painting chimney breasts: our guide to a seamless finish

A tried-and-true classic in the painting and decorating realm, chimney breasts offer a world of opportunity when it comes to upgrading your space. As a cheaper alternative to painting the whole room whilst still having a striking impact, it is fair to say that painting your chimney breast is a project you won’t regret. But where to start? Whether you’re dabbling in new tones, or keeping it neutral, here is a handy guide to painting a chimney breast that you’ll love.

Skip to:

• Choosing the right paint
  • Paint type
  • Paint finish
• How much paint will you need?
• Colours galore!
• Painting chimney breasts: A 5-step guide

choosing the right paint

As with most decorating projects, choosing the right paint is the bread and butter of your DIY venture. It becomes even more important when tackling spaces that can have added challenges… chimney breasts, we’re looking at you!

paint type

The first element to consider is whether you may need a specialty paint, or if you are able to stick with standard interior paint. For example, if your chimney breast is brick, you are probably better off with a masonry paint for durability and a suitable finish for the material. Otherwise, you could risk poor adhesion, moisture issues, or a shorter paint-job lifespan. Not ideal! 

paint finish

Once you’ve got over that hurdle, the real fun begins. The rest of the paint choices are really up to you. One key thing you will want to consider is the finish of your paint. Paint with a higher sheen level can be a bold way to keep your space bright and visually striking, whereas matt paint can feel more approachable and homely. The recommended sheen level of your paint is also dependent on the type of wall you’re painting, and your maintenance requirements. Glossy paint, for example, tends to be more durable.

Ultimately, if your paint is of a high enough quality and is suited for the material, you should have no problem painting chimney breasts effectively. So why not strive to do some good for the planet by choosing a more eco-friendly option? Hint hint…

how much paint will you need?

The best way to estimate how many litres of paint is needed for painting chimney breasts is to divide the square metres per litre as listed on the back of the paint can by the total square footage of your area. Don’t forget to subtract any windows, doors (or, in this case, fireplaces!) from the total square footage and account for the number of coats.

Make sure to measure your chimney breast carefully to achieve a more precise indicator and allow for two coats of paint as a baseline, though you may need more if tackling darker colours, trickier textures or particularly damaged walls.

With these things in mind, a one-litre tin of paint tends to be plenty for an average chimney breast.

colours galore!

Unsure which colour to choose? We get it, so many great options can be overwhelming. In short, you will want to think about which colours match the style of your room, not forgetting your personal preferences too! Don’t worry though, we have a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

1. Balance drama and elegance with rich and vivid palettes: Think deep reds, blacks and emeralds.
2. Chill out with romantic and soothing hues: We’re talking soft pinks and blues for a gentle and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Feel sleek with modern and minimalist designs: Clean greys and two-tone cuts make for a striking simplicity.
4. Embrace your creativity: Why not try your hand with some bold and bright tones? Maybe even tackle a pattern or two…
5. Unsure? Stand the test of time with neutral shades that can change the vibe along with your décor.

Really, any colour can work well, it all depends on your home. Consider your flooring, furniture and soft furnishings – often, these can be a treasure trove of shade ideas which, if used, can result in a beautifully cohesive space.

Top Tip: For more help deciding when looking to paint your chimney breast a different colour, try utilising a colour wheel. This handy tool can help you understand which hues look great together, making sure that your new addition chimes with your current theme!

painting chimney breasts: a 5-step guide

Now that you’ve got your paint sorted, it’s time to get stuck in! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get that chimney breast looking flawless:

equipment list

• Paint brush(es)
• Protective sheeting
• Sandpaper
• Painter’s tape
• Sugar soap
• Primer
• Roller
• Paint kettle
• Filling product (if needed)
• Paint!

step 1: prepare the area

For a smooth, less stressful process, preparation is your best friend. Begin by moving all your furniture out of the way and laying down a protective covering on your floor. This will help to minimise mess at the end of the project!

step 2: prepare the chimney breast

A blank canvas is always best for the beginning of a masterpiece! Clean the surface gently with a damp cloth and some sugar soap to get rid of any lurking dirt or dust. Then, carefully use sandpaper to create a smooth surface, removing any old flaking paint as you go.

Whilst you’re here, inspect the surface for any holes or cracks. Use a suitable filler to rectify them, and make sure you’re in the best position for painting!

step 3: use a primer

Primer is essential for proper paint adhesion and is particularly important if you are contending with other materials such as brick, or with very dark colours. Make sure to apply the primer evenly and wait for it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

If you have selected a self-priming paint, you can skip this step. With a 2-in-1 formula designed to prepare and colour the area at once, self-priming paint can be directly applied to a dry, prepped surface.

Don’t forget to apply painter’s tape to any areas that you want to avoid before going in with colour!

step 4: paint that chimney breast!

Now you’re all prepped and primed, you can begin painting. The first step is to cut in along the edges of the space with a brush – including the fireplace, corners, the ceiling, skirting boards and other walls. Once you’ve got the edges done, take to the larger space with a roller.

Good general painting practice applies here. Work with thin layers of paint in the same direction to avoid streak marks on the walls. It is also best to paint in natural light if possible so that there are no surprise patches or imperfections when the days brighten up.

Once the first coat has dried completely, apply a second using the same techniques, then after that’s done drying, consider If you need a third and repeat if necessary.

step 5: touching up

Lastly, touch up any edges and imperfections with a small brush, and voila – the ultimate finish!

ready to paint?

Now you’ve made it to the end of our guide to painting chimney breasts, you’re ready to go forth and create a stunning addition to your space. At splat, we have all the products to support you along the way, so don’t forget to check out our range of eco-conscious decorating products!

Looking for more tips and tricks? Take a look at the rest of our blog – there’s more where this came from!