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Brick fireplaces have long served as a centerpiece in living rooms, family rooms, and dens, offering warmth, texture, and architectural character. Yet in recent years, some homeowners have been tempted to paint over brick fireplaces or mantels to achieve a lighter, more modern aesthetic. While social media feeds are filled with dramatic before-and-after transformations of brick fireplaces coated in crisp white or gray paint, professional painters who understand the long-term implications often take a different approach in their own homes.
Chris Downing, owner of Primary Painting in Vermont, has spent years helping homeowners refresh their spaces, but there’s one project he consistently avoids when it comes to his own house. “One project I would never do in my own home is painting a brick fireplace,” Downing explains. “Natural brick is timeless, durable, and virtually maintenance-free. Once you paint it, you’re committing to ongoing upkeep, and you lose the original character and texture that make it beautiful in the first place.”
Here are several reasons to avoid this type of painting project and what to do instead.
Preserve timeless character and value.
A natural brick fireplace often serves as a focal point that adds charm and authenticity to a home. Each brick contains subtle variations in color, texture, and tone that add depth and visual interest to a space. When left unpainted, brick can complement a wide variety of interior styles, ranging from rustic farmhouse to contemporary. Preserving that original material can maintain both visual appeal and potential resale value, particularly among buyers who appreciate historic or natural design features.
Beyond its aesthetic value, brick is also known for its durability and longevity. Properly maintained brick can last for decades with minimal upkeep. Unlike painted surfaces, it doesn’t require regular touch-ups or fresh coats of paint to maintain its unique appearance.
Prevent long-term maintenance challenges.
Unlike painted drywall or wood trim, brick is a porous material that breathes. When sealed beneath layers of paint, its natural ability to release moisture becomes compromised. “Paint can trap moisture, chip over time, and permanently alter the material,” Downing notes. This moisture entrapment can lead to deterioration beneath the surface, causing the paint to bubble, peel, or flake in unsightly ways. Once these issues develop, repairs can be more complicated and costly than simply maintaining natural brick.
Don’t get caught up in trends.
Design trends come and go, and what feels fresh and modern today may not hold the same appeal just a few years down the road. “I’ve seen a lot of brick covered up with heavy paint or trendy ‘German schmear’ techniques, and in many cases, it ends up feeling dated within a few years,” says Downing. On the other hand, natural brick tends to age gracefully and offers a level of design flexibility. Its neutral, earthy tones allow homeowners to change décor, furniture, and color palettes around it without needing to alter the fireplace itself.
Avoid a commitment that’s difficult to undo.
One of the biggest drawbacks of painting brick is the permanent commitment required. Removing paint from brick is a difficult and expensive process that often requires hiring professionals to use chemical strippers, sandblasting, or other aggressive methods that can damage the surface. Even then, the brick rarely returns to its original appearance, and it might be permanently ruined. What may begin as a trendy refresh can quickly turn into a headache of a painting mistake in the future.
Choose smart alternatives.
For homeowners who want to update the look of their fireplace without sacrificing the integrity of the brick, Downing suggests focusing on surrounding design elements rather than altering the masonry. “Instead, I recommend leaving brick in its natural state and designing around it,” he says. “If a homeowner wants a lighter or more modern feel, focus on updating the mantel, refreshing surrounding walls, improving lighting, or incorporating updated finishes in the room. You can modernize a space without compromising the integrity of the brick.”
These complementary updates can dramatically transform the overall feel of a room while maintaining the character and value that original brick provides. A new mantel in a lighter wood tone or a sleek metal finish can provide contrast. Fresh paint on the surrounding walls can brighten the entire space and make the brick feel more intentional. Similarly, installing new tile or stone hearth accents can create a refreshed look. Finally, strategic lighting, such as new, modern fixtures or better bulb placement, can highlight the texture and warmth of natural brick in ways that coordinate with contemporary design.
