I just cleaned and painted the inside of my fireplace?

Question

Then someone told me that may have been a nad idea for when someone uses it because the burnt paint might be toxic...
I dont plan on using it,

was that a bad idea?

Answer 1

If you use the fireplace at all, even a little, the paint will darken and burn and smell. Probably wont be harmful but stinky. Fireplaces that are used will typically have very clean looking fire brick or liner in the shape of where fire would touch it. Above that point it will be dark and soot stained. Perfectly natural. Might just as well seal the whole thing up if you have no intention of using it since the flu and chimney will not help your heating and cooling bill. Personally,I'd keep it in fine working order and not worry about the black soot coated inside.

Answer 2

I would not have recommended doing that. If someone in the future uses the fireplace, the paint will smoke, bubble, peel off, and possibly catch fire. All bad stuff. I wouldn't worry about it now but just don't forget.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

i wouldn't worry so much about the fumes being toxic, the paints nowadays are lead free, but it certainly could be a fire hazard. if you aren't going to use it then you don't really have a problem.