Masterclass: How to paint a wooden fireplace

How to paint a wooden fireplace

There’s nothing quite like a crackling fireplace to keep you toasty in winter or to simply add ambience to your home. Make yours the centrepiece of your living room with a fresh coat of colour.

In this short guide, you’ll learn how to paint a wooden fireplace surround and which is the best Dulux Heritage paint. We also share colour ideas in the hope it’ll spark your creativity and ignite your confidence to pick up a paintbrush.

What’s the best paint for a wooden fireplace surround?

Paint for a fireplace surround needs to be durable, hardwearing, and look great too. That’s why Dulux Heritage Eggshell is the best for the job. Its professional quality formulation will protect your wooden fireplace for years to come. Plus, its eggshell finish means it has less of a sheen than silk or satin paint, so you’re left with a stunningly smooth fireplace surround.

What colours work well for painted fireplaces?

Painting a wooden fireplace is all about creating the right mood for your home. Use warm neutrals such as Dark Stone for a comforting and cohesive colour scheme. Alternatively, choose Raven’s Flight as contrast against white walls for a refined and contemporary look. To really make your fireplace pop, think impactful shades – Pugin Red being one of our favourites.

 

Image: Dulux Heritage Ravens Flight

How to paint a wooden fireplace in 5 easy steps

What you’ll need:

• Dustsheets
• Sandpaper or a sanding block
• Masking tape and scissors
• Screwdriver
• Paintbrush or foam roller
• Stirring stick
• Dulux Heritage Eggshell in the colour of your choice

Step 1: Prep your fireplace

Remove any decorations on your fireplace or mantlepiece, including logs or wood. Clean the fireplace area and surface thoroughly with a cloth and mild detergent, if necessary. Ensure the surface is dry before proceeding. Use painter's tape to mask any areas you don’t want to paint.

Step 2: Sand the surface

Lightly sand the surface of your fireplace with fine-grit sandpaper. This helps to remove any layers of paint or rough spots and will create a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to. Use a tack cloth or clean rag to wipe any dust, debris or ash.

Step 3: Apply your paint

When using Dulux Heritage Eggshell, you won’t need to prime your fireplace surround as the product is already undercoated.

Start painting your fireplace using a brush or foam roller. Work on the corners and edges, then move to the larger surfaces. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes, working in the direction of the wood grain if applicable.

Allow the first coat to dry completely. Apply a second coat for a more even and durable finish. Follow the recommended drying time between coats, as indicated on the paint can. Then, simply leave to dry.

Step 4: Finishing touches

Once the final coat is dry, check the fireplace for any areas you’ve missed or uneven spots. Touch up as needed. Add your decorations that you removed earlier or update your fireplace and mantlepiece décor – logs, baskets and iron companion sets never go out of style.

Step 5: Clean up

Properly dispose of any used materials, such as paint cans or brushes, according to local regulations. Clean your brushes or rollers with soap and water.

Image: Dulux Heritage Ravens Flight

If you’ve decided that eggshell paint is the perfect choice for you, explore our stunning range of classic Dulux Heritage colours here all of which are available in our eggshell finish.

Make sure you follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Share your Heritage colour story with us using #MyHeritageHome and tag @duluxheritage.