A brick fireplace or exterior chimney can be a charming feature of any home, but older brick often clashes with updated interiors or modern siding. Many homeowners find that the natural red or dark brown tones of brick feel dated or out of place after other parts of the home have been remodeled. Because these surfaces stand out so much, they can draw the eye for the wrong reasons. If your fireplace or chimney doesn’t fit your style or the rest of your home, there are creative ways to make it look fresh and cohesive again.
Painting or color washing are two excellent options for updating brick surfaces. Both methods can completely transform the look of your fireplace or chimney without the need for expensive replacement or structural work. With the right preparation and materials, you can achieve a clean, modern finish that ties your fireplace into your living room or your chimney into the exterior of your house. Whether you want a subtle wash to soften the color or full, even coverage to match siding or trim, working with professional painters ensures it’s done correctly and lasts.
How Painting or Color Washing
Refreshes Brick Surfaces
Painting brick is one of the most common ways to bring an old fireplace or chimney back to life. A solid coat of paint can cover uneven tones, stains, and weathering that have built up over the years. Many homeowners choose neutral colors like white, light gray, or cream for fireplaces to brighten up living rooms and create a clean backdrop for furniture and decor. On chimneys, matching or complementing the siding color helps the feature blend seamlessly with the rest of the exterior.
Color washing is another popular option for those who still want to see some of the natural texture of the brick. This method uses a thinned paint or stain to create a more subtle, semi-transparent finish. It tones down the original brick color without fully covering it, creating a softer and slightly aged look that works well in both rustic and contemporary spaces. Both painting and color washing can also protect brick surfaces from further weather damage, making them practical as well as stylish.
Choosing Colors That Fit Your Style
For interior fireplaces, lighter tones remain a favorite because they brighten the space and make rooms feel larger. Soft whites, warm beige, and even very pale grays work well for creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Darker colors, such as charcoal or deep navy, are also gaining popularity, especially when used as an accent in otherwise light rooms.
On exterior chimneys, the most important thing is to match or complement the home’s siding, trim, or roof. Many homeowners choose to paint their chimneys the same color as the siding for a seamless look, or they opt for a slightly darker or lighter shade for subtle contrast. Earthy tones and muted grays are also trending for exteriors because they feel timeless and help tie together other exterior materials like stone or wood.
A professional painter can help guide you through the options and show you how different colors and finishes will look in your space. This is especially important because lighting, room size, and surrounding materials all affect how a color appears once it’s on the wall or chimney.
Fireplace and Chimney Painting: Trends
Painting and color washing aren’t the only ways to update your fireplace or chimney. Here are some common options and current trends homeowners are choosing:
- Solid color painting: Fully covers the brick in a uniform, even color.
- Color washing: Creates a soft, aged look while letting some brick texture show through.
- Limewashing: Similar to color washing but uses lime-based material for a chalky, breathable finish.
- Contrasting colors: Painting the fireplace or chimney in a bold shade to create a focal point.
- Matching finishes: Coordinating the fireplace or chimney color with trim, siding, or built-ins for a unified appearance.
These techniques let you customize the look of your home and adapt older features to fit your current design.
Why Work With Professionals
Updating brick surfaces may seem simple, but it requires careful preparation to get it right. Brick is porous, uneven, and often has years of soot, dust, or weather damage that need to be cleaned and sealed before painting. Professionals know how to prep the surface properly so paint or wash adheres evenly and lasts longer without chipping or peeling.
A professional painter will also help you choose the right type of paint or stain for your specific surface, whether it’s an indoor fireplace exposed to heat or an outdoor chimney exposed to rain and snow. This ensures the finish not only looks good but also holds up under daily use and changing weather.
Working with a team like Pioneer Painters means you get a polished result without having to worry about the details. From helping you pick the perfect color to cleaning up when the job is done, we make sure your fireplace or chimney looks its best and fits beautifully into your home’s style.
Contact Us Today
If you’re ready to give your fireplace or chimney a fresh new look, Pioneer Painters is here to help. Our team has the experience and skill to update your brick surfaces with a finish that fits your style and lasts for years to come. Whether you prefer a bold painted color, a soft color wash, or a timeless neutral tone, we can guide you through the process and handle all the details from start to finish.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started on transforming your space. Let Pioneer Painters help you bring new life to one of the most overlooked features of your home.
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