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House and home

White painted brickwork

(26 Posts)
Kate54 Sat 21-Mar-26 12:11:28

Has anyone ever had interior brickwork ( in this case a very tired ‘70s chimney breast and surround) white? Contemplating doing this as I know it can look stunning but once done, it can’t be undone! The paint manufacturer’s so-called visualisers seem impossible to use.

Kate54 Sat 21-Mar-26 12:12:08

Forgot to include the key word ‘painted’ in fourth line!

petra Sat 21-Mar-26 12:18:16

Yes. I painted both end walls of our conservatory.

J52 Sat 21-Mar-26 12:19:29

Bricks are very porous so I imagine they’d need to be sealed first.

MaizieD Sat 21-Mar-26 12:22:47

I think it would look very good.

Why would you want it the be 'undoable'? If you wanted another colour surely you could paint over it?

ClicketyClick Sat 21-Mar-26 12:28:13

Why not try a sample roll of brick wallpaper first to see if you like the look in your room. I've just ordered a brick paper sample from this site.

www.worldofwallpaper.com/white-and-silver-rustic-brick-effect-wallpaper-windsor-wallcoverings-fd41488.html

Usedtobeblonde Sat 21-Mar-26 12:37:45

My conservatory has brick up to window level.
I have really grown tired of it and have been considering having it plastered but that has proved to be expensive.
I now wonder about having them painted, certainly a thought.
More photos please if you have them.

Usedtobeblonde Sat 21-Mar-26 12:38:59

I love the “artefacts “ petra

Astitchintime Sat 21-Mar-26 12:46:07

Our utility space is painted brickwork…….it was naked brick when we moved 8n and made the space dark, depressing, and grubby looking. Brushed down the cobwebs……plenty of those…..and used Sandtex masonry paint in a creamy off white shade. Looks fabulous and very practical.

petra Sat 21-Mar-26 12:47:18

Usedtobeblonde

I love the “artefacts “ petra

Thank you. Masks from countries we have visited.

J52 Sat 21-Mar-26 13:03:07

ClicketyClick

Why not try a sample roll of brick wallpaper first to see if you like the look in your room. I've just ordered a brick paper sample from this site.

www.worldofwallpaper.com/white-and-silver-rustic-brick-effect-wallpaper-windsor-wallcoverings-fd41488.html

I think the op wants rid of the brick effect

Kate54 Sat 21-Mar-26 13:06:32

Thanks for encouraging replies although I think a few got things the wrong way round - it’s already brick so trying a brick effect wallpaper sample wouldn’t help! And by ‘no going back’ I meant that once brick is painted, you can paint another colour but the natural brickwork has gone forever.
This is a living room which does not get enough natural light so a bit more risky than somewhere more behind the scenes.

MT62 Sat 21-Mar-26 13:43:24

I would use a breathable paint, or maybe masonry paint.

Usedtobeblonde Sat 21-Mar-26 13:55:13

Quite truthfully I wouldn’t paint brickwork in a living room.
I would have it plastered and then emulsioned white or another suitable light shade.

dalrymple23 Sat 21-Mar-26 14:36:36

Fully understand. In one of our ancient houses, we had a brick chimney breast going up over the height of two floors. It was incredibly oppressive. I had it rendered, then painted. Looked much better.

We moved into this house about 18 months ago (also ancient). Where the chimney bricks have been painted, either damp or the residue from the coal/log fires is beginning to seep through.

In a 1970s house, you might get away with it but put a sealant on first. I would seek expert advice.

ClicketyClick Sat 21-Mar-26 14:54:57

Maybe I didn't put my suggestion right. I only suggested a piece of wallpaper so you could better visualise if your wall was actually painted white.

M0nica Sat 21-Mar-26 15:17:16

Usedtobeblonde

Quite truthfully I wouldn’t paint brickwork in a living room.
I would have it plastered and then emulsioned white or another suitable light shade.

That is exactly what we have just done. When we moved in a few months ago we had an exposed brick wall in the living room painted a soft olive green. We had a platsered in asap and had it plastered.

I think brickwork should be au natural or plastered, painted brickwork always remands me of school lavatories and outhouses.

petra Sat 21-Mar-26 16:43:52

dalrymple23

Fully understand. In one of our ancient houses, we had a brick chimney breast going up over the height of two floors. It was incredibly oppressive. I had it rendered, then painted. Looked much better.

We moved into this house about 18 months ago (also ancient). Where the chimney bricks have been painted, either damp or the residue from the coal/log fires is beginning to seep through.

In a 1970s house, you might get away with it but put a sealant on first. I would seek expert advice.

I sealed my walls and then a good 4 coats of undercoat then good old Dulux.
Masonry paint is used to protect from the elements outside.

Silvershadow Sat 21-Mar-26 19:30:35

Yes! We have done it to a very ugly red brick fireplace with crazy paved hearth. Now, it’s white and bright, instead of dull and dingy. The hearth has been painted pale grey. We are delighted with it. We used ordinary Dulux brilliant white emulsion. First coat was watered down, then two more on top. We used eggshell on the hearth.

Kate54 Sat 21-Mar-26 21:47:51

That sounds great - would love to see a photo

NotSpaghetti Sat 21-Mar-26 22:13:34

I'd like to see more photos too please...
I have the same exposed brickwork issue in a bedroom...

NotSpaghetti Sat 21-Mar-26 22:18:38

Just been off to look at some images.
Here's an article and some photos screenshot from it

fancyhouse-design.com/blog/eye-catching-brick-fireplace-ideas-for-a-whole-new-look/

Kate54 Sat 21-Mar-26 22:28:01

I think they look stunning - thanks for doing the research!

Allsorts Sat 21-Mar-26 22:41:05

One wall of my sundry is oz intend all white. I would go for it. If you really don't like it them have it plastered but I think it would look good.

keepcalmandcavachon Sun 22-Mar-26 09:24:56

That last photo of the shabby chic bricks is gorgeous, I would love to try something like that. I also need Petra to do an artistic wall for me, it's very inspiring!