I'm planning to paint my fireplace this weekend and I'm wondering if I really need to clean it first. I've brushed and vacuumed the brick, and it doesn't look dirty or have any soot on it. Can I just go ahead and prime it, or is it worth it to do more cleaning, like using TSP?
3 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn’t suggest painting the brick. I bought a house with a fireplace that was painted all white, and it looked so fake! If you must do it, at least consider whitewashing to let some of the brick's natural beauty show through.
I hear you about it looking clean! A quick wash with TSP shouldn’t take too long, but remember to let it dry for a day or two before priming. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your painting project!
Don't skimp on prep work! It may look clean, but spending some time cleaning it properly can save you from future headaches. A solid prep is key to a good paint job. I get where you're coming from, though, it’s tempting to skip the hassle.