You guys – I painted our stone fireplace white!
We purchased this house new, and we’ve been here 9+ years now. Because it was new, I felt a little guilty thinking about changing some of the permanent fixtures like this fireplace. We actually did get to choose the type/color of stone, but I’ve always wished it wasn’t stone at all – plus it’s a little awkward being in the corner of the living room.
Plus – this room is usually quite dark. Mr. GITG loves that it’s easy to relax in here, but sometimes I feel like I’m in a cave. The brown fireplace definitely doesn’t help.
UGG did I mention I painted the entire fireplace two different colors in two days? Stay tuned, folks… (plus there’s a video!)
This stone is very textured and has some jagged areas. The first thing I did was wipe it all down with a damp cloth, which loosened some tiny pieces of rock.
After wiping, I sucked up all the little pieces with my handheld vacuum. That’s all the prep work I did as far as cleaning.
The mantel is staying brown and is not removable, so I covered it with brown paper and tape so I wouldn’t drop any paint on it.
I chose Purdy products for painting my stone fireplace. You guys already know I’ve been using Purdy brushes for years, and I’m proud to have them sponsor this project.
Here are a few reasons I prefer Purdy:
- They’ve been a trusted American company for almost 100 years.
- All of their brushes are handcrafted by craftspeople and “signed” on a sticker by the person who made it.
- Purdy products are highly recommended by both professional painters and DIYers.
- They are really well made. In my experience, they can last forever if you care for them properly.
Products used to paint the stone fireplace:
- Purdy Chinex Elite Bow brush – Great for rough or textured surfaces like brick, stone, or concrete. The extra-stiff bristles are more durable and are preflagged to hold more paint and apply it more smoothly.
- Purdy Pail – This little bucket is both helpful and clever. It holds a Pail Liner for easy cleanup. It has two different handles to help ease hand fatigue. AND there is a magnet on the inside of the pail to hold your brush out of the paint if you need to take a break. (So cool!)
- For my paint, I chose Dutch Boy Forever in Seafoam White (flat). But hold on because that’s not the color I ended up sticking with…
The idea of painting the fireplace white made me nervous. As I said, there wasn’t anything wrong with the stone, it just wasn’t my style anymore. And I really wanted to brighten up the living room.
That first time I touched the brush to the stone my heart skipped a beat! But I knew the vision in my mind for the end.
When you’re painting a really rough and textured surface, get a decent amount of paint on your brush and then make sure to apply it in every direction. I was a little light on my first coat because I didn’t want 100% of the stone to be covered – I wanted some small areas darker to show variation.
I started painting about 11am one day and finished around 4pm. All I had left was some touch-ups and the edges near the walls and floor.
Here’s another neat Purdy tool: the Brush and Roller Cleaner. Use it when you’re washing your brush to help loosen the paint and keep the bristles nice and straight. The curved area is to clean roller covers.
After that first coat of Seafoam White was finished, below is what it looked like. It may be hard to see the coloring perfectly here but it was definitely more of a white-gray than white, and not what I planned.
Being the stubborn person I am, the next day I found leftover Alabaster white paint from when I painted our basement a few years ago. This is HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams in eggshell. Then I pulled out the Purdy Pail and Chinex Elite Bow brush again (see how clean it is after using it the day before?).
Below you can see the top half with Alabaster (still wet) compared to the Seafoam White on bottom. The top is a softer, warmer white while the bottom is more stark and cold.
The second day, painting went much quicker since it already had a base coat. It only took a few hours that day.
Here is the final look…
It took a day to get used to just because it’s so different than before, but I really love how it brightens up the whole room!
(P.S. The hand painted sign on the mantel was made by my friend at Three Mango Seeds.)
Plus it’s more versatile and updated for today’s style trends – although still a timeless look.
I can just imagine how gorgeous it’s going to look when decorated for the holidays!
Here’s a before and after again. Feel free to share or Pin the images in this post to easily find this tutorial later.
Plus it’s so helpful when you’re using the right tools and products for the job.
* Purdy Tool Selector: Click here to find the right Purdy tool for your next project.
* Where to Buy: Click here to see where to buy Purdy tools for your next project.
One lucky person will win a 3-pack of fabulous Purdy brushes to use for upcoming painting projects.
Giveaway open to US residents, 18+ years old.Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Susie Wilcox says
This is exactly what a dear friend of mine needs. No fireplace here, but she has one very similar to yours. She has wanted to lighten it up for a long time, but not a afraid of messing it up. I will certainly pass this along to her. You did a great job.
Mother Deer says
I just painted the outside of my front door. It would’ve been easier with some high quality brushes. Perhaps I will paint the inside of the door if I win 🙂
Billie Riley says
Oh Jen!! This looks amazing!! I love it so much.
Laura says
I would love to try Purdy brushes. In fact I just checked on where to buy them near me, and found a few sources. Here is a question for you: Is your fireplace gas or wood burning? My gas fireplace tends to get discoloration above the firebox and I have to repaint every few years. I just repaint when needed. Thank you!
Erin Prohaska says
The fireplace turned out great! I have an old secretary that I’ve been too afraid to paint but have never really loved it the way it is. Thanks for the opportunity! 🧡
Deanna says
Such a timely post! We have a gray limestone fireplace that I’ve been thinking of painting. I’ll run this post by my husband so he can see your transformation. I bet your fireplace will look gorgeous decorated for the holidays with your painted update. Thanks for the inspiration!
ColleenB.-Tx. says
Your fireplace looks great.
About the only thing that I would do different was to paint the mantel black to match the fire burner unit; but all in all you done a wonderful job.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Billie!! xo
ColleenB.-Tx. says
What I would paint if I should happen to win would be some small pies of furniture that I have been putting off.
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity
ColleenB.~Tx. says
pieces not ‘pies’ sorry about that. Well, maybe some faux pies. :}
Heather says
I love the difference a little paint makes!! It’s always an amazing transformation, just like your fireplace. And I agree, the alabaster looks much better than the other.
sharon austin says
Oh my gosh, I’ve been wanting to paint our dark brick fireplace for years and just like you, I’m so scared to touch it. Our living room is rectangular with not much natural light because on top of having only one window, it faces South. And tho the fireplace is pretty, it’s just such a dark mammoth piece, brick from floor to ceiling. You give me hope!!
Julie Le Grove says
I admire your courage. I love the new look but I doubt I’d get the idea past my husband.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Julie! Funny thing – I was nervous to tell my husband my plan, but his reply was “Do what you want to it – I never liked it anyway.” I was stunned! LOL
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Oh Sharon, I LOVE the look of painted brick! I kind of wish mine was brick, but I like the stone much better now painted anyway! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
LOL! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Deanna, glad you like it! 🙂 I found several inspiration photos before I painted mine – and all the blog posts said they don’t know why they had waited so long to do it. Same for me – I don’t know what I was so nervous about!
MrsSW says
When we moved into this house we painted the public rooms a very pale blue – which I love. Hubby didn’t want to paint the stone fireplace. 🙁 That fireplace sucked the light out of the rooms. Guess my b*******g wore hubby down because he finally said go ahead. The “mantel” was a rough 4×6″ timber so we covered the front and top with smooth boards and painted those too. What a difference! It made the entire place brighter.
Other than painting the kitchen white it’s the best improvement we’ve made on the house.
Sheila
Carolyn says
Good for you diving in and doing this! SO much lighter and brighter! I have always hated the red brick on our house so one day I decided to paint it green. Took me a minute to get up the courage but I’m glad I did! Enjoy your beautiful new fireplace and yes, Christmas will look great!!
Savanna says
The fireplace looks so much better. Love the calmness of the color. I would love to use some of the Purdy brushes on so many things I have just lying around my house. Would especially love having a brush to hold up to the different surfaces I paint on and actually last instead of having to buy new brushes for each project in the future.
Carolyn G says
P.S. the house is only half brick 😉
Jenny B says
I am getting ready to paint some furniture and chair legs. Purdy brushes are my fav!
Christine Roppel says
Love this!
Nancy says
I really love what you did and my question is, do you think it’s possible to paint real stones.? They are rounded with mortar between the stones and go floor to ceiling . Pretty ugly. There is a cute wood burning stove in front of this stone wall.
Ashleigh Hall says
I would love to paint my mantel and trim around my fireplace!
Lizzy says
It looks so much better now. I’m was surprised that you chose that stone in the first place, but then I remembered that tastes can change rapidly with all the design exposure we get. I know that my style is always evolving. Great work!
Julie K says
What a great job on your fireplace!! Always enjoy the projects you share. I do have a couple Purdy paint brushes but it would be great to win this 3 pack. I’ve just started re-doing my kitchen table and chairs, so new brushes would be a nice plus!!
Carol S. says
I desperately need to paint my exterior doors and garage doors. Boring, but they need refreshed!
Kathy says
I’ve been itching to paint our brick fireplace but I’m still working on the hubby. 😉 Great job on yours!
So excited for your giveaway!
Tammie says
I want to paint my fireplace, too! It’s a nice color of brick, but I’d like a different look. We’ll see if I get up the nerve to do it. Thanks for the chance to win the paintbrushes.
Marie says
Makes me want to have a fireplace to paint. LOL. I live in Florida.
Carol says
It looks beautiful!
I painted my fireplace a couple years ago. When you first hit it with a brush it’s pretty scary as you’re hoping you won’t mess it up.
You did a great job! I love that color!
Jennifer says
I have so many projects lined up it’s hard to choose! I could definitely use some good brushes for painting my furniture.
Scott Stewart says
We painted our stone fireplace. We watered down white paint to allow the paint to soak in to the stone and maintain the rough look, but still allow the character through. Then we painted the hearth a dark brown. It looks amazing.
Diane says
Very nice! I like to paint furniture also. The Purdy brush cleaner interest me a lot!
Denise says
Yes! A painted brick or stone is a good thing and gives an updated look without losing character. In your case I think you should have painted the mantle white too. It make it less of a feature – go on be a bit more brave!!!
Sandra says
I want those Purdy brushes because I want my stuff to be purdy too!!!
Your fireplace is dreamy! I just started cleaning up an old window frame for a wedding! I hope to use Purdy paintbrushes.
Marietta Walker says
Yes, Yes, yes! Ten years from now it will be a teeny bit chippy and have a trace of fires before and will remind you of may good things.
Lori Sawyer says
It looks great Jen! Its going to be a great backdrop for decorating 😊
Laura L Lockwood says
The transformation is amazing! We have a tiled fireplace front in an earth tone brown/beige color. In the last year or so we’ve painted the room a light gray with white board and batten on the bottom half of the wall. I love it although the fireplace color drives me crazy now! Is it possible to paint the tile? We do use the fireplace sometimes but rarely.
Cheryl says
You’ve inspired me, I really need to do this by Christmas!!
Kaycee says
What a beautiful new look, the new paint color really brightens it up. I’m trying to gather up the courage to paint our brick fireplace, your post is quite the inspiration.
Patsy says
yes, that soft white looks best,,,good call!
I have a few pieces of furniture I’d like to paint,,having a set of those good paint brushes would make me feel more confident.
Vicki Sprain says
I really need to paint our house inside! Thanks for all of the tips!
Chris says
So glad I found this, because this is what I am trying to convince my husband we should do with our fireplace. What kind of fireplace insert to you have? is it gas?
Thanks again for the info..
Catherine ten Hertog says
Your fireplace turned out beautifully. So light and bright. Love the second shade you used. I need to paint the front door of our new home. Will have to wait until the spring now.
Sally says
Nice update! Love DIY!!
Susan says
Haven’t painted a fireplace but my daughter did hers and I would if I had a brick or stone one 😂. BIG change! Love it! And I almost always use Purdy products. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Hi Chris! Ours is gas, and we’ve only used it once or twice in 9 years.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much, Kaycee! I say go for it! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Cheryl! You could totally do this in one day or in a weekend! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Hi Laura, my friend Marian recently painted the tile around her fireplace – I hope this helps: https://missmustardseed.com/how-to-paint-a-granite-fireplace-surround/
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much! I think so too 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much Marietta!!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Sandra – good luck! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Denise! You can’t see much of the room, but I have other wood elements too. The wood mantel helps tie it all together. 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
It sounds beautiful!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Yes, I totally know that feeling! Thank you Carol! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Tammie – good luck!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much, Kathy!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Julie – good luck! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Lizzy! We had to choose this type of stone, but there were different color options. Back then I used a lot of brown and beige in my decor – not so much anymore! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Nancy – yes! These are real stone – I can’t remember the type though. If it’s close to a wood burning stove, I’d recommend making sure the paint is safe to use by fire. Good luck!!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Christine! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Woot woot – Loooove Purdy! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Savanna, Purdy brushes are excellent if you take good care of them and clean them soon after use. I have lots of Purdy brushes that I’ve been using for years!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Carolyn – and kudos to you!!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Haha – I’m glad you finally wore him down! 😉 I was worried my husband would give me trouble but thankfully he was all for it!
Pamela Brazier says
WOW! What a difference. Makes the fireplace stand out. Great job. 👍
Cindy B says
A gorgeous transformation! Purdy are the only brushes I use. I was hooked after buying my first one. I’ve put the cleaner tool on my shopping list! I have a nightstand waiting for paint.
Shanna says
Looks so good!!
Cat says
I love this post because my neighbor just painted a wash of white over her fieldstone fireplace surround, and it looks fabu! I am thinking about doing the same to mine. Your post gave me an alternate application to brightening up my dark dated stone wall. Thanks a bunch! ….now all I need is – um… some BRUSHES!!!!
Big hug, cat
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Cat! Best of luck to you! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Shanna! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Pamela!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Cindy – and good luck! 🙂