Paint-Techs LLC — Jacksonville's Trusted Painters
Licensed & insured painting contractor with 52 five-star Google reviews. Serving Jacksonville, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Northeast Florida since 2020.
What you need
Step 1 — Clean the brick thoroughly
Soot, dust, and grease are the number-one cause of peeling on a painted fireplace. Vacuum the brick, then scrub it with a degreaser and a stiff brush, paying attention to any area above the firebox where soot collects. Rinse, and let the brick dry completely — at least 24 hours. Paint never bonds to a dirty or damp surface.
Step 2 — Tape and protect
Tape off the mantel, walls, and floor, and lay drop cloths. Keep paint off the firebox interior entirely. If you have a wood-burning unit, only the outer surround should be painted, and only with a product rated for the heat it will see.
Step 3 — Work paint into the mortar first
Brick is two surfaces: the flat faces and the recessed mortar joints. Load your chip or stencil brush and work paint into the mortar lines first, then roll the brick faces with the 3/4-inch nap roller. This order keeps the joints from looking bare. Chalk paint's thick body helps it cling to the rough texture.
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Step 4 — Two coats, dry between
Apply the first coat and let it dry 1 to 2 hours. The first coat on raw brick always looks patchy — that is normal. Apply a second coat for even coverage, and spot-hit any deep joints or porous bricks with a light third pass. A bonding primer is optional with chalk paint but worth it over previously painted or glossy brick.
Step 5 — Seal the finish
This step is non-negotiable on a fireplace. Chalk paint's matte finish is porous and will grab soot, marks, and fingerprints. Brush or wipe on a clear water-based polyacrylic (or a dedicated chalk-paint topcoat) across the surround. For a firebox surround exposed to real heat, use a heat-rated clear coat instead.
Chalk paint vs. masonry paint
| Chalk paint | Masonry / acrylic latex | |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Minimal; grips porous brick | Clean + sometimes prime |
| Look | Soft matte, vintage | Matte to satin, modern |
| Durability | Needs a sealer | Washable from the can |
| Best for | DIY accent fireplaces | High-use surrounds |
Chalk paint wins for an easy, characterful DIY update. If you want maximum durability or a satin sheen, a masonry or acrylic latex is the better long-term choice. Either way, choosing the right sheen matters — see our guide to paint finishes for every room.
A painted brick fireplace also makes a natural accent feature in a living room; coordinate the brick color with your wall and trim so it reads intentional.
Want it done for you?
If your fireplace is a focal point and you want a flawless, sealed, heat-safe finish, our interior painting team handles brick fireplaces, accent walls, and full-room repaints across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Contact Paint-Techs LLC for a free estimate.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you paint brick with chalk paint?
Yes. Chalk paint adheres well to clean, porous brick without heavy sanding or priming, which makes it a popular choice for brick fireplaces and accent walls. Because brick is rough and absorbent, expect to use more paint than on a smooth wall and to work it into the mortar lines with a stiff brush. Seal the finished surface so it wipes clean and resists scuffs.
Do you need to seal chalk paint on a brick fireplace?
Yes. Chalk paint dries to a porous matte finish that marks and absorbs soot easily, so a sealer is important on a fireplace. Use a clear water-based polyacrylic or a chalk-paint topcoat on the surround, and keep paint off the actual firebox interior. For a wood-burning firebox, only use a heat-rated product rated for the temperatures it will see.
How many coats of chalk paint does brick need?
Plan on two coats for solid coverage on brick, sometimes a light third coat in deep mortar joints and porous spots. Let each coat dry fully (usually 1 to 2 hours) before the next. A bonding primer is optional with chalk paint but helps on previously painted or very glossy brick.
Is chalk paint or regular paint better for a brick fireplace?
Chalk paint is easier for a DIY project because it grips porous brick with minimal prep and gives a soft matte look, but it must be sealed. A masonry or acrylic latex paint is more durable and washable out of the can and is the better choice for a high-use surround or if you want a satin sheen. For the firebox surround near heat, choose a heat-rated coating regardless of type.
Paint-Techs Team
Paint-Techs LLC — Jacksonville, FL
Expert painting advice from the Paint-Techs team. We're a licensed and insured painting contractor serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida with 52 five-star Google reviews. Our team combines years of hands-on experience with knowledge of Florida's unique climate challenges.