Cheap and Easy Way to Update Your Old Fireplace

Cheap and Easy Way to Update Your Old Fireplace

Falling in love with a new home is easy. Choosing to buy it, however, can be expensive and stressful. One of the best ways to save money on your next home purchase is by updating existing features that you don’t like or want. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to update your fireplace hearth, consider using paint instead of tiles or bricks! Read this article for more information how you can decorate fireplace DIY.

The process may seem daunting at first but if you have the right tools and follow these simple steps, painting over your old fireplace hearth will be easier than expected! By doing so, not only will you spruce up the look of your living room but also change the entire feel of the space.

You Will Need:

Old paint brush or roller Scrapers Putty knife Utility knife Sandpaper Flexible wire brush Drill with ¼” bit Exterior grade primer Exterior grade paint Spray adhesive (optional) Fabric to protect surrounding flooring (optional)

1.) Remove any hardware or objects resting on your old fireplace hearth. You don’t want them falling through the hole in the middle of your project!

2.) Use your putty knife and scrapers to remove all debris, dust, dirt, and loose material from the surface. If you are removing tiles or bricks for this project, be sure that they are free of mortar before proceeding.

3.) Smooth out any rough edges by sanding the surface. This will ensure that you have a clean, even area to work with before painting an installing your new fireplace hearth.

4.) Use your utility knife to cut away any caulk holding your old fireplace hearth in place. If you are using paint instead of tiles or bricks, make sure that the adhesive is completely removed before moving on.

5.) Fill any holes or cracks by applying light coats of exterior primer with your brush or roller. Let dry for 20 minutes between coats and lightly sand after every coat until smooth. Your final coat should be completely flat and free of bubbles. Prime any type of stone, tile, brick, etc., that you plan on using as well as wood or other combustible materials around the fireplace.

6.) Use your fabric to protect surrounding flooring if necessary and lay down your new fireplace hearth. If opting for paint, you’ll need to mix up a small batch of exterior grade paint (1 part water to 2 parts paint) and use an old brush or roller to apply it evenly over the surface. You should do so in light coats with at least 20 minutes of drying time between each coat. Be sure not to miss any spots and let dry completely before applying another coat! For this project we used brick-like tiles as our fireplace hearth because we liked their classic look and low maintenance requirements but there are many options available that will give you the same great results.

7.) After everything is fully cured, re-install your hardware and enjoy your updated fireplace hearth!