How to Whitewash a Stone Fireplace – A Super Easy Project
Do you look at your fireplace and feel that it just looks tired or outdated? I have a great solution for you: Whitewash! I love the look and feel of a stone or brick fireplace, but, when we bought our house, the existing stone was not my style. I debated my options for months and had a lot of both negative and positive feedback. It’s funny how many people react strongly at the thought of painting natural stone. Who knew?
In my head, I saw a lighter stone that still had some colour and texture. My stone had a lot of orange which made it difficult to add decor to the space and have it flow.
Here is what mine looked like when we bought the house.
I know it is pretty, but the colours are a bit dated and they limited how I wanted to decorate the space.
Here is what it looks like today.
You may already have everything you need on hand to complete this project.
I used Benjamin Moore Cloud White on mine because I already had the paint and wanted a lighter fireplace.
The recipe is super easy.
Mix 50/50 paint and water.
To paint my whole fireplace, I used 1.5 cups of paint to 1.5 cups of water.
Whisk it together so it is completely blended.
You will need a dabbing rag, as well.
Initially, I thought I would use a cloth to apply it but soon discovered a brush would give me more of the effect I wanted.
I used a dry brush technique. I would dip the brush into the paint mixture and then dab it on a cloth. I applied light, even strokes and then blended with the dry brush.
It is important to dab paint off the brush after every dip into the paint mixture.
Adding Character
To add some additional life to our fireplace, I decided to add some shiplap to both sides above our units. We used wainscoting that we already had on hand from our kitchen reno. I decided to paint it all black. I used flat black paint with a hint of brown which my local store mixed for me to match a colour I already had at home.
Completing the look.
I also painted out the bright orange firebox.
I found a high heat, black paint for that. You can find multiple colours here.
To remove the glass from your fireplace, look for clips like these.
Once they are unclipped, the glass lifts up and out.
I took a picture of how my wood was set up so I would remember how to put everything back. I then removed everything and covered up and taped off the base where the gas/propane comes from.
Tom then sprayed the inside.
We absolutely love how this project came together. It has given our fireplace a much more updated look.
If you have any questions, please leave them below.
Here is the stone before and after. The texture and feel of the stone was not lost as I was able to just lighten and soften it.
If you enjoyed this post, you might like my Dresser Revamp.
Karan
My stone wall fireplace looks very similar to yours. Did you also cover your grout with the whitewash or only the stone face? I’m tackling this very project next and I’m nervous about getting it right. Yours is gorgeous and exactly the look I’m going for.
I did. I used the mixture on everything. The biggest thing is to do it with an almost dry brush if you want to maintain a stone look over a painted look.
Please share yours when you are done.
Karan
I am also getting ready to attempt this! Mine is extremely similar to yours. I’m hoping for the same excellent outcome. I was also wondering about the grout. Thank you for this wonderful information and I will post after I finish ours.
I’m excited for you!!
I did the grout the same way I did the stone. It came out great!
Let me know how it goes.
Karan
Oh I’m going to do this to our stone wall on the outside of our house. They aren’t ugly but they are very beige and need to get a fresh grey/white tone to them. Hope they turn out well
Let me know how it goes!!
Love the fireplace! Do you think your whitewash technique would work on a slate fireplace?
Thank you and absolutely. Try it first in a small section to check how it adheres.
Let me know how it goes.
Karan
It’s beautiful Karan! Have you had any issues with heat ruining the white wash? I want to do something similar to our fireplace which has a “trim” of brick. Basically wood mantel all around with brick peeking through and I want to paint/white wash it…
Love the fireplace! Is the clock with picture frames a recent purchase?
Thank you. The clock was purchased about 4 years ago at homesense Canada.
karan
I have looked at so many stone fireplace updates and yours is the best one I have seen from dozens I have looked at. Your original stone was also beautiful – the color would be perfect in my home. Unfortunately, I have ugly cast concrete pretending to be lava rock. It’s various shades of burnt browns and so dark it sucks the light and life right out of my family room. Because it is also quite pocked I am wondering if the 50/50 mix would be too thin to lighten my monstrosity? I’ve worked with the dry brush technique on canvas, but stone is so different. Any thoughts?
Sorry for the late reply. I would try it on a small corner that will not be noticeable. I did a small side piece first to proctors on. The trick is to work up to the coverage you want. So although you may need to do a second coat, you will have more control over the final look.
I hope this helped.
Karan
Did you use any special cleaning method or products before whitewashing? I know my (very similar) fireplace wall is probably very dusty in all those nooks and crannies.
I simply vacuumed it extremely well. This one is propane so no smoke/soot marks. If you have that I would recommend a good scrub with a brush and soapy water.
let me know how things go.
Karan
Karen, what sheen of paint did you use? I started doing a mortar wash on my 1974 fireplace and the mortar in the stones turned yellow. 😔 I went and bought an untinted base white Flat paint and it looks TOO white. Help!!!
I used cloud white by Benjamin Moore in a flat. There isn’t any yellowing with it. I hope that helps.
Karan
You’re so sweet for replying so quickly. Thank you. Also, sorry I misspelled your name last night. 😉
Is that paint waterbased or latex paint thanks looks great
It was latex.
Karan
Hi i’m trying to use your technique on a fireplace and have a couple of questions…
When you say ‘dry’ brush, can you explain or point me to the exact brushes you would recommend for use on a stone fireplace? Also in one of your responses here you say the paint was water based but then you say is was latex. Can you confirm? I want to go shopping and want to have the correct supplies to do this. thank you so much.!
Dry brushing is simply removing most of the whitewash from the brush prior to applying. I used a regular angled brush.
Paint is a water based latex paint.
Thank you so much for this! I am pretty much feeling the same way being torn on changing original stone but this is an excellent solution.
I am extremely happy with the outcome. Take your time with it and you will love yours too.
Karan
I, too, have looked at countless stone fireplace updates and yours is the absolute best! After you put the paint on the stone with a dry brush, did you dab the stone with a cloth? I’m inspired to try this on my own fireplace but I’m scared!jo
When I first started I thought I was going to have to but by wiping/dabbing the brush Prior to application it wasn’t necessary.
Karan
I have a similar stone fireplace and hearth. However, mine has been sealed.. can I still paint it?
Hi Cori,
You can but I would recommend a really good cleaning. You’d then want to try a small corner first to ensure paint will adhere. Ideally you’d wat the whitewash to be able to absorb into the stone a little.
Kara.
Hi Karan,
Looks great! I am going to try this tomorrow. Do you have any idea what color stain that is for the mantel and side shelves?
Thanks,
Allison
Thank you! I used Behr black wax on the mantle and Jacobean stain by minwax on the shelves.
Please share your photo! If on Instagram just tag me, I’d love to see the outcome!!
Is the paint you used a flat, eggshell, or semigloss? What do you suggest?
Also, did you clean the Stone first?
Yes, I vacuumed mine as it is propane so no mess.
Either flat or eggshell will work well, I would not use anything above those.
Karan
Karen, thanks so much for sharing! Love what you did and will be attempting this myself! I will share pics once I am done!
Can’t wait to see them!!
Hi Karan! I love how your fireplace turned out! I have a center-of-the-room stone fireplace (but firebox is only on one side). The previous owners painted the stone grey. It’s awful. I want the white-washed look. Do you think your technique will work over an already painted surface? Thanks!!
It will be a different look as the grey paint will show through rather then the natural stone. Maybe just changing the colour will give it the lift you want.
How bad was the fumes working inside with the spray paint??
We had all the windows open and fans on so not too terrible.
karan
Karen, can you tell me what was the finish of the BM white cloud paint that you used? Flat?
Thank you and it looks beautiful!
Great job!
This was an eggshell as it is what I had on hand. A flat would work as well but I would not go above an eggshell.
And thank you!
karan
Wow it looks awesome. I might have to try these ideas in my new house.
Thanks so much cynthia!
Hi Karan – Your fireplace makeover looks beautiful! I plan to white wash my gray stone fireplace very soon. I have built-ins on either side of my stone fireplace that are painted Sherwin-Williams alabaster white. Should I use that same paint color for the white wash mixture?
Thanks for your advice!
I would just to tie everything in nicely. Please share a pic when you are done!
karan
Hello Karan, I also have the same stone fireplace, but the hearth is black and dark green slate, so I don’t think the whitewash will work on that. What do you think? I have been looking at so many other fireplace redos and your’s is definitely the best!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you! Have you thought about painting out the tile? Or is the slate mixed in with the stone?
Karan
No, only the hearth is slate. I am not sure what you mean about painting out the tile.
I thought the slate was tile around your fireplace, but now understand. You could go either way with your fireplace – whitewash slate or leave as is. See if you like the slate once the fireplace is done if not then you can whitewash it as well. I did whitewash my hearth.
karan
Hi Karan,
You mentioned you used the dry brush technique (dipping in paint and dabbing off). You also mention a dry brush to blend after applying the paint. Am I reading that wrong?
The fireplace looks amazing!
Thank you!
I would dip in paint dab off and apply then I’d
take the dry brush (after I’d used the paint off of it) and blend it all in.
Karan
Hi Karen – Your fireplace is beautiful. I plan to use your technique this weekend on my own outdated stone fireplace. It looks like some others have used a chalk paint to whitewash their stone/brick fireplace. Is there any reason you chose to use regular latex paint here and not chalk paint? Thank you!
Thanks Lindsay,
I wanted a whitewashed and not a solid look to the finished stone. When I tried out the two finishes I preferred the more natural look of the whitewash. Chalk paint also needs to be sealed and regular latex does not.
Let me know how it goes. I remain very happy with the look of ours.
Karan
How long did it take for just the fireplace?
I white washed it in about a day.
Karan
Karan, your result is gorgeous. Would your technique work on UNgrouted stacked stone with large gaps between the stones? My fireplace is a new build, using a whitish/greyish/tannish ledger stone varying from 1.5″ to 4″ thick. The mason says those large gaps are characteristic of stacked stone (they were NOT in the inspiration pictures I showed him, using quite-white and much thinner ledgerstone) and that the stone would not look right if he tried to fill in the gaps with grout. The result is much too rustic for me and I definitely want a whiter look.
Stacked stone normally has large gaps. The white wash would lighten the stone for sure but still allow some natural variation to shine through.
Karan
I’m planning on remodeling my upstairs and found this article about white washing brick which I plan on doing on my existing fireplace! Thank for the info
We just bought a cabin and they painted the natural stone a dark grey:( Would it still work to whitewash it, or do you have any other suggestions? I love the whitewash look!!
You could whitewash over the grey but it will not be the same look. But, it would lighten it. I’d try a small corner on the side and see how it goes.
I’ve had paint stripped and sand blasted off of fireplaces with much success but also a lot of mess.
Karan
Did you leave your glass door off of the updated project or replace it? It’s hard to tell in the picture – I feel the glass front is part of the outdated portion of mine …
We put it back on as it is propane. Once we painted the box black it looks updated.
Karan
Did you also paint the grout?
I did. It blended everything g really well.
Karan
In the before and after picture, what color paint did you use to paint the wall on the right? It looks like it may be under some stairs. I love that! Thanks!
It is piedmont grey by Benjamin moore.
Karan
Hi Karan,
We’ve been scouring images trying to find the perfect look for our fireplace remodel and would love to know the dimensions of yours!! Looking for fireplace box width and height, stone width, ceiling height, hearth width height and depth, and mantel height above ground. Thanks so much, it really is beautiful!!
Hi,
It is 89” wide by 9.5’ tall. Firebox is 37” W by 31” h. The hearth sits 9.5” off of the floor. Mantel is 58” from the floor and is a 9 by 9” beam.
Hope that helps!
Karan
Thank you so much for the info it’s extremely helpful!
Hello! I’m considering doing exactly what you did but wondering if there is a difference between a white wash and a gray wash? Would I be able to send you a picture to get your opinion? Thanks!
Hi Meredith,
I wanted a white wash so it didn’t just sit on the top but absorb into the stone. I didn’t ever want to deal with flaking paint and for the stone to look natural and not painted. The whitewash accomplished this for me.
Let me know how things go for you. I’d love to see pictures.
karan
Hi!! I’m actually looking to shiplap next to my stone fireplace. Any tips for getting the panels along the edge of the stone? How did you do it? Ours is very bumpy. Your project turned out amazing! Love the whitewash!!!
Hi Andie,
There is a tool you can get that gives you the exact cut to get those pieces nice and tight.
Karan
Nicely done! Did you also paint the grout between the stones?
Hi Jodi,
ThNk you,
I did.
You painted the hearth, too, correct? Did you use the same technique, or did you have to do anything different for that?
Hi Molly,
I did and yes the same technique was used. As it was concrete slabs and not natural stone it came out slightly different but I love the contrast.
Karan
First of all, it looks great!
This is probably a dumb question but when you say you are using a “dry brush” to work the paint into the stone, is it the same brush you used to put the paint on with? Is the term “dry brush” used because there is so little paint on the brush being used for the application of the paint?
Thank you Ashley.
Never a dumb question!
You’re right it is the brush I apply the paint with. As I put the paint on and dab most of it off again it is referred to as a dry brush.
Karan
If I were to use this technique on 90’s style yellow stone tiles in the kitchen, is there a clear sealer you recommend to apply after white washing so the paint doesn’t come up when I inevitably have spills to clean up? Thanks!
Christy,
Are you talking kitchen backsplash??
I would use primer and paint on those and apply a poly to seal if so.
Karan
Looks fabulous….been wanting to do this for years…I hope I can do as great a job as you did.
Just in case, do you have any desire to visit Colorado?
Lol, you’ll do great! Oh and I’d love to visit Colorado 😉
Karan
Planning on whitewashing my stone fireplace tomorrow, most of what I’ve seen has been with diluting chalk paint. You mentioned that it would need to be sealed afterwards, is that because you think it will flake off?
Also, have you had any issues with fumes when you light the fireplace after spray painting?
Hi good luck today!
I didn’t seal mine as it is gas so no Worry about stone getting dirty from smoke or ashes. That was my primary concern.
The high heat paint is specifically designed for these purposes. Very filet when spraying but once dry no issues.
Please share when you’re done!
Karan
I’m attempting to mimic this on a sealed stone fireplace. I’m wondering if I should seal it after painting. If so, what sealant would you recommend?
Thank you!
I haven’t sealed mine. But I don’t get any ashes as mine is gas. You could try a stone sealer?
Hi Karan,
The fireplace is beautiful and I love the contrast with the dark plank walls. I wanted to know if the drawers/shelves next to the fireplace were built in and also what tool you used to cut the planks around the stone. I have a similar fireplace and would like to do the same with adding character to the walls beside it.
Thank you!
Betsy
Hi Betsy,
The units where made to slide in. Hubby is pretty good with a jigsaw and did paper templates. But there is a product that fits to the shape and lock in place to show you your cuts.
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwis6p7U5q3tAhUK28AKHejWAW0YABAPGgJpbQ&sig=AOD64_0oor2W0gD3qbW9ypBsEf5KPtxu6A&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjfv5bU5q3tAhWGQc0KHUroDA8Qwg96BAgEEDY&adurl=
I haven’t purchased one but I am seriously considering it.
Karan
Love it just scared to do it
I tried it on a small sample of stone first so I would know how it would look.
I am extremely happy with the finished look. It still looks like natural stone just a little more muted.
Hi Karan, I love this look! Your whole remodel is so inspirational! What are your thoughts about trying to whitewash an ugly dark brick fireplace? It seems to me like it should work the same as stone but I wasn’t sure. Also, I am going to be painting some knotty pine that looks similar to yours. I’m planning on sanding, priming, and then painting. Any suggestions that will make things go easier? I’m thinking of doing everything in BM Simply White. Thank you!
Absolutely! Try a small sample spot or if you have a spare brick try it on that first.
I did not sand the pine in my home. The primer I used is made to adhere to a sealed (poly etc) surface. It has adhered just as if I was painting a wall. We are so happy with it. You could try these products on a small surface and then once it cures you can try to scrap it off. Mine would not come off. We did sand the beams, fireplace mantle, stairs and floors to refinish them but nothing that we primed and painted. Important that the the surface is clean and free of dust.
Let me know how it goes.
Karan
Thank you! I’m going to give it a try! I’ve waited nearly 20 years to paint over this old orange-y brick and pine!
Seeing your house on insta is what made me realize I could do it – It’s so beautiful! While sanding mantle, stairs, etc. what did you use? I have a small orbital sander, a dremmel for small spots, and of course a handy package of sandpaper. If I have a lot of sanding to do (which I do) should I consider investing in additional equipment?
Hi, did you use the same technique on the big stones your husband was sitting on?
I have a stone facade and I’m so afraid to mess it up.
I dry brushed it with white wash as well. If you can get your hand on a couple of similar stones you can practice a little. Start with an almost dry brush until you get your flow going and know how much paint you need on your brush.
I started on the side of my fireplace so by the time I got to the front I had it down.
Karan
Looks great! Did you paint the grout as you were painting the stone ?
I did it all at the same time
Karan
Hi Karan,
So happy I stumbled across your beautiful fireplace reno. I’ve been looking at Rambio limewash for my stone fireplace bc I keep seeing it all over Pinterest. Is there a reason you chose a paint mixture over a lime wash product?
Thanks!
Tara
Hi Tara,
Lime wash can wash off and sometimes can flake. I didn’t want to deal with that and I really didn’t want to spend money either. This method gave me more control over the translucency of the mixture.
We have been so happy with this. I still wanted a natural stone look and people don’t believe it isn’t stone.
Karan
Hi!! Wondering Where are you got your beautiful rocking chair by the fireplace. I can’t seem to find one anywhere!
It is from best home furnishings. We have been very happy with our furniture from there.
Karan
Beautiful! Did you seal the stone with anything once you painted it?
Hi Lindsay,
I didn’t as ours is propane and we do not have to deal with soot.
The whitewash looks as good today as when I first applied it.
Karan
How did you white wash it and it not look totally painted white like everyone else’s? We are trying to update hours to remove the yellow from the stone but don’t want it completely white
I used a waterdown paint and created my own whitewash then dry brushed it on. I wanted the look of natural stone but also wanted it lightened.
Karan
Hi Karen I love your fireplace. I want to do the same thing in my walk-in shower. It is all slate that was supposed to be gray and it came in with a lot of red on it. I wonder if the latex white wash would hold up in a shower?
Thank you!
I wonder if an outdoor whitewash would adhere better?? It is formulated for our door weather?? You could try this in a small corner and see how it holds up.
Karan
Beautiful look! Did you whitewash over the grout lines as well? Hard for me to tell from the pics.
Thank you,
VIcki
Thank you. I did.
Karan
Thank you so much for sharing this! I just built a brand new home and the stone color we chose for our fireplace has turned out to be….disappointing (the builder changed stone manufactures during construction and what they switched to is not exactly what I was expecting). My stone is almost identical to what you started with and the orange is driving me crazy! I want to try whitewashing, but I’m not handy or creative. This would be my first real DIY project and I’m scared to death of practicing my skills in my brand new home. If I mess it up, can whitewash be reversed? Can the paint be stripped away? Thanks again!!
Oh I’m so sorry. That does have to be disappointing. Can you see if your contractor has a extra stone you could practice on? I started at the side at the very bottom my fireplace so that I had a hang of thing by the time I got to the front. We are so happy with this finish and no one guesses it was whitewashed. Please let me know how it goes.
Karan
Thank you for the photos and instructions. How is the paint holding up, especially on the hearth? Concerned about paint peeling from wear and from the heat of the fireplace.
Thank you,
It looks as good as the day I did it. Looks like natural stone not paint. Just a lighter colour.
I am in the process of doing mine but I’m using limewash instead of paint which seems to be a little more ecologically friendly. ( hydrated lime and water…very cheap).
Yours looks lovely. Wasn’t going to paint the bottom rest ( not sure what it’s called) but your pictures have convinced me to.
I had the same experience re negative views on painting stone.
Fiona,
Let me know how it goes. I’m excited to see yours come together. I thought about lime wash but was afraid it might eventually start to flake. The whitewash has held up great. I used Behr zero VOC paint.
Please share pictures.
Karan
Hi. Just wanted you to know I tried this technique because your fireplace looked so nice. I was worried about how mine would look especially since it’s 14 feet high, but I did the whitewashing and I love my fireplace now.
I am so happy you took the plunge!! It is such a pretty update for a heavy fireplace.
I love your floors! Can you tell me what material it is and where you purchased them?
Hi Lyn, they are hickory and they were here when we purchased the house. We sanded them down and used Jacobean stain on them from minwax.
Hello! Do you have the brand and color of your flooring in your updated room pics?
It is hickory and they were here when we bought the house. We sanded them and finished then using min wax jacobean.
What color did you use on the accent wall where the stairs are?
It is a colour I mixed myself. I have a scannable bar code for Home Depot on my bathroom post.
Do you know if your fireplace is Coronado Stone and which exact stone was used to create your fireplace?
I don’t. It was existing when we bought our home.
Why do some people suggest a chalk paint over tradition paint ? I have also seen people suggest a grey wash first and then a white wash. I find the information out there so confusing as to what is best.
Chalk paint dries to a more plaster like finish. It isn’t necessary for stone. I used white wash as I didn’t want my fireplace to look painted, I wanted the texture of the stone to still show. I just wanted more muted colours.
My fireplace is pretty much exactly like yours and I whitewashed it according to your instructions. It turned out beautiful. Now the only part I have not done yet is the flat part you can sit on surrounding the fireplace. Mine is very smooth so I don’t quite know how to tackle that part of it. What did you do with yours?
So glad you love it! I also white washed my hearth.
What do you think if it’s a wood burning and using paint on the outside stone ? Think in there’s any chance of catching fire?
It is so water based I don’t think it would be an issue.
Hi! Thank you so much for this post! I followed your instructions it transformed the stone on my house! Don’t know how to post a pic
Thank you so much for sharing!!
It looks fantastic! Your living room aesthetic has been successfully upgraded and is quite the conversation starter, I bet!
Thank you so much!!
Hi! What type of finish was your white cloud paint. Matte, eggshell, semi-gloss. I got a Satin category (Low Gloss, Low Sheen, High Sheen, Eg-Shel, Low Lustre, Velvet). I also have a standard white, but I am thinking about tinting it a light gray versions of what I want to paint on the walls. Then it will still be a lot lighter, when mixed with water. But have a gray tint. My stone fireplace is the same colors as your “before”. Also, did you do the hearth? Thanks!
I used eggshell as it is what I had on hand. I did the hearth as well.
Hi Karan,
Would this same process work on faux stone? I am trying to plan the best way to make the ‘grout’ which is very dark/black white but achieve a sort of whitewash look on the faux stone (laid out like bricks but larger and more irregularly shaped). Should I do a lower water ratio for the grout parts?/do you think the paint would still stick?
Thank you!!
Maddie
Hi maddie,
I would do the grout first and then whitewash the stone. Smaller brush for the grout.
Hi! I want to do this to my fireplace which is similar stone and size. Did you use a quart or gallon?
It took about a cup of paint to do the entire fireplace.
I absolutely love how your fireplace turned out! We just purchased a new home with a stone fireplace and I really dislike the color. Some of the stones are very orange and I’m afraid they will just look pink if I do this. Could I use a gray/green paint first on the very orange ones using the dry brush technique, then do the entire front with the off white? Or do you have a better suggestion.
Thank you. I had some very orange ones as well and the dry brush just softened them. Because the colours don’t actually blend you see the slight orange under the white. No pink.
Hello, I purchased the Benjamin Moore Paint cloud white. It says premium interior latex paint and primer, flat finish. I mixed it 50/50 but it seems to be going on more like paint than a white wash. Should I have purchased the paint without the primer in it? Also my stone is faux, feels real but its not, very orange and the grout extremely gray. Perhaps I need to really thin it down so I get the white washed look. Thoughts? I experimented on the side of the fireplace, good thing I did as once it goes on its not coming back off!
Hi Susan, yes, I would water it down more. You are dry brushing it on so almost removing all of the paint from the brush. You want it to be a very liquid product. But the dry brushing is extremely important.
Karan
Thank you Karan for your reply! I thought it was the primer in the paint making it not be opaque enough. I am going to give it another try today. I will take a before and after picture and try to post it. As I read through the comments you asked for pictures, they are worth a thousand words!
Best, Susan
Thank you for the tips! Our painters are going to use your method on our stone fireplace. 🙂
Yay! I would love to see pictures!!
Hi Karan,
Thanks for the great post. Do you mind sharing the other colors on the walls I see in the rooms? 1) The fireplace room (the cream/greige), and the blue/greyish on the wall in the kitchen?
Also what is the dark grey/blackish color on the wall where fireplace is? Sorry to be a bother, but if don’t mind sharing, I’d be grateful. -Patricia J.
I used cloud white, Piedmont gray BM paint and November storm from home hardware.
I have a sealed stone fireplace. Want to whitewash in the same color as the paneling around it. ( The color is a very, very light celery color. Sometimes looks white in the right light )Can I do this? I believe it is regular latex paint but may have a built in primer. There is brick extending from the fireplace forming a seat.
I want to whitewash the whole thing.
You can mix as per recipe and try on a small area. The Behr paint I used had some primer in it as well.
I looked at what you did and loved it! I wish I could figure out how to post our before and after photos from what we did yesterday afternoon. It turned out great and we love it. Thank you for the inspiration.
I am so happy you found it helpful amd would love to see what you did!! If you are on Instagram you can dm me a picture at http://www.Instagram.com/designsbykaran
This is great! I have natural stone tiles so to speak on my fireplace done over the old red brick. I am now tired of it and think it looks dated and dirty.
We have a much wider wall and a wood burning fireplace. The stone does not go to the ceiling. Just to the live edge mantle we had put on but nowhere as thick as yours.
I am trying to modernize my family room and make it brighter so hopefully this can work for me.
Let me know how it goes!!
Great job! How many coats did you do? Thinking about doing a white wash in mine, but my cracks look deeper, do you think it could still work?
Just one and absolutely.
Question about whitewashing your fireplace. I’m in a doozy. We’re building a new home and my husband wanted this chocolate gray flagstone for home exterior and fireplace inside. I wanted a creamy off white wall (Sherwin Williams Classic Light Buff). I’m afraid the yellow undertones of the paint may clash with the undertones in the stone so I saw your whitewashing pics. Our trim is simply white by Benjamin Moore which is a warm white. Will that white work okay with this technique, and do you know if maybe I should choose a different interior color paint to pair with the stone? I just love the sunshine feel of classic light buff but don’t want it to clash with the stone.
YOU DID A FANTASTIC JOB ON YOUR FIREPLACE.
I think it should. Take a couple of sample stones and experiment. Excited to here how it comes out.
I forgot to ask you the paint color of your foyer – the blue green gray color. it looks great too. by the way, our painter starts TOMORROW (OCT. 25). I’M SO CONFUSED.
Hi Cindy,
Thank you, it is Piedmont gray by Benjamin moore.
In regards to your first message without seeing the colours it is hard to say. I don’t happen to have those paint samples
Karan
Thank you so much for this post…. It was so easy to understand and perform. I had been searching for ideas for my fireplace and yours was the best. The amount of paint and water was just right. You won a new follower 😊😆
I would love to see pictures!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and the process.
Karan
This is all so very helpful!! My fireplace is ready to go………….Thanks for the great
instruction.
Off the subject…….where did you get the area rug in the fireplace room?????
Please share how it came out!! Carpet is from homedynamix
Karan, your new fireplace looks beautiful! Love the change. Pretty house too. Much more updated. I found your post searching for whitewashing stone. I am thinking about installing a wall of limestone for a feature wall above my fireplace. Its about 8′ high. We used the stone in building our hardscape and want to tie it in, but the color is creamy not white. I am wondering if this will work to make it white as the whole interior of my house is gray and white (pure white not yellow). At first I thought about tempting it myself then thought I was crazy. I think I will try it on a leftover piece I still have. Thank you!
I think it would work beautifully. Terrific idea to try it out on sample stone!!
I want to white wash my fireplace it has many colored stones My walls are a buckskin color. If I use the white cloud flat wondering if it would be to light for the room could you use a light sand color or do you think that would be to much.
I like the slight contrast the white would give.
My fireplace is angel stone. But the hearth is polished angel stone! I don’t see how it can be whitewashed beacuse it is polished? What do you think? I called a paint store and they suggested priming it and then just painting the hearth? I think that would look weird?!
Can you send me pictures?? You could possible whitewash with a tinted primer?
My fireplace is angel stone. But the hearth is polished angel stone! I don’t see how it can be whitewashed beacuse it is polished? What do you think? I called a paint store and they suggested priming it and then just painting the hearth? I think that would look weird?! I actually just found out that the hearth is actually marblw!!
Our stone fireplace is very similar in the shape and color of the stone and we would really love to tone down the orange and brighten it up. Did you use a special type of paint brush for your dry brush technique?
I used an angled brush, easier to get into the grout lines with.
I am getting ready to do this. Because, of course, I start painting things right before the holidays. My stone is close to yours, however, it is floor to ceiling and goes into the hallway. That’s two walls 8ft high and about 10 ft wide. Thanks for your advice (my son also works for Benjamin Moore) Wish me luck!
Oh please share pictures!! I’m excited for you!!
Hi, I feel like mine turned out a little too white like I should have wiped off more as I went. Do you think it’s feasible to take a rag and paint thinner and remove some of it to let some color through?
Ignore my previous comment. I used water based paint, duh. No need for mineral spirits, just need a sponge!
I love this and am going to do mine this weekend! Also, mind me asking where you got that adorable grey white and tan blanket from with the fur ball corners?
Thank you!! I believe it was from pottery barn.
Thank you for this! I followed your blog to do my own fireplace. Very happy with the outcome!
I am so happy sarah!!
I’d love to see a picture!
Karan
What color is the flooring, after the fireplace project?
Minwax jacobean.
Hi!
Just double checking on the white paint. You mentioned early on that it is a flat paint, but later in a post you mentioned eggshell. I want to do this project and just want to make sure. Thanks!
I’ve used both finishes. Fireplace was flat and brick wall was eggshell. Both worked great.
Hi Karan,
Beautiful makeover! I’m happy to have found your blog and instructions on how to complete this whitewash. Yours came out stunning. I had a question on your technique of whitewashing over orange/rust stones. Did you go heavier on the paint on those stones or are you applying evenly over all? I too have several natural stones in that orange color that I hate. The rest of the stones are a mix of grays and tans. Also, are you doing the grout the same way with the dip apply and then dry brush? Does it matte on the kind of brushes? Thanks in advance. I can’t wait to do this in hopes it comes out as beautiful as yours! Thanks in advance.
I kept pressure the same. There is still a variation in the stone which o really enjoy. I did not want to loose that. It still looks like natural stone.
I want to do this to my Sandstone fireplace in white and gray but I’m chicken. You inspired me to try. Should it be primed first? Home Depit says yes or it will eventually chip.
I did not prime mine as it would take away any texture. If you paint yes but whitewash absorbs into the stone it doesn’t sit on top.
Hi! I too am chicken little but want the same exact look. Your fireplace is beautiful! Mine doesn’t go to the ceiling and my mantle is stone as well so I’m guessing I’ll whitewash it as well.
Did you go from floor up or start at the top and work down?
Thanks ahead:)
I worked from the bottom up. Just keep the whitewash light. Practice on a piece of stone if you’re nervous.
Good luck.
Karan
One more quick question. I sent my mom to get paint and she came back with the HGTV brand “Snow White” buts it’s a paint and primer combo. Should I exchange for just paint. No primer??
TY so much! I’ll post pics:)
Behr is paint non primer In one so you should be fine.
Best article of ‘how to’ I’ve come across! Thank you for this! I FINALLY feel confident enough to white wash my fireplace stone. And I’m going to put shelves on either side which I’ve never thought of until I saw you photos. I have a great dark background color to use already. Thank you again!!
Thank you! I’m excited for you. Please share some pictures.
Karan
Thank you for the inspiration, yours looks great!
I had similar stone and ended up doing a 75% water 25% paint mix and had to spray the stone with a water bottle right before I painted each one. I did use the wet paint brush/dry brush as well. It took a few practice stones to get my groove down, but once I figured out the flow and completed it, I think it looks amazing!!
That is awesome!! You’ll have to share some pictures!
Hi Karen
Great job, love it and can’t wait to try this myself!
Just out of curiosity what kind of floors are the ones in the photo?
We hv to replace all our flooring and I like the color of yours.
Thanks! Bobbi
You’ll have to share photos!
These are hickory we finished them in Jacob bean from minwax.
Hi. What did you clean the stone with before you painted. BTW. It’s beautiful- Jeanine
Thank you. I simply cavilled it and wiped it down with water and dish soap.
Thank you for showing the process. I’m inspired to redo our fireplace to brighten up the room.
Can’t wait to see what you do.
Karan
Where did you purchase your mantel?
It is from the Amish lumber mill but was existing when we bought the house. We just sanded it down.
Hi! The third step is to blend it with a dry brush. Is that a separate brush from which you applied the whitewash? Thank you.
It just means that I wiped most of the whitewash off.
Love it! Going to be doing this on my own! Thanks for the tutorial!
Send me some pics!! Have fun.
I’m getting ready to white my rock fireplace that is di I just darker.
Did you also apply paint to the grouted area.
I whitewashed those as well.
Hi! We are wanting to do this to our Bedford stone fireplace. It seems very powdery and I am worried the paint will flake off. Any tips?
This recipe is actually quite watery. Mine is two years and still looks amazing!!
Looks beautiful. Did you prime the stone at all before applying the white wash?
Just cleaned and vacuumed.
I’m going to try this. Does the paint you mix with water need to be high heat safe?
For the stone no but if doing inside of fireplace yes.
Let me know how it goes.
What sheen if paint did you use?
Eggshell
It appears you also painted the larger stone pieces (where someone would sit). Did it give them a chalky texture? Probably a silly question… just wondering if it would come off on someone’s pants if they sit there. And you didn’t seal the stones after white washing, correct? Maybe I missed that. It looks wonderful!!
I whitewashed them as well. It is t chalky at all. A nice finish. No need to deal as you want the stone to still breath.
My sister did this to her stone fireplace and it came out like showroom beautiful. I have a cocktail table. The top I believe is a stone mixed with resin. Can I whitewash this. What are your instructions?
Thanks,
Paula
Absolutely. I’d do the same as the fireplace e and then seal.
How long did your fireplace take to whitewash? Did you have help?
About a day and I did the whitewashing myself.
How do you prepare tHe rock before you whitewash it? Our fire place is really old & feels like there’s a waxy coating on the rocks. Previous owner said it was all natural but just feels coated. They also used a mauveish colored grout & wash over the entire fireplace. Help
Use a cleaner and brush, let dry and then vacuum it.
Karan
Is it ok to use latex primer for this?
It will pull more grey and will not cover as well.
I want a really light white wash and afraid i won’t be able to dap enough off evenly, and was wondering if i can do less paint to water ratio? Like 75% water 25% paint and baby step into it?
You may not get the coverage you want but it doesn’t hurt to try a small sample.
Do you have a video ?
Check out my Instagram highlights http://www.Instagram.com/designsbykaran
Hi Karan,
I have been searching for months and came across your project from 2 years ago! You explain it best and even after reading everything I still have one question that no one has asked. I have a manufactured stone fireplace with concrete. Will this process work since it’s not natural. I am assuming it should, but wondering if anyone else has done this. My home was built in 2000.
Thank you.
It absolutely should! Try a small sample first but I have had luck on this type of stone!
Hi!
What did you do about the grout area? My grout is grey.
I white washed it as well.
Love this. My question: I have chalk white paint and white latex. Not sure if I mix the two and water for whitewash look. I’ve been reading to use chalk and latex.
I used reg latex.
Hi! Love this idea.
I have faux stone around my fireplace. Di I white wash the grey mortar too?
Thanks for your help.
Mwcasper13@gmail.com
What did you paint the grout with?
I whitewashed it as well.
Love your fireplace makeover. A couple questions. First did you clean it before if yes with what? My stone is very similar to yours with the orange. I like that it’s not all white! It has gray warm tones. Did you just get that look exactly how you said? Asking cus I have seen similar and it’s more white. Also just so I am clear. Dip in paint, dab off on towel, paint on stone. Here is where I’m confused. Then what? Dab off again and no paint and brush on again? Again it’s gorgeous!
Thank you!
Make sure you’re using the whitewash not just paint. Dip brush dab Brush and wipe off stone.
I vacuumed ours.
Thank you for the instructions! I too have been eyeing up my stone fireplace and it’s very similar to yours. Would you recommend cleaning the stone first?
We vacuumed ours just to get rid of any dust. Let me know how it goes.
Excellent instructions and photos Karen.
I did this using your method to tone down on yellow and orange tones in our stones. This keep the brown, warm tones that I love without complete “white out” look.
Thanks for sharing! Keep designing, sharing and shining! Cheers!
Oh that is so wonderful Robin!! We are so happy with how this came out and I’m so glad you got the results you wanted!
How did you prepare the rock before painting on white?
I just vacuumed it.
So, after white washing your rock, did you put a coat of anything on top of the white wash?
White wash does not require a top coat.
So, after white washing your rock, did you put a clear coat on top of the white wash to protect the new white wash?
Nothing is needed.
I am getting ready to use this technique to whitewash my stone fireplace!! Wish me well!!
You’ve got this!! Please share pics.
Thanks so much for this post Karan!
I’m going to do this project this weekend – I’ll share pics when I’m done.
Please do!!
I was wondering what paint you used ? Flat satin semi gloss, did you seal the stone after particularly the hearth. I was so glad to find your project as we have the exact fireplace and ceiling. My hubs couldnt invision the ceiling so he has finally agreed after seeing your before and after!
Hi Rochelle, I didn’t seal it at all and it looks the same today as when I did it two years ago. We are extremely happy with it. I used flat as it is what I had on hand. So glad this helped.
Whitewashing a fireplace is a challenging project. I don’t know why or who has termed it this way – but trust me, it’s not an effortless project or process to figure out.
I didn’t find this process difficult and have been extremely happy with the results
I’m so glad to what that.
I just started and the orange is looking pink. Would you re immediately second coating the darker stones?
I would wait to see how it all looks done. Then apply a second coat if you don’t like the look. I like this because colour still shows through. It still looks like rock not painted.
I finished the project and it looks amazing!! I wish I could post a pic but I don’t see that option. Thanks for giving me the courage!
Have you had any issues with paint rubbing off or scratching in places like the bench area?
I haven’t it has held up very well. This was supposed to be a short term fix but almost three years later we are still enjoying it.
I love this Karan! The colors are almost exactly what I am up against with the stone work on ours. You stated the color you used, but am I to assume you used flat finish?
Lezlie
It was eggshell that I had on hand. Either would work. Can’t wait to see what you do.
Hi Karen.
Love your design so much so that I am doing my fireplace following your directions. I’m running into a problem and I’m hoping you can help me as I am stuck. I bought valspar wooly White which has a warm cream or beige tone but still very white. It looks Gray. So I tried kilz. It still looks grey. What do I do?
I used cloud white which has a warm yellow base. It may be the cooler tint of your paint.
Did you paint the grout or just the stone?
I did. I whitewashed everything.
I am so happy this helped!!
Hi Kara,
I am ready to do this! Want to tackle the mantle first. just used Citrel and will lightly sand. I am curious how you applied the black wax to get that look? It’s beautiful! Rocks will be next-
I applied it with a rag and rubbed it on so I could control the amount. The beams have aged beautifully and look very natural.