True whitewash is just a mixture of hydrated lime, salt and water. When done right, it produces a brilliant white finish that bonds tenaciously to any masonry or coarse wood surface.

She wrote: “I am planning to whitewash (true whitewash, not paint) my fireplace brick. To clean it first, can I use Stain Solver? If so, what is the process?” ...

But brick around a fireplace and the tiles on a hearth should not get that hot, meaning high-temperature paint could easily scratch, especially on the hearth, she said.

A fireplace is the heart of a living room. Traditional brick can give cozy vibes, but when paired with aging metal, it can read a little more dated than welcoming.

You can even add color to the whitewash making it any color you want. Some months ago, I spoke with another reader who wanted to put whitewash on a dated brick fireplace in her living room.

Should you paint a brick fireplace? Anthony Kulikowski, owner of Five Star Painting in South Bend, IN, a Neighborly company, advises, 'Do it if you want a fresh, clean look, and hate the dated brick.

The high-quality paint on this brick house is peeling because there’s no vapor barrier on the inside of the brick walls. Whitewash will solve the problem forever. (Tim Carter) By Tim Carter ...