If you’re one of that rare breed that was just introduced to the internet, and even more recently introduced to the world of home decor blogs, this post is for you. You will be stunned and amazed as I turn my shiny brass fireplace surround into something entirely new…and from this century.
Here’s what my fireplace surround looked like until yesterday. I know the glare from the brass is burning holes in your eye sockets…sorry about that.
But with the help of some magic heat resistant paint, I was able to transform old glarey into something much easier on the eyes. I simply taped off the areas to be painted and used an inexpensive brush to apply the paint. This paint also comes in spray paint form, but I didn’t want to bother with removing the entire fireplace surround…and it’s a little to cold and wet outside to use spray paint at the moment (anyone else ready for spring?).
And the finished product? Ahhh, much better.
So there you have it. Happy painting!
47 Suburbanites Said:
We did that last year and EVERYone notices and loves it. Its one of those small in-expensive things you can do that make a BIG impact. Looks GREAT!
Oh my gosh! So much better! You can realize now how much the brass really glared out at you before.
It really is the small details - I painted a white outlet in my kitchen the same color as the walls and it's like I made a huge change to the room! For two years it's bothered me! :)
Sarah
Beautiful! I think I need to jump in the car and get to Home Depot...I have one that I was going to throw out and replace but I may as well paint it first! Thanks for the idea! ~mary~
This such a great project. I wish I had know that it was possible to do this when we lived in our first house. I lived with that brass fireplace surround for way too long.
Wow. thanks for sharing. We have an old brassy surround too. I'm going to paint it as soon as I can!!
I have a friend (IRL) who just did this at her house and it's amazing the difference it made. Looks great!
Oh, wow, what a difference ! I LOVE that paint - it changed my fireplace surround too !! Funny, because you spend $15 dollars on a can then only use a few tablespoons. But it's SOOOOO worth it ! Fabulous darling !
Love it!
Patience and meticulousness (is that a word?) is SO important with this kind of thing!
This brings to mind the time I decided to paint my tacky bathroom vanity black. With spray paint.
Patience and meticulousness I have not.
Yet another reason why I need your blog...
You have officially inspired me to paint my icky brass fireplace! Your makeover is fantastic! I just stumbled upon your blog and I am loving every entry. Adding you to my reader, stat! Can't wait for more inspirations a la "Suburban Cottage."
Much better!! I'd type more, but I'm having trouble seeing my screen after the brass hit my eyes in the first picture. ;) ;)
That is an excellent product. We used it to paint a built in BBQ a few houses ago and it looked like new. So does your fireplace! Great job.!
Looks great! Black is soooooo much better than brass!
Good thinking on this. It looks a ton better. Yes, I can't wait for spring...and spray painting!
I had no idea one could do this! We're soon moving into a house that has a fireplace insert with brass galore, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be using this exact same technique. Thank you so much for sharing! I absolutely love your blog. :)
g
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Definitely looks better. I think the fireplace is smiling!
If I could reach through the computer and give you a kiss, I would. I had no idea you could paint that stuff!
Our surround is black, but the doors are that hideous brass. My DH is building a beautiful new mantel, and it's been bugging me that the ugly doors would take away from it.
Can you share what brand of paint you used? I'd like to know exactly what to look for.
Duh, never mind--I just saw the name of the paint in the picture, LOL. I was so focused on the before and after--!
Another thing I have "de-brassified" was my ceiling fan. I couldn't swing a new one at the time but hated the shine. I used a cheap chip brush and dark walnut stain/sealer by Minwax. I just dabbed on about 3 layers and it looks rather bronzy. What were we thinking with the shiny brass?!
Beautiful! One question, did you pre-treat them in any way with primer, etc.? How many coats did it take to get that coverage?
Thanks,
Charla
Thanks everyone! I love it when simple/easy things can make a huge impact.
Kelley B - Great idea with the stain! I'll have to try that sometime.
For the Sake of Time - No, I didn't need to do any pretreating. I just made sure I started with a clean surface.
Wow didn't know you could do that! Looks great.
Very nice! I definitely need to do this... when I can work my way that far down the list of projects which are lined up and waiting!
I did that on our fireplace awhile ago too. Isn't it the fastest up-date around - I love it.
I'm so doing this. Next trip to HD I'm getting some of this stuff....
Did you paint or glaze your brick? I'm contemplating doing something to mine. HATE IT.
That looks amazing. I have a brass surround in my (ugly) family room that i am going to attack whenever I get the energy and funds to do that room. After seeing this, I think I should do it right now! Thanks for this awesome tip - you're a genius!
xo Terri
(sending to my mother now ...)
Thanks! I am a fan of all things that exorcise the brass. I don't care if it does become stylish and chic again ... I am sticking with black or brushed nickle.
We have a new house so I have a black fireplace but I have had a brass one before and I would have loved to have had this product 18 years ago:) Good job.
This looks so great and makes such a great impact!
I've been wondering what to do with our hideous brass fireplace surround. Thank you!
looks great AN! Such a simple fix makes a huge impact.
Love it, it looks sooo much better! I was lucky in that our fireplace surround was already black.
Great idea..I'll have to add it to my list of things to do!
That makes a BIG difference! AMAZING what a little paint will do!
Goodbye brassy brass, hello beautiful black! Another great project AN, you are incredible.
Millie ^_^
What a transformation! I love easy projects that make a big difference.
I have been known to buy brass home decor items at the thrift store and then give them new life with a little paint!
Most awesome!
I painted my brass fireplace doors last year. What a huge difference it makes, and so easy to do. Yours looks great.
I do believe this post has changed my life. We're buying a house with a hideous brass insert - I can't WAIT to paint it! Thank you!
I want to paint the brass on my fireplace doors as well. Yours looks very nice! Did you sand it first or just paint right over the brass?
I love what you did and want to do this! So much better. One question - are there any other colors one could do instead of black? I'm just not a fan of black in my tiny living room. Thanks!
AWESOME!! We just bought our first place, and the brass surround was giving me heartburn...Googled "Change brass fireplace doors" and BAM there this was! As soon as I close on this sucker I'm buying the paint and doing this! :) Thank you!
I've had this post on my Pinterest forever and yesterday I dragged the kids to Home Depot and picked up a can of paint. Wish me luck! I'll share my results later this week!
Thanks for the inspiration!!!
I DID IT!!! Check it out!
http://caitgeddes.blogspot.ca/2012/07/my-fireplace-was-bugging-me.html
Thanks again!
Hey your Kaminkassette(fireplace insert) looks better. Thanks for the share.
Hi. I just sprayed our brass fireplace door and what a difference. From someone who has had theirs for longer they say to be careful using spray on surfaces that can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Have you had any issues with your fireplace since painting door like fire hazard or bubbling of paint. Thanks!
Your fireplace looks cute. I like the horse. It is unique. Also, I like it that it looks simple.
Thanks,
indbygningspejs
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