Does the gas fireplace in your home scream that your home was built in the 80s?
Everyone loves a fireplace and the warmth and ambiance it can bring to a room.
But an outdated-looking fireplace can date your space, leaving you with a cold impression.
Even if you renovate the facade of your gas fireplace, leaving the inside untouched can leave you feeling like the job is half-done. Is it possible to spruce up the inside, too?
The good news is, it is possible to paint the inside of a gas fireplace.
We’re here to give you the lowdown on fireplace painting inside the fireplace box and our top tips and tricks for a successful gas fireplace makeover.
Table of Contents
- Can I Paint the Inside of My Gas Fireplace?
- How Do You Paint the Inside of a Gas Fireplace? 7 Tips for Success
- FAQs About Painting Inside of a Gas Fireplace
- Two Brothers Painting: Top-Ranked PNW Painters Eager To Help You Paint the Inside of Your Gas Fireplace
Can I Paint the Inside of My Gas Fireplace?
If you’re looking to freshen up the look of your gas fireplace, you’ll be happy to know that painting the inside is the easiest way to give it a facelift.
Painting the inside of the fireplace box can:
- Make the room feel more inviting
- Protect the inside from damage caused by heat; and
- Give your space a more updated look
Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces don’t produce creosote and ash.
Gas fireplaces are lined with metal fireboxes and often suffer paint loss from repeated use, requiring touch-ups to keep them looking like new.
Before you jump into your painter’s pants, follow our guide for:
- Safety tips
- The best colors to use; and
- Step-by-step instructions
Are There Potential Risks To Painting Inside of Gas Fireplaces?
It’s imperative to be aware of the potential risks of painting the inside of a gas fireplace.
If not done properly, the heat from the fire can:
- Cause the paint to blister and peel
- Melt the paint, creating toxic fumes; and
- Create respiratory issues in people and animals
To reduce the risk of the paint catching fire, the key is to use heat-resistant paint formulated for use on metal surfaces.
If your paint is not heat resistant, it could potentially catch fire and cause serious damage to the fireplace and your home.
How Do You Paint the Inside of a Gas Fireplace? 7 Tips for Success
Painting your fireplace is a relatively easy way to spruce up the look of your home.
Still, there are mistakes to avoid that could put your family in danger.
That’s all the more reason to leave painting the inside of your gas fireplace to the pros.
With over 150 years of combined painting experience, you can trust Two Brothers Painting to safely and beautifully paint your gas fireplace.
But if you’re ready to tackle this project yourself, follow our seven tips to protect your home and ensure a beautiful result.
#1: Follow Safety Precautions
Safety during the painting process is the most important step.
Read thoroughly and follow the proper safety manufacturer’s precautions as directed in the paint instructions.
Additionally, you want to be sure you wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
That means donning …
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- A face mask with a respirator; and
- Protective clothing
… before you begin cleaning or painting the firebox.
#2: Clean Thoroughly
Now that you’re ready with the proper safety precautions in place, it’s time to clean your metal firebox.
A deep clean will help ensure residue won’t get trapped underneath the fresh coat of paint or create uneven surfaces.
Follow these steps to clean the inside of your gas fireplace thoroughly:
- Apply a degreaser to the highest and furthest corner, allowing the agent to run down the surface.
- Using a coarse brush, scrub the firebox in a circular direction.
- Rinse and wipe the metal with wet rags.
- Repeat as many times as necessary.
- Allow the surface to dry.
#3: Cover Unwanted Areas Well
Most heat-resistant paints designated for painting the inside of a gas fireplace come packaged as a spray can.
Since spray paint tends to linger and drift in the air to unwanted areas and surfaces, it is important to create a tent around your fireplace.
Using a drop cloth and painter’s tape, seal off the area and apply the tape to areas of the fireplace that you want to remain unpainted.
This tent will protect other household items like furniture and carpet from absorbing a light dusting of paint.
#4: Apply a Primer
The metallic surface of your firebox is nonporous. That means you must first abrade the surface for the paint to adhere properly.
The only problem is the durability of metal makes friction-based abrasion methods difficult.
A galvanized metal-etching primer will etch the metal before you paint, providing a better adhesion surface for the paint.
Apply a thin layer of primer using a three to four-inch latex paintbrush.
Resist the urge to over-apply the primer.
A single, light coat will promote an even final finish free from runs and brushstrokes.
Allow the primer to dry for at least four hours before applying the paint.
#5: Use a High-Quality Paint
This is not the project you want to save money on by using low-grade paint.
If not for the look and decrease in maintenance, opt for a high-quality, heat-resistant paint for safety’s sake.
Avoid using latex paint that can:
- Melt
- Bubble; and
- Blister
Opt for heat-resistant paint specifically designed for a fireplace or barbeque that is less likely to blister or peel when exposed to high heat.
#6: Work From the Inside Out
As you are cleaning and begin painting, working from the inside out will help you keep …
- Paint drippings
- Dust; and
- Dirt
… from fresh paint or finished surfaces while trying to get to the inside.
Some fireboxes can even be completely removed, so before you begin, check your fireplace for this option to get the best results.
#7: Allow To Dry Completely
This last tip may seem like a no-brainer, but the best thing you can do for your final product is to let the paint dry completely.
Allow at least two hours of dry time before adding your next coat.
Allowing the paint to dry completely before adding another coat or using the fireplace will help ensure the paint is fully cured and won’t be damaged by the heat.
FAQs About Painting Inside of a Gas Fireplace
Still have some questions about painting the inside of your gas fireplace?
Keep reading for answers to the most frequently asked questions that will help you feel confident about fireplace painting inside the firebox.
What Kind of Paint Is Safe To Use Inside a Fireplace?
It’s imperative to use a paint that is made to withstand extreme temperatures without:
- Peeling
- Blistering; or
- Cracking
The best kind of paint to use inside a fireplace is a …
- Flat black
- Heat-resistant; and
- Fire-retardant
… paint that can tolerate temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stove paint is also a great option for painting the inside of your metal firebox.
Such paints may contain silicone resins, so make doubly sure you are using glasses and a respiratory face mask to protect yourself.
If you still aren’t sure which paint is right for the inside of your gas fireplace, the pros at Two Brothers Painting will be happy to give you a recommendation.
What Color Should I Paint the Inside of My Gas Fireplace?
Opting for a flat black paint color for the inside of your gas fireplace will camouflage any soot or residue and will keep your fireplace looking new.
Choosing another color may compliment the color of fire but may ultimately result in more cleaning and possibly re-painting down the road.
Should I Avoid Using a Specific Type of Paint?
Avoid using any latex-based paints for the inside of your fireplace.
Most premium quality latex paints can only withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit before breaking down.
Acrylic latex paints start to melt at around 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most fireplaces can reach a maximum temperature of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, far beyond the heat threshold of regular latex paints.
The only exception is if you don’t plan to light fires in your fireplace.
If you won’t be burning anything in your fireplace, it’s perfectly fine to paint the firebox with regular paint.
Since nothing will get too hot inside, you don’t have to worry about the paint:
- Peeling
- Melting; or
- Releasing toxic fumes
Two Brothers Painting: Top-Ranked PNW Painters Eager To Help You Paint the Inside of Your Gas Fireplace
If you are thinking of painting the inside of your gas fireplace, but don’t want to deal with the …
- Stress of the safety precautions
- Preparation before painting; and
- Labor of completing the project
… then look no further than the family-owned, Two Brothers Painting.
Serving the greater Portland, Oregon area, Two Brothers Painting will take care of your gas fireplace quickly and efficiently — so you can focus on more important tasks.
Oregon homeowners are so thrilled with our work that the majority of our projects come as repeat business or from past customer referrals.
Contact us today and find out how we can transform your old gas fireplace into the heart of your home.