How to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace for a Modern Look

November 01 2024, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time

If you’re looking to give your brick fireplace a fresh, modern update, whitewashing is a perfect solution.

Whitewashing a fireplace is an effective way to brighten up a space while maintaining a warm, inviting feel. It’s especially useful for toning down traditional red brick, giving it a softer, neutral appearance that works beautifully in modern and farmhouse-style homes.

In this tutorial, Chelsea from Montera Manor demonstrates how to whitewash a brick fireplace using a selection of colors and tools that enhance the natural beauty of the brick while keeping the process simple and accessible.

Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following materials:

• Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint in Brown Derby and Windsor for the base coat
• Amy Howard at Home Bauhaus Buff paint for the whitewash effect
• Synthetic Brush for smooth application
• Chippy Brush for texture
• Paper Towels for wiping and blending
• Spray Bottle filled with water
• Cup of Water for rinsing brushes
• Regular Painting Sponge for blending and removing excess paint

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Apply the Base Coat

1. Begin by applying a base layer of color using Brown Derby and Windsor. These two shades complement each other well and help tone down the natural red of the bricks, making the whitewash more effective.
2. Dip your brush in the paint and apply it to the brick, allowing some of the original red tones to show through, especially in the cracks and grooves.
3. Feather the paint along the edges to avoid harsh lines and create a more natural look. Make sure not to saturate the bricks completely, as some variation will add depth to the finished look.
4. Let this base coat dry for about 10-15 minutes, or longer if your environment is more humid.

Step 2: Prepare the Whitewash Mixture

1. Once the base coat is dry, mix Bauhaus Buff paint with water to create the whitewash mixture. This diluted paint mixture will help lighten the bricks without fully covering the texture and color of the base coat.
2. For the grout lines, use Bauhaus Buff directly (undiluted) to achieve a more intense white that will make the bricks stand out.

Step 3: Apply the Whitewash

1. Begin applying the whitewash mixture over the bricks with a brush, focusing on one section at a time.
2. To give the look of natural aging, allow some of the base color to show through in certain areas. Feather the whitewash as you go to blend it seamlessly.
3. Use a damp sponge to soften any hard edges and blend the colors together, ensuring a smooth, natural transition.

Step 4: Touch Up and Adjust the Color

1. If certain bricks appear too bright or too white, you can tone them down by lightly spraying the area with water and then wiping some of the whitewash off. This will give the bricks a softer, aged look.
2. Add extra whitewash in specific areas if you want more coverage or to highlight certain bricks.

Step 5: Blend and Finalize

1. Use the sponge to remove any excess whitewash and blend the paint to create a cohesive look across the fireplace.
2. Continue to check your progress, stepping back to see the overall effect and making adjustments as needed until you achieve your desired look.

Final Thoughts

Whitewashing your fireplace is a rewarding DIY project that can transform your space. With a little patience and the right materials, you can create a modern, cozy look that elevates your entire room.

This technique is especially versatile and can be customized based on your preferred intensity and coverage.

Happy whitewashing!

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