited for you! 😊
Huh, it was actually easy! I wish I had a fireplace to try that with haha thanks for the share!
That turned out simply beautiful!
Thank you! I’m so glad I did it! An easy update. 🙂
Hi! tried to subscribe but for some reason it wouldn’t allow me to put my email in. I have a similar fireplace that I hate the color. However above fireplace is more lime stone tile with grout ( same ugly color ) as mantel below. If I paint do I paint over the grout ? I don’t know how I would just paint the limestone tiles without getting any on the grout??
Hi…Yes I painted over grout and all and love it. No problems at all. I hope you get to subscribe. Let me know if you still have an issue. Enjoy! 😊
Hi! I have one more question . Being that
I might try this myself I really hate working w oil based products. I called Benjamin Moore store and although he has had no experience w limestone he suggested the BM masonary sealer/primer. Any knowledge of that???
Hi I am not familiar with the product you mentioned. I will say I had no issues with the oil based primer I used. It was a little smelley but I just used a fan and opened the windows. It was worth it b/c it worked. I hope that helps. I actually plan on using it on another mantel I have for an upcoming makeover. 🙂
Thanks for posting. Just wondering what you think about painting a fake limestone fireplace? Its very hard stone like material but not real stone. Thanks again. Catherine
I’ve painted many surfaces and I think as long as the material is strong and hard enough so it takes the paint well it will look amazing. I would do a small test patch on an area that can be hidden if need be. That’s what I did at first to make sure it would work. 😊 Keep me posted! I’d love to see what you do!
Looks great! I see on the base it looks like limestone tile with grout. I have the same issue. did you just paint the grout too?
Yes, I painted it grout and all and it’s held up perfectly! So happy I did it! Thank you!
Would you ever think about painting a limestone fireplace black? I think it could be nice but am afraid. Have asked a few friends and some think I am crazy. A couple think it would look good
I would…but only if I could live with it for a while. I think white and black are classic…So I say if you like it…Go for it. I’m sure it will look great!!
Hi Hollie, thinking of doing same with faux (i think its fake anyway, purely becuse it doesnt feel cold enough to the touch to be real limestone!) fireplace. Just wondering if you used paint which was especially for wood and metal or normal oil based wall paint?
What colour white did you use?
It’s simply white by Benjamin Moore. 🙂
Paint your fireplace to merge it with your room’s new look. Cleaning paintbrushes and other tools can be made easy with warm, soapy water. All done! You’ve updated your stone fireplace with a little sweat and a whole lot of color.
Hi!
I have a limestone fireplace that I want to paint white as well. We use our fireplace regularly. Have you had any issues with the paint or primer with the use of your fireplace? Any bubbling or peeling?
Thanks!
Hi Erica. I haven’t had any issues, however we don’t use it alot. Being in Florida there aren’t many cold nights. Keep a good edge around the opening free of paint. That would be my suggestion.
Oh what a difference, lovely, 8v got a limestone fire place, cream and id like it white, should i go for it.
Totally do it! I have no regrets! 🙂
Trying to convince my husband that this can be done!!! do you still light your fire?
We have. But we don’t do it that often. I made sure to keep the paint away from the inside of the fireplace. I do plan to do something soon to the interior of the fireplace so keep an eye out. 🙂
Did you turn off the pilot light of take off the doors?
Ours is a wood-burning fireplace so no pilot light involved. I do plan on taking the doors off soon b/c I have another idea I’m going to try on the inside.
I am preparing to do this exact thing in my home, but I really don’t want to cover up the texture??? Just wondering if your texture showed through the primer and paint? TIA
Hi, I would think your texture will show through. I can still see small bit of texture in mine and that’s only because it was a fairly smooth surface. I’m sure it will look amazing.
I went to the BM Paint store today, and they recommended paint for concrete-so that is what I bought! The primer is going on as I type-wish me luck-the primer is streaky-I am hoping the paint covers this?