 One of the easiest ways to update your brick fireplace is to fully paint or white wash the bricks, depending on the look you are going for. Adding a new mantel and some new decor gives you an entirely new look that you can achieve in just one day!  Step 1: Wipe Down & CleanWith a bucket of water and thick multi purpose sponge, clean off all dirt and dust from the bricks and hearth. You will also want to remove any fireplace screens and clean out the firebox. Step 2: Tape OffYou will then want to tape off any areas that you do not want to paint ~ floors, walls, ceiling, mantel (if you are planning on keeping it). You can also use a drop cloth on the floor to prevent any paint dripping or spilling onto your floor.  Step 3: Paint TrimOnce the fireplace is completely taped off, you will want to pour a small amount of paint into a paint tray. Using your paint brush, you will start painting along the tape lines to prevent your roller getting too close to the tape and accidentally touching the wall. Tip: You can also start by painting all of the grout lines and then move to your roller for the full face of the bricks. My favorite paint kit comes with a paint tray, paint brush, large and small rollers, and covers. You may also want to consider picking up additional roller covers with a thicker "nap" to hold more paint, it makes a big difference! If you have a tall fireplace, I would also suggest picking up a paint roller extender, this will allow you to cover more surface area at a time.  Step 4: Let's RollGenerously roll your paint roller in the paint that is in the paint tray and start painting the bricks. If you want full coverage, you will use more paint, for less coverage, you will use less paint during the step above. You can start from the bottom and work your way up or the other way around, your choice, there is no right or wrong way! For hard to reach places, I recommend a sturdy ladder that is easy to move around but still dependable. Once the bricks are painted to your desired coverage, you will want to remove the tape. Make sure you don't wait until the paint dries to do this step!  W H I T E W A S H O P T I O N If you are going for a lighter white wash, you can thin out your paint with water (2 parts white latex paint to 1 part water) and follow the same steps as above. Step 5: Spray FireboxWait approximately three hours for the paint to fully dry, then tape off all of the bricks surrounding the firebox. You will want to cover the hearth and floors as well to prevent any over spray! Wearing latex gloves, spray the inside of the firebox using a high heat resistant black spray paint. Add new firewood for an extra clean look! Tip: You can also do this step before you start painting the bricks white to further prevent overspray.  Final Step: Add DecorWhether you are keeping your mantle or replacing it, you will want to add decor to complete your fireplace makeover! Keep your mantel balanced with taller pieces of decor on each side and a larger piece of art or a mirror in the middle. If you do not have a large hearth to add decor, a basket to hold wood, pillows, or blankets is always nice to have next to the fireplace instead! Have fun with your DIY Fireplace Makeover!  
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