Few features in a home create as much warmth and character as a well-maintained fireplace. Whether it’s a traditional brick hearth or a modern stone surround, your fireplace can be the centrepiece of any room. As the colder months approach, now is the perfect time to refresh and revitalise this cosy hub by giving it a fresh coat of paint. However, painting a fireplace requires special care to ensure safety and durability. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the techniques for painting fireplaces and their surrounds, as well as recommend Haymes Paint products that provide a beautiful, long-lasting finish. 

Why Your Fireplace Deserves a Refresh

Fireplaces are often subject to wear and tear from heat, smoke, and soot. Over time, these elements can cause discolouration and wear down the surface of the fireplace, making it look outdated or grimy. By applying a fresh coat of paint, you not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the fireplace but also protect it from further damage.

We’ve spent over 85 years developing premium paint solutions that cater to the specific needs of Australian homes. As a family-owned business, our commitment to quality and innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our Haymes Trimplus paint is designed to be durable and hard wearing, making it the ideal choice for areas like fireplaces that need to withstand heat and regular use. 

Techniques for Safely Painting Fireplaces and Surrounds

Painting a fireplace isn’t like painting an ordinary wall. There are specific considerations to keep in mind, particularly the heat resistance of the paint and ensuring proper ventilation. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and successful painting project. 

1. Prepare the Area

Before you begin painting, make sure the fireplace is completely cool. Remove any ashes, logs, and other debris from inside the fireplace, and give the surrounding area a thorough clean. Soot and grime can prevent paint from adhering properly, so use a wire brush or a stiff scrubbing brush to remove any buildup. You may also want to vacuum the area to ensure all dust and debris are removed. 

Next, cover the surrounding floor and furniture with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatters. Use painter's tape to mask off any areas that you don’t want to paint, such as mantels or trim, to ensure a clean, crisp line.

2. Choose Heat-Resistant Paint

One of the most important considerations when painting a fireplace is ensuring that the paint can withstand high temperatures. While the firebox itself (the area where the fire burns) should not be painted, the surrounding masonry, brick, or stone can be. This is where Haymes Paint’s Trimplus comes in — it’s a hard wearing, durable paint that is ideal for high-use areas like fireplaces and trims. Although the Trimplus range isn’t designed for direct flame contact, it can handle the heat exposure from areas surrounding the firebox.

For the fireplace surround, use a paint designed for high-traffic areas that can resist cracking and peeling. Trimplus is available in a wide range of colours, so whether you want a neutral shade to complement your existing décor or a bold accent colour to make a statement, there’s a perfect option for you​​.

3. Prime the Surface (If Needed)

Depending on the material of your fireplace surround, you may need to apply a primer before painting. Brick, stone, and masonry surfaces can be porous, so applying a primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a more even finish. Haymes Ultra Premium Prepcoat Ultracover is an excellent choice for sealing these surfaces and creating a smooth base for the topcoat.

If your fireplace is already painted, and the existing paint is in good condition, a primer may not be necessary. However, if the previous paint is peeling or damaged, it’s essential to sand down the surface and apply a primer for the best results.

4. Apply the Paint

When it comes to painting your fireplace, using the right tools is just as important as using the right paint. A high-quality brush will give you better control, especially when working around detailed areas like mantels or intricate brickwork. For larger, flat surfaces, a roller with a short nap can help you achieve a smooth, even finish.

Apply the paint in thin, even coats to avoid drips and ensure a flawless finish. Depending on the colour and material of your fireplace, you may need two or three coats to achieve full coverage. Be sure to allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one.

5. Allow for Proper Ventilation

After painting, it’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation in the room. Although Haymes Paint products are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), good airflow helps speed up the drying process and eliminates any lingering paint odour. Leave the windows open or use fans to circulate the air.

6. Reassemble the Fireplace

Once the paint has dried completely, carefully remove any painter's tape and drop cloths. Clean the glass doors or screens, and replace the logs or decorative pieces you removed earlier. With your newly painted fireplace, your room will have a fresh focal point just in time for those cosy winter evenings.

Choosing the Right Colours for Your Fireplace

Your choice of colour can significantly influence the mood of the room. Whether you want your fireplace to stand out or blend seamlessly with the rest of your décor, Haymes Paint offers a wide range of colour options to suit any style.

• Neutral tones: Shades like soft greys, warm beige, and off-whites are perfect if you want your fireplace to complement the rest of the room without drawing too much attention. Canyon Sands or Powdered White can provide a timeless, elegant look that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.
• Bold accents: If you want to make a statement, consider a bold colour that contrasts with the rest of the room. Rich tones like Enigma or Charcoal can create a dramatic effect, making your fireplace the focal point of the room.
• Earthy tones: For a natural, cosy feel, opt for earthy tones like Egerton Clay or Canyon Sands. These colours work particularly well with brick or stone fireplaces, enhancing the natural warmth of the material.

Why Choose Haymes Trimplus for Fireplaces?

When it comes to painting a fireplace surround, durability and ease of maintenance are key. Haymes Trimplus is formulated to offer exceptional durability in high-use areas, providing a hard wearing finish that resists scuffs, scratches, and heat exposure. Its flexibility and resistance to cracking make it an ideal choice for surfaces that experience fluctuating temperatures, like those around a fireplace​​. 

Trimplus also offers excellent washability, meaning any soot or dirt buildup can be easily wiped away without damaging the paint. This makes it a practical solution for maintaining the clean, fresh look of your fireplace for years to come.

Transform Your Fireplace with Haymes Paint

Painting your fireplace is a simple yet impactful way to refresh your living space and create a cosy focal point for the colder months. With the right preparation, tools, and products like Haymes Trimplus, you can achieve a durable, heat-resistant finish that enhances the beauty of your home.

Explore the full range of Haymes Paint products online or visit your nearest store to get expert advice and find the perfect paint for your fireplace project. With Haymes, you’re not just choosing paint—you’re choosing over 85 years of trusted expertise to help you create a home you’ll love all year round.