How to Use Fireplace Paint For Fire Surrounds

Fireplace Paint: How To use Tikkurila Muuri Heat Resistant Paint for Fireplaces

Are you tired of your fireplace looking outdated or worn out? Learn how to use fireplace paint and get started painting your fire surround, with Rawlins.

Whether it’s a relic from the 1980s or simply hasn’t been updated in years, your fireplace might not match the style of your room anymore. Fireplaces are often the centre of attention, yet they can also become an eyesore if neglected.

Pubs, restaurants, cafés, and even old libraries often feature fireplaces. They add warmth and character to these spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere. However, these fireplaces also need care. A fresh coat of heat resistant paint can breathe new life into the area. Using a product like Tikkurila Muuri not only enhances the look but ensures safety and durability around heat sources.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to transform your fireplace with specialist heat resistant paints. You’ll learn how to apply the paint, what surfaces it works best on, and why it’s crucial to choose the right product. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to give your fireplace the upgrade it deserves.

Important

Before we get started, we must stress that heat-resistant paints at Rawlins are not designed for contact with flames, or for painting the fire or stove themselves.

The product we will discuss in this article is designed for use on areas near to a fire that may increase in temperature when the fire is in use – such as surrounding walls, back panels, hearths, mantels, etc. It is important to understand that any surface to be painted must be capable of safely withstanding the temperature it will get up to with the fire in use on its own.

The paint product offered here will not provide any increase in protection or resistance to the surfaces they are applied to. They simply provide a decorative finish that can withstand high temperatures that normal paints would not be able to tolerate. Using a normal paint to decorate these kinds of areas is not recommended as it can result in discolouration, failure by flaking/peeling/blistering, odours being omitted, and potentially creating a fire hazard.

Fireplace paints should not be used on areas in direct contact with flames or be used on any parts of the fire/stove itself. If you are looking for something to paint the outside of your log burner, chimney flue, or other metal surface that gets hot (but not in direct contact with flames), see instead Heat Resistant Paints for metal.

Now, on with the post!

 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Fireplace Paint

Fireplaces and stoves are not like other areas of your home. The heat they generate can cause ordinary paints to peel, crack, and discolour. If you use regular paint around your fireplace, it won’t last. Worse still, it could release harmful fumes when exposed to heat. This is where heat resistant paint for fireplaces like Tikkurila Muuri comes in.

Heat resistant paint for fireplaces is specially formulated to withstand the high temperatures generated by stoves and fireplaces. Tikkurila Muuri, for example, is resistant to temperatures up to 300°C in white and and 180°C for its 8 tinted shades​. It adds colour and can easily handle the conditions around your fireplace without degrading.

Using a quality heat-resistant paint also ensures that your fireplace will continue to look fresh for years to come. Not only will it resist cracking and peeling, but it will also maintain its colour under intense heat. Tikkurila Muuri offers a beautiful full-matt finish, so your fireplace can be both functional and stylish.

 

Why Fireplaces Start to Look Dated

Fireplaces from past decades, particularly from the 1980s, often reflect the styles of their time. Brick fireplaces, for example, were incredibly popular. However, many of these designs now look outdated in modern interiors. The rough textures and orange tones associated with these older fireplaces can clash with contemporary décor. This is especially true in homes that have undergone modern renovations.

It’s not just homes that face this issue. Businesses such as pubs, restaurants, and cafés, often feature large, eye-catching fireplaces. These fireplaces are essential to the ambiance of the space, creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere for customers. Yet, when these fireplaces begin to look old and worn, they can negatively affect the overall aesthetic. An outdated fireplace can turn what should be a warm and welcoming environment into a space that feels neglected.

Similarly, vintage hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and even old libraries often rely on fireplaces to add character and charm. Yet, maintaining that charm requires some upkeep. One of the easiest and cost-effective ways to refresh these spaces is with a lick of fireplace paint. With the right product, you can transform your fireplace from a tired feature into the centrepiece of the room.

 

Why Use Tikkurila Muuri Fireplace Paint?

Tikkurila Muuri is not just any fireplace paint – it’s specifically designed for high-temperature surfaces. Whether you’re painting a fireplace or a wall surrounding a wood-burning stove, Tikkurila Muuri ensures long-lasting protection and an attractive finish. But what makes this paint stand out from the crowd?

Heat Resistance

One of the key features of Muuri is its heat resistance. White Muuri can withstand temperatures up to 300°C, while its tinted colours are resistant up to 180°C​. This makes it perfect for the intense heat radiated by fireplaces and stoves.

Matt Finish

Tikkurila Muuri has a full-matt finish, which gives it a smooth and modern look. This matt effect is perfect for those who want a sleek, non-reflective surface around their fireplace.

Variety of Surfaces

Tikkurila Muuri can be used on a range of surfaces, including concrete, lime plaster, cement plaster, sand, lime, brick, and mineral board surfaces​. Whether you’re working with a new plastered wall or an old brick fireplace, this paint will work beautifully.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting with Tikkurila Muuri

Now that you know why Tikkurila Muuri is the best choice for your fireplace, let’s walk through the application process. It’s important to follow each step carefully to achieve the best results.

Equipment Checklist:

Paint Materials:

• Surface cleaner
• Filler
• Fireplace Paint

Application Tools:

• Paint brush

Safety Equipment and PPE:

• Disposable coveralls
• Disposable gloves
• Rags and coverings for furniture, floors

 

Surface Preparation:

• Start by cleaning the surface. It must be dry, solid, and free from dust or grease. If you’re working with a new concrete or plaster surface, ensure that it is fully cured and hardened.
• If the surface has been painted before, remove any flaking paint. For stubborn grime, use a cleaner to ensure the surface is spotless​.

Priming:

• Apply a priming coat of Tikkurila Muuri. You can dilute the paint with water – up to 10% – to make the application smoother. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
• Let the primer dry for at least 12 hours before moving to the next step.

Finishing Coat:

• Once the primer has set, it’s time to apply the finishing coat. Use a brush, lime paint chipper, or T4 brush depending on the texture you want to achieve. Tikkurila Muuri’s full-matt finish will help ensure a flawless result.
• Be sure to cover any areas you don’t want painted, such as windows or metal surfaces, with protective sheets​.

Final Curing:

• Tikkurila Muuri requires about two weeks to fully cure before you can use the fireplace. This allows the paint to develop its full heat-resistant properties​.

 

The Benefits of Heat Resistant Paint for Fireplaces

Using heat resistant paint is a must for painting a fire surround. Standard paints can’t handle the high temperatures, leading to unsightly peeling and potential health risks. With Tikkurila Muuri Fireplace Paint, you get a paint that’s not only safe for use around fireplaces, but also offers several other benefits.

Durability

Heat-resistant paints like Tikkurila Muuri are designed to withstand the thermal expansion and contraction that occurs in fireplaces. Regular paints can’t cope with these changes, which is why they often crack or peel. Muuri stays intact and maintains its finish.

Safety

Safety is one of the top reasons to choose heat-resistant paint. Ordinary paints can release harmful fumes when exposed to high temperatures. Tikkurila Muuri, however, is designed to resist these conditions, making it a safer option for homes and businesses alike.

Aesthetic Appeal

Tikkurila Muuri is available in a range of neutral colours. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek modern grey, a bold white, or a more traditional cream, there’s a shade to suit your décor. This gives you the flexibility to match your fireplace to your room’s style without sacrificing functionality.

 

Common Questions About Painting Fireplaces

What causes heat resistant paint in a fireplace to peel?

Peeling paint around a fireplace usually occurs when the surface wasn’t properly prepared. Dirt, dust, or grease can prevent the paint from adhering correctly. High temperatures can also cause peeling if the paint isn’t rated for the heat generated by the fireplace. Using a high-quality heat resistant paint like Tikkurila Muuri, which withstands up to 300°C, can help prevent this issue.

Do you need heat resistant paint for a fireplace?

Yes. Fireplaces generate high temperatures that standard wall paint can’t handle. Heat resistant paint for fireplaces ensures that the paint won’t crack, peel, or emit harmful fumes when exposed to heat.

Can I use normal paint behind a wood-burning stove?

No. Regular paint is not designed to withstand the high heat generated by stoves and fireplaces. Using standard paint in these areas can lead to peeling and can be unsafe. Always use a heat-resistant paint like Tikkurila Muuri for these surfaces.

 

Conclusion

Painting the walls around your fireplace or stove can significantly enhance your room’s look. But choosing the right paint is crucial. Tikkurila Muuri Fireplace Paint offers the durability, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal you need to transform your fireplace safely and effectively.

Ready to give your fireplace a new look? Follow the steps above, and you’ll enjoy a beautifully restored fireplace that will remain a focal point for years to come. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Our technical experts are happy to help!

Posted: 29th October 2015 | Updated: 14th October 2024