Comparison: Best Paint For Fireplace (Updated | Dec 16th)
Choosing the perfect paint for your fireplace can feel overwhelming, but it’s the secret to transforming your entire living space. The right finish not only enhances your hearth’s beauty but also withstands intense heat without cracking or yellowing. Whether you’re aiming for a dramatic matte black or a timeless classic white, we’ve done the research to save you the headache.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for premium hi-temp: Rutland – 81V Premium 1400 Degree F Hi-Temp Brush-On Paint
- Best for versatile stove paint: Rutland Products
- Best for satin fireplace finish: Stove Bright Fireplace Satin Black Paint – High Temp Satin Black Spray Paint
- Best for rust-resistant enamel: Rust-Oleum 7778730 High Heat Brush Protective Enamel Paint
- Best for brick whitewash: Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint for Brick and Fireplaces- 16 oz Pint
- Best for extreme heat shield: Rust-Oleum 248903 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint
- Best for peelable soot remover: CHIMNEYRX 300467 Paint N Peel Fireplace Cleaner – Removes Smoke & Soot Stains from Brick
- Best for satin bbq finish: Rust-Oleum 7778830 High Heat Enamel Spray Paint
- Best for matte heat guard: NADAMOO High Heat Spray Paint for Metal
- Best for convenient hi-temp spray: Rutland Products 80 Hi-Temp Spray Paint
Product Comparison: Best Paint For Fireplace
Premium Hi-Temp
Rutland – 81V Premium 1400 Degree F Hi-Temp Brush-On Paint, 16 fl oz, Black
RUTLAND PRODUCTS
Rutland 81V Premium Hi-Temp Paint is a specialized coating designed for high-temperature applications like fireplaces, wood stoves, and barbecue grills. This 16 fl oz flat black paint can withstand temperatures up to 1400°F, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Its formula contains no harmful chemicals like lead, fluorocarbons, or vinyl chloride, ensuring safer application. The paint requires no primer and offers excellent weather and heat resistance with one year of UV protection after application. While heat curing isn’t required, it enhances durability. This California-approved product provides a long-lasting finish that maintains its appearance even under extreme heat conditions.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Withstands extreme heat
- No primer required
- Eco-friendly formula
- Weather-resistant finish
- Works on multiple surfaces
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Requires proper ventilation
- May need multiple coats
Versatile Stove Paint
Rutland Products, Black Rutland 1200-Degree F Brush-On Flat Stove Paint, 16 Fluid Ounce, Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
RUTLAND PRODUCTS
Rutland Products Black Stove Paint is a high-temperature, flat black coating designed to withstand extreme heat up to 1200°F. This versatile brush-on paint adheres to multiple surfaces including steel, cast iron, aluminum, and brick without requiring a primer. Perfect for restoring the appearance of old fireplaces, stoves, grills, and chimney caps, it provides a durable finish that won’t peel or flake under extreme conditions. The 16-ounce container offers ample coverage for most fireplace projects, delivering a professional-looking matte black finish that complements any decor. Its formulation creates a protective barrier against rust and corrosion while maintaining its color even after repeated heating cycles.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Withstands 1200°F temperatures
- No primer required
- Adheres to multiple surfaces
- Durable long-lasting finish
- Restores worn fireplace appearance
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited to black color
- Requires proper ventilation
- Multiple coats needed
- Extended curing time
Satin Fireplace Finish
Stove Bright Fireplace Satin Black Paint – High Temp Satin Black Spray Paint, Withstands up to 1200° F, Quick Drying, Retains Color, Easy Application
Chimney Plus
Stove Bright Fireplace Satin Black Paint by Chimney Plus is the ultimate solution for refreshing your fireplace or wood stove. This high-temperature spray paint withstands heat up to 1200°F, making it perfect for both interior and exterior fireplace applications. The satin black finish provides a smooth, elegant look that resists peeling and blistering. Its fast-drying formula ensures quick project completion, while the easy-to-use spray can allows for even coverage on various surfaces including metal, brick, and stone. Ideal for restoring worn fireplaces or updating your home’s focal point with a durable, professional finish.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Extreme heat resistance
- Durable satin finish
- Quick drying formula
- Easy spray application
- Versatile surface use
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Requires proper ventilation
- Multiple coats needed
Rust-Resistant Enamel
Rust-Oleum 7778730 High Heat Brush Protective Enamel Paint, Half Pint, Flat BBQ Black
Rust-Oleum
Rust-Oleum 7778730 High Heat Brush Protective Enamel Paint is a specialized solution for refreshing high-temperature surfaces. This oil-based formula is perfect for fireplace surrounds, BBQ grills, wood-burning stoves, and radiators. With exceptional heat resistance up to 1200°F, it creates a durable barrier against rust and corrosion while maintaining its rich BBQ black color even after repeated heating cycles. The flat finish provides a subtle, professional appearance that complements various decor styles. Each half pint covers 20-40 square feet and dries to touch in just 2-4 hours, making fireplace renovations quick and efficient. For best results, apply to properly prepared metal surfaces for a long-lasting, heat-resistant finish that will maintain its appearance through countless cozy fires.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional heat resistance
- Durable rust protection
- Excellent color retention
- Quick drying time
- Versatile for multiple surfaces
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Requires proper surface prep
- Strong odor during application
Brick Whitewash
Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint for Brick and Fireplaces- 16 oz Pint
Giani
Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint offers a simple solution for updating dated brick fireplaces without costly renovations. This water-based acrylic formula creates a beautiful, breathable whitewashed finish that allows brick texture to show through. The 16 oz pint covers approximately 100 square feet of brick surface when properly diluted at a 1:2 ratio with water. With its low odor and low VOC formulation, it’s safe for indoor use and dries completely in just five hours. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts looking to brighten their living space, this paint transforms dark, outdated brick into a fresh, modern focal point that complements various decor styles from farmhouse to contemporary.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Easy application process
- Low odor and VOCs
- Preserves brick texture
- Quick 5-hour transformation
- Covers large area
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires dilution
- Limited color options
- May need multiple coats
Extreme Heat Shield
Rust-Oleum 248903 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint, 12 oz, Flat Black
Rust-Oleum
Rust-Oleum 248903 Automotive High Heat Spray Paint is the perfect solution for giving your fireplace a durable, professional-looking finish. This high-performance paint is specially formulated to withstand temperatures up to 2000°F, making it ideal for fireplace surrounds, mantels, and hearths. The Stops Rust formula provides exceptional protection against corrosion, grease, and other household solvents. Application is quick and easy, with the paint drying to touch in just 30 minutes and covering up to 10 square feet per can. The flat black finish creates a smooth, modern look that complements any decor style while providing long-lasting protection against the intense heat generated by your fireplace.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Withstands extreme heat
- Stops Rust formula
- Quick drying time
- Smooth flat finish
- Easy spray application
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Requires ventilation
- Multiple coats needed
Peelable Soot Remover
CHIMNEYRX 300467 Paint N Peel Fireplace Cleaner – Removes Smoke & Soot Stains from Brick, Tile, & Stone Surfaces Around Fireplace Fronts & Hearths – Water-Based, & Easy Peel-Off, 1/2 Gallon
CHIMNEYRX
CHIMNEYRX Paint N Peel Fireplace Cleaner offers a revolutionary solution for removing stubborn smoke and soot stains from fireplace surfaces. This innovative product works by forming a thick rubbery film that lifts away years of buildup without any scrubbing. The non-toxic, water-based formula is safe for use on brick, stone, and tile surfaces without risk of etching or discoloration. Application is straightforward: simply apply a liberal coat, wait 24-48 hours for it to dry, then peel away to reveal a beautifully restored fireplace. Each half-gallon container covers 10-20 square feet, making it ideal for standard fireplace fronts and hearths.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- No scrubbing required
- Non-toxic formula
- Works on multiple surfaces
- Removes stubborn stains
- Easy peel-off application
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Long drying time
- Limited coverage area
Satin BBQ Finish
Rust-Oleum 7778830 High Heat Enamel Spray Paint, Bar-B-Que Black, 12-Ounce
Rust-Oleum
Rust-Oleum 7778830 High Heat Enamel Spray Paint in Bar-B-Que Black is the ultimate solution for refreshing your fireplace and other high-temperature surfaces. This oil-based formula is specially designed to withstand temperatures up to 1000°F, making it perfect for wood-burning stoves, radiators, and fireplace surrounds. The 12-ounce can covers approximately 7-8 square feet with a rich satin finish that resists rust, corrosion, and chipping. What sets this paint apart is its excellent color retention even after repeated heating cycles. Best of all, no primer is required, saving you time and effort during application. The paint dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, allowing for quick project completion.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Withstands extreme heat
- No primer needed
- Durable satin finish
- Excellent rust protection
- Quick drying time
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited coverage area
- Requires ventilation
- Black color only
Matte Heat Guard
NADAMOO High Heat Spray Paint for Metal, Matte Finish BBQ & Stove Aerosol Paint – High Temperature Resistant Up to 1200°F,1 Can, Black
NADAMOO
NADAMOO High Heat Spray Paint is a specialized coating designed for high-temperature applications around your home. This matte black aerosol paint offers exceptional heat resistance up to 1200°F, making it perfect for fireplace surrounds, stove pipes, BBQ grills, and automotive exhaust systems. The silicone polymer resin with aluminum pigments creates a durable barrier that prevents rust and corrosion while maintaining its appearance under extreme conditions. The convenient spray application ensures even coverage without brush marks, making it ideal for DIY projects. With coverage of 10-12 sq.ft. per can, this versatile paint adheres to steel, cast iron, aluminum, brick, and most other metal surfaces, providing long-lasting protection for your high-heat applications.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Withstands extreme temperatures
- Prevents rust effectively
- Easy spray application
- Versatile for multiple surfaces
- Durable matte finish
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited coverage per can
- Not for direct flame contact
- Requires proper surface preparation
Convenient Hi-Temp Spray
Rutland Products 80 Hi-Temp Spray Paint, Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Black, 12
RUTLAND PRODUCTS
Rutland Products 80 Hi-Temp Spray Paint is the ultimate solution for restoring and protecting your fireplace and other high-temperature appliances. This specialized paint can withstand temperatures up to 1200°F, making it perfect for fireplaces, wood stoves, grills, and chimney caps. The flat black finish provides a classic, elegant look that complements any decor. What sets this product apart is its versatility – it adheres to steel, cast iron, aluminum, brick, and most other metals without requiring a primer. The easy-to-use spray application ensures even coverage and professional-looking results. Whether you’re refurbishing an old fireplace or completing a new project, this durable paint will maintain its color and finish despite extreme heat exposure.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Withstands 1200°F heat
- No primer required
- Adheres to multiple surfaces
- Easy spray application
- Durable flat black finish
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Requires proper ventilation
- May need multiple coats
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What type of paint is best for a brick fireplace?
For brick, a high-heat latex paint is the most common and user-friendly choice. It’s durable, breathable, and easier to apply than oil-based alternatives. For areas directly exposed to flames inside a firebox, you must use a specialized high-temperature stove paint.
Do I need special paint for the inside of my fireplace?
Yes, absolutely. The interior of the firebox requires a paint specifically formulated to withstand extreme temperatures, typically rated for 1200°F or higher. Using standard interior paint will release toxic fumes and peel off almost immediately.
How do I choose between a matte, satin, or gloss finish?
The finish depends on your desired aesthetic and maintenance level. Matte or flat finishes hide imperfections well but are harder to clean, while satin or semi-gloss are more durable and easier to wipe down, making them better for high-traffic homes.
What is the most important step before painting?
Thorough cleaning and priming are the most critical steps for a long-lasting finish. You must remove all soot, dust, and grease with a wire brush and a strong cleaner. A quality, heat-resistant primer will ensure the paint adheres properly to the brick or metal surface.
How does heat-resistant paint differ from regular interior paint?
Heat-resistant paint contains special resins and pigments that can withstand high temperatures without discoloring, peeling, or releasing harmful fumes. Regular interior paint is not designed for this and will fail quickly, posing a safety hazard near a heat source.
Is it worth it to buy a more expensive brand of fireplace paint?
Often, yes. Premium brands typically offer better durability, superior color retention, and a more consistent finish. Cheaper options may require more coats and are more likely to fail prematurely, costing you more time and effort in the long run.
Can I paint over a previously painted fireplace?
Yes, but proper preparation is key. You’ll need to scuff sand the existing paint to create a surface for the new primer to grip, then clean away all dust. Using a high-quality bonding primer will help the new topcoat adhere securely to the old one.