I replaced an old firplace with a woodstove just yesterday. The stove is a freestanding stove, not an insert.The stove is outside of the fireplace opening itself. My question is this: Is their any way of painting or sealing the surface within the fireplace itself to cover up the black that was caused by smoke etc.when it was used as a fireplace. We want to spruce it up, but I have heard that painting brick is not recommended.
Please advise if you can.