Painting a brick fireplace surround is a great way to freshen up a living room without a full renovation. With the right preparation, a suitable primer, and heat-resistant paint, most homeowners can tackle this project over a weekend. Here's how to do it properly from start to finish.
Understand What You're Working With
Before you pick up a brush, it's important to distinguish between the decorative surround (the brickwork framing the fireplace opening) and the firebox (the interior where the fire actually burns). This guide focuses on the surround — the visible brick face around the outside. The firebox interior requires specialist high-temperature paint rated for extreme heat, and if you're unsure where one ends and the other begins, it's worth getting advice from a qualified tradesperson.
Also check whether your fireplace is a solid-fuel burner, gas fire, or decorative only. Gas fires are subject to restricted work rules — any modifications near the gas components must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board. Don't interfere with gas fittings or flues as part of this project.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
You'll need:
- Stiff-bristle brush or wire brush for cleaning
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Sugar soap or a dedicated masonry cleaner
- Painter's masking tape and drop sheets
- Masonry primer (alkali-resistant)
- Heat-resistant masonry or brick paint — look for products rated to at least 100–120°C for the surround area
- Thick-nap roller (18–20 mm nap works well on textured brick) and a small brush for mortar joints
- Safety glasses and gloves
For paint, Resene and Dulux both stock masonry paints suitable for fireplace surrounds. Always check the product datasheet to confirm the temperature rating is appropriate for your situation.
Step 1 — Clean the Brick Thoroughly
This is the most important step. Paint won't bond to dusty, greasy, or soot-covered brick.
- Use a stiff brush to remove loose mortar, dust, and debris.
- Scrub the surface with sugar soap and warm water, paying attention to any soot staining.
- Rinse well and allow the brick to dry completely — at least 24–48 hours. Damp brick will cause paint to peel.
- If there's heavy soot or old paint, a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner or a dedicated masonry cleaner may be needed. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions and ensure good ventilation.
Step 2 — Repair and Prepare
- Inspect the mortar joints. Crumbling or cracked mortar should be raked out and repointed with a suitable mortar mix before painting. Allow repairs to cure fully.
- Fill any chips or holes in the brick face with an exterior-grade filler compatible with masonry.
- Mask off the mantelpiece, hearth, walls, and any timber or tile surrounds with painter's tape and drop sheets.
Step 3 — Apply a Masonry Primer
Brick is highly porous and alkaline, which means a standard wall primer won't cut it. Use an alkali-resistant masonry primer to seal the surface and give the topcoat something to grip.
- Apply with a thick-nap roller, then use a small brush to work primer into the mortar joints.
- Allow to dry fully as per the manufacturer's instructions — usually 2–4 hours, but check the datasheet.
Wattyl and Resene both offer alkali-resistant primers suitable for this application. Ask your local paint store for a recommendation based on your specific brick type.
Step 4 — Apply the Topcoat
- Apply your chosen masonry or brick paint in thin, even coats.
- Work the roller across the face of the brick, then go back with a brush to stipple paint into the mortar joints — this prevents a patchy finish.
- Two coats are usually needed for good coverage and durability. Allow the first coat to dry fully before applying the second.
- White and light colours may need a third coat over dark or heavily stained brick.
Colour Tips
White and off-white tones are perennially popular for fireplace surrounds in NZ homes. Resene's colour consultants can help you choose a shade that suits your interior. Darker tones like charcoal or deep grey can create a dramatic, contemporary look.
Step 5 — Finishing Up
- Remove masking tape carefully while the final coat is still slightly tacky to avoid peeling.
- Allow the paint to cure fully before lighting the fire — check the paint manufacturer's guidance, but typically allow at least 48–72 hours.
- The first few fires after painting may produce a slight smell as the paint fully cures — ensure good ventilation.
Safety Notes
- Work in a well-ventilated room. Open windows and use a fan if needed.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves when cleaning with chemical cleaners.
- Keep children and pets out of the work area.
- Check WorkSafe NZ guidance if you're working with older homes that may have lead paint on existing surfaces — pre-1980s painted brick should be tested before sanding or stripping.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a qualified painter if:
- The brick has significant structural damage or extensive mortar failure.
- There is suspected lead paint on existing surfaces.
- You want a flawless, professional finish on a feature fireplace.
- The project involves any work near gas fittings or flues — this is restricted work under NZ law and must be done by a licensed gasfitter.
You can find qualified local painters and other tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz.