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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Tuesday Tip

Paint your faux brass fireplace doors with this:
I've kept this can for touch-ups. so far, none needed!

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, after not wanting to to part with $$$ to get new doors, that would not have been anything special, I was cruising the paint isle one summer day at one of the big box stores (can't recall which one, it was over 2 years ago) I saw an entire display dedicated to fixing the paint on your outdoor grill. Cue up the aura light from above, it was a total light bulb moment! I figured if this paint is for high heat useage and can survive the elements (most grills get left outside-right?) it just might the answer to rid myself, for all eternity, of my dated fireplace doors.

It comes in spray too, but get the can so it can be brushed on. My husband did a very light sanding to give the metal trim some tooth and the paint went on easy. We use our fireplace from early fall to early spring. It's gas, but puts out some serious heat and after 2 seasons with no problems, the library fireplace doors eventually shed their brass doors too!

My only regret? That we didn't figure this out sooner. Then, I wouldn't have so many photos year-after-year of my children (looking so adorable at  Christmastime) with the big round smudge in their pictures from tree lights or the camera flash bouncing off those ugly doors as they posed by the hearth!!!


As for painting the brick, (see yesterday's post) that was super easy too according to my husband. Here is what he did:
  • Clean the brick with a vacuum or stiff brush if necessary.
  • If you have wood burning, I'd call your chimney sweep and see what they say, but you're probably going to need soap and water and maybe TSP if there is soot build-up.
  • Use a quality primer such as Kilz or Zinsser (we used the latter) Roll it on, then go back with a brush to get the mortar joints.
  • Use a quality paint. We used Benjamin Moore's black in semi-gloss. Use the same process as you did with the primer.
The bonus of the painted brick is not only aesthetics, it's so much easier to clean. I usually just use my Swiffer or a soft rag!

16 comments:

  1. Oh-Thanks so much for that info. If we weren't in the midst of a winter storm I would go buy some today. I can't wait to paint the doors in our little sitting room downstairs. xo Diana

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  2. Thankfully we have an old enough home that there wasn't any brass insight around here. I hope you're enjoying your week....I have to get back to work myself!

    Enjoy your day!
    XX
    Debra~

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  3. Thanks so much for this tip, it would never have occured to me this would work and if I did I would have been afraid it wouldn't look good, but after seeing yours I'm going to take the plunge!

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  4. I have seen this before, but thank you for the reminder, perfect solution. Happy Wednesday,
    Kathysue

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  5. If only I could talk my husband to do it!
    xx

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  6. I wish I had known about this in my last house which had those heinous doors! Your fireplace makeover, which you shared in your last post is beautiful! And I love that you kept that wreath for all those years!

    Kat :)

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  7. Good tip! That was the first thing I did when we bought our Dallas house 20 years ago- walked in and pulled out the shiny brass fireplace doors!! So, painitng them if you have to keep them is a great idea!

    joan

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  8. I have also used that type of paint, for my precious gas stove at my cottage..
    the top lifts off, and the white spray paint gives it a new lease on life..
    covered some chips (don't know where they came from) and some discoloration under the burner....fabulous!

    Linda :o)

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  9. great idea. Your makeover is sooo pretty. xO, Mona

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  10. Great idea! I just found your blog and I am your newest follower. I just started my own and would love for you to come and take a peek.

    Sincerely
    Shauna

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  11. You are endlessly talented!!! I would love to paint our new brick herringbone design inside the fireplace....so love knowing how to go about. Keep those tips coming!

    xo Elizabeth

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  12. I ran my fireplace all day,
    today. Lucky for us, the
    glass does not open and
    is edged in black iron {it's
    a see through to my hubby's
    office}. That said, we have
    lived with the brass variety
    and it's great to know how
    easily it could be changed,
    if we ever need to in the future!
    Isn't it wonderful having a
    handy husband? Imagine you
    two make a perfect project
    duo!

    xx Suzanne

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  13. Hello
    Fantastic write-up, First-class story it is definitely, This important is just a tremendously nicely structured post
    Thank you!

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  14. Our mid century mod brick hearth needs some tlc like this.
    As you know the lists are long. You always inspire!
    pve

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  15. You have made a wonderful improvement.

    What a difference colour makes

    Helen xx

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  16. Great tips! We don't have fireplace doors and will have to go back to read about painting the bricks!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment!