The finish of your fireplace doesn’t go with the rest of your house. It stands out like a sore thumb. Every time you see it, you wish it were different because it seems so old and dated.
No need to worry; you have options — you can paint your marble fireplace. Giving your fireplace a facelift can refresh your space and make you smile. Since your marble has worn down and lost its luster over time, it is time to take action.
But how does one tackle such a project?
There are many factors to consider when painting a marble fireplace. Therefore, we created this guide to share the step-by-step process and answer any questions that may come up along the way.
Table of Contents
- Can You Paint Over Fireplace Marble?
- Drawbacks of Painting a Marble Fireplace Yourself
- The Answer to “Can You Paint Over Fireplace Marble?” in 6 Steps
- FAQs About Painting a Marble Fireplace
- Save Yourself the DIY Headache and Let Two Brothers Painting Fix Up Your Marble Fireplace
Can You Paint Over Fireplace Marble?
You can paint over a marble fireplace and its surrounding area; however, it isn’t always the most straightforward task. The most durable and resistant approach involves epoxy or polyurethane and heat-resistant paint.
Epoxy or polyurethane coatings add another layer of protection during this process but are more complex to apply.
Of course, some people decide to just paint over the marble, which is quicker and easier. However, the job may only hold up for a short time. Therefore, calling in the experts is always the best option.
Contact Two Brothers today for a free estimate. We can paint your marble fireplace and save you the hassle.
Drawbacks of Painting a Marble Fireplace Yourself
Painting a marble fireplace can be complicated, and some professionals don’t like taking on this task as there are various steps to complete.
Primer Not Setting Correctly
The main reason primer won’t set correctly on marble is if it is not sanded well. If you don’t sand it well, the primer won’t set right, or at all, on the stone. You must remove the glossiness of the stone.
Additionally, you must fill in any cracks with caulking and give them time to dry.
If dust isn’t fully cleaned off after sanding, the primer may clump in spots or not adhere correctly.
Apply two coats of primer to create the best protective barrier against soot.
Damaging Your Floor With Splattered Paint
Painting your marble fireplace can get messy. Protect the floor by putting sheets or plastic down before you start the process. You can tape the edges of the sheet or plastic to the baseboards to ensure your floor is covered.
If you do get paint on your floor, you can try to remove it:
- By scraping it off with a putty knife
- With ammonia diluted in water
- With denatured alcohol
- With rubbing alcohol
Using the Wrong Paint or Primer
If you use the wrong paint or primer, dirt and soot can come through and destroy the finish. Seeing the marble through the paint would defeat the whole painting effort.
When you use the wrong paint, the following may occur:
- Peeling
- Cracking
- Flaking
- Aging faster than it should
The Answer to “Can You Paint Over Fireplace Marble?” in 6 Steps
It is possible to paint a marble fireplace, surround, and mantle. Many people don’t want to replace marble as it is costly and heavy. Therefore, you can paint these areas to modernize their look.
If you choose to DIY this project, it is essential to prepare and plan. Follow these seven steps for updating your marble fireplace.
Step #1: Gather Your Supplies
Gathering your supplies is always the first thing you should do
Here is a list of supplies you need to complete the job:
- Sponge
- Dish soap
- Stone cleaner or Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
- 100 to 150 grit sandpaper
- Microfiber towel
- Tack cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic drop cloths
- Primer
- Foam paint roller
- 1.5” paintbrush
- Multi-surface primer
- Paint — heat-resistant paint or chalk paint
- Stir stick
- Topcoat
Clean the Marble
Of course, fireplaces get dirty. They are often covered in grime, soot, dirt, and grease. These substances don’t allow the paint to adhere to their surfaces. Start prepping the surface by cleaning it using dish soap with water and a sponge.
For those grimier areas, you can use a stone cleaner or trisodium phosphate (warning: use it with care as it is a poison). Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions because some products will damage marble — and most of the time, a little goes a long way.
Step #2: Prep the Room
Painter’s tape and plastic drop cloths are crucial when protecting areas you are not painting.
Take the time to consider how to keep the following areas paint-free:
- Walls
- Mantel
- Floor
- Other surfaces
Step #3: Sand the Marble Fireplace
An excellent sanding job will help obtain a quality finish. Taking the time to do the preparation the right way usually leads to the result you desire.
Since marble is a slick surface, roughening it up will help the paint adhere to the stone. Don’t worry about sanding it down a lot; you just need to remove the shine. You may need to use a belt sander for this process.
After sanding:
- Wipe down the area with a wet sponge.
- Use a microfiber towel to dry it.
- Remove any leftover dust.
Step #4: Prime the Area Before Painting
When using high-heat paint, it is recommended to use a high-heat primer.
However, a regular primer may work if you use chalk paint.
When you start, paint in the following order using a foam roller or brush, depending on your fireplace design:
- The top of the surround
- The sides
- The hearth
Following these instructions should help reduce drips and permit them to dry completely.
If repainting an area, you don’t need to start with primer. You can sand it, wipe it clean, and apply the paint.
Step #5: Paint the Marble (Apply a Topcoat If Necessary)
If you decide to use high-heat paint, then you don’t need to apply a topcoat since there aren’t any for high heat that will work on fireplaces.
Use a brush instead of a roller if your mantle or surround is not flat.
To get the right coverage, follow these steps:
- Always stir the paint and topcoat well with a stick before applying it.
- Always let the paint dry thoroughly before applying another coat.
- To get optimal protection and coverage, apply two to three coats.
Step #6: Clean Up and Admire Your Work
DIY projects are very satisfying at the end of the day. Updating the look of a room all by yourself can make you proud. It feels good to accomplish such tasks, so take the time to admire your work and share before and after photos with friends and family.
Of course, sometimes success isn’t the outcome. If you don’t have the time or patience for this type of project, or if you run into problems, contact Two Brothers Painting.
FAQs About Painting a Marble Fireplace
What Is the Best Paint To Use on Marble?
You can paint over a marble fireplace. Heat-resistant paint is the best option when you are updating an active fireplace. If you use another kind of paint, its quality may deteriorate over time.
How Do You Paint a Marble Fireplace with Chalk Paint?
Since stone fireplaces don’t always get very hot, chalk paint may work for the surroundings. Chalk paint isn’t flammable but can crack, chip, or peel when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, you must determine if chalk paint would work for your fireplace.
On the other hand, if your surround gets extremely hot, buy a heat-resistant paint that says it can be used inside a fireplace.
You don’t always need to use a primer with chalk paint; however, chalk paint wasn’t made to be used on surfaces as smooth as marble. So if you add primer, the chalk paint may adhere better to its surface. In the long run, this could lead to less peeling or cracking in the future.
Chalk paint dries quickly; therefore, you must wipe away drips before they dry. Before applying a second coat, let the first coat dry for at least an hour.
Paint for Marble Hearth Options
You can paint a marble fireplace with many options on the market.
Check out the following and decide which option will be best for your home.
Primer:
Paint:
- Rust-Oleum 285144 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint (This option has a protective topcoat that will seal the painted marble.)
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- POR-15 High-Temperature Paint
- Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Marble Fireplace?
Since preparation is vital, painting a marble fireplace takes a while. Give yourself plenty of time to clean and sand the surface. If using primer, most types take between 30 minutes to an hour to dry. It is ideal to wait four to six hours between coats of paint to ensure they are completely dry. Set aside at least two days to complete this project.
Remember, drying times may vary depending on the type and brand of primer and paint you are using. For example, chalk paint dries in an hour, so that can make the process faster.
Can You Spray Paint a Marble Fireplace?
Spray paint is often used to give a marble effect finish. You could use spray paint to update a fireplace, but be sure to use high-heat spray paint, like Rust-Oleum.
Save Yourself the DIY Headache and Let Two Brothers Painting Fix Up Your Marble Fireplace
Some people think that DIY projects save money. Unfortunately, more often than not DIY ends up being a hassle and costing much more time and money than anticipated.
Hiring professionals from the beginning can save you from any DIY headaches. And Two Brothers can answer your questions about how to modernize a marble fireplace.
Two Brothers Painting, LLC has the expertise you desire and trust. We have over 150 combined years of painting experience between our employees and owners.
If you are ready to update your marble fireplace, schedule an estimate today and we will happily share our recommendations with you. We are available to help you update both interior and exterior painting jobs.
Did you know you can also paint marble tiles and brick? Talk with us about all the different painting projects you want to complete in your next home renovation.