I have a fireplace surrounded by a large brickwork mantle and shelving. The brickwork is bare.?

Question

How do I go about painting it? I would prefer to give it a white wash. Can I use normal emulsion? It needs to be done before Sunday, new carpet being laid!

Answer 1

All u need to do is put a coat of primer on it then u can paint it any way u want

Answer 2

Painting any surface is easy with the right tools and instruction:
Brick


Old & Unpainted/To Be Painted/With Conventional Paint


a. Surface Preparation:

if efflorescence is present, remove by hand wire brushing; wear eye protection and gloves; try to identify and eliminate any source of water from behind the brick that could have caused the efflorescence

scrape out and widen any cracks; brush out dust, and seal with 100% acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk; make second application in several hours if needed; check mortar joints carefully and repair or re-point as needed; wall and chimney caps must be sound and continuous; chimney flue should have rain cover

treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly

remove dirt, chalk, dust, unbound sand, treated mildew, etc. by scrubbing with detergent and water, and rinse thoroughly; or power wash with plain water, taking care to not drive water into cracks or mortar joints

b. Priming:

priming is not essential with quality exterior latex house paints or masonry paints, but priming will maximize sheen uniformity and minimize efflorescence and mildew

use quality exterior latex primer that is recommended for masonry surfaces

do not leave a primer unpainted

c. Painting:

use top-of-the-line exterior 100% acrylic latex house paint in flat, satin, or semigloss finish, depending on appearance desired; or a quality latex masonry paint

Answer 3

Go to a local Home Depot or Lowes. There are "How to" books/pamphlets available in these stores usually for free. Also, you can go to their paint departments and ask one of the workers .There is usually one person in the department who has knowledge of such things. There are special paints and finishes for brick. You might have to clean it with a special solution first and then prep it with something. They will guide you in the right direction to pick out the correct paints/finishes etc.

Good luck with your project! :)