What Is Whitewashed Brick?
This mineral-based product leaves a light, chalky appearance, similar to that of dried salt.
The interior method can be used to whitewashbrick fireplaceswhile affording you more control over the final look.
dutourdumonde / Getty Images
Generally, all of the brick, including the mortar, is covered.
By leaving the mortar alone, you highlight only the pattern that was formerly hidden by paint.
Mix the Limewash Solution
Pour a 50:50 solution of limewash and water into a 5-gallon bucket.
Mix it thoroughly and then load it into the paint sprayer.
This will allow the limewash do to its job without drying too quickly.
Lay tarp on the flooring.
Clean Brick
Mix the TSP in a clean bucket with warm water.
With the scrub brush, clean the brick.
Thoroughly clean any areas with black soot.
All colors and contrasts will show through the whitewash, though they will be reduced.
Let the fireplace fully dry.
Mix Paint
Mix cool, clean water to white paint at either a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio.
So, three or four quarts of water would be mixed with one quart of paint.
The ratio depends on how solid you would like the whitewash color to look.
Use the chip brush to brush some of the whitewash on the brick.
Brush it in fully and give it a few minutes to soak in.
If you like the look, move to the front.
Create a key on a section of four or six bricks.
Whitewash Brick
Whitewash the rest of the brick with the chip brush.
Immediately after brushing an area, follow up by dabbing and wiping with the rag.
This helps you blend in the whitewash.
Frequently step back and confirm that the fireplace matches the key area.
Use TSP and warm water to clean the brick.
Pay close attention to blackened areas.
Do not clean the inside of the fireplace.
Pour some of the gray paint into the lined paint tray.
Press the sponge into the paint but keep it fairly dry.
Press the sponge onto a piece of white cardboard or paper to test the color.
If you want a lighter color, add some white paint.
You must stay within the lines of the brick.
Whitewash the rest of the fireplace.
Frequently step back and turn the light source toward the fireplace to evaluate your progress.
Painting, on the other hand, is permanent and tends to alter the original finished texture.
Whitewashed brick can last 20 to 30 years and requires very little maintenance.
Whitewashing can also protect outdoorbrick structures, allowing them to weather slower and maintain their integrity.
It depends on who you ask.
Some designers feel that whitewashed brick is atrendthat will ebb and flow with the style and times.
