DIY Home Improvement
Reader Project: DIY Fireplace Makeover
Family Handyman reader Chris Galiyas is a busy family man. During the day he is an elementary art teacher in West Mifflin, PA, and on nights and weekends he paints murals for both residential and commercial clients. His latest clients asked him to update their fireplace, and this is what he created.
Before
My clients had asked me to update the fireplace in their family room. The room felt uninviting and dark.
Whitewash the Fireplace
I wanted to whitewash the fireplace to give it a new, updated look that wouldn’t break the bank. So I watered down some interior paint and brushed it on with a wet brush, wiping away with a rag as I went.
Shiplap
I wanted to add visual interest above the mantel, so I added shiplap. Then I painted the shiplap a warm white, with Behr Ultra’s Falling Snow, my favorite white paint. Plus: Check out these 12 incredible shiplap walls.
The Hearth
The hearth is just the old cement slab that was already there. I applied gripper primer and sealer first and then two coats of Falling Snow paint from Behr.
Trim and Baseboards
The trim and baseboards looked old and outdated. So I sanded, primed and used the same white paint on the baseboards and trim.
To learn how to prep wood trim for a smooth paint job, click here.
Faux Finished Brick
I faux-finished some gray tones onto the white brick to give it that worn/used look that the homeowners were looking for.