Do-It-Yourself Ideas for Updating a 1970s Stone Fireplace

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Fireplace makeover methods to fuel your imagination
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Does your home have a dated stone fireplace that doesn’t suit your style? Don't give up hope! We've compiled a list of a dozen DIY techniques to turn that ugly eyesore into a fabulous focal point. If you’re tired of living with that ’70s vibe, try one of these clever ideas to transform your fireplace from groovy to gorgeous!

Things You Should Know

  • Easily redo a stone fireplace with masonry paint , whitewash, or a “German smear” mortar wash.
  • Disguise a shabby stone fireplace with shiplap, tile, stone veneer , or cement.
  • Modernize a fireplace by staining or painting the mantel.
  • Add interest to a mantel with decorative brackets , or build a new mantel box.
1

Brighten up the stone with whitewash.

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    In a bucket, stir a 1:1 mixture of flat latex paint and water. Working in small areas, brush on the whitewash , then immediately wipe off with a rag. [1] The result: a dreamy fireplace that works well with any color palette.
    • A damp rag produces a smooth finish, while a dry rag leaves a more textured appearance. [2]
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2

Paint your fireplace a solid color.

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    [3] Use a brush on the grout and a fluffy roller to paint the stone. [4] Nobody will know there’s brown or beige rock lurking beneath your pretty paint job.
    • Interior masonry paint is formulated to bond with rough, uneven surfaces and doesn’t usually need a primer. [5]
    • White is a popular color choice because it makes the room feel bright and airy.
    • Black fireplaces are trending as a choice for modern, sophisticated homes.
    • Make a bold statement with an eclectic shade of blue or yellow.
3

Texture your fireplace with a mortar wash.

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    In a bucket, combine water with white mortar that’s formulated for wall tile. [6] This is about consistency rather than exact measurements; for a highly-textured finish, make a mixture the thickness of peanut butter. For less texture, aim for the consistency of pudding.
    • Pudding-consistency mortar is applied with a paintbrush. Smear on thicker mortar with a grout sponge . [7]
    • This technique is also referred to as “German smear” or “German schmear.”
    • There isn’t a right or wrong way to do this, it’s just a matter of experimenting until you’re happy with the look. Say bye-bye to your Brady Bunch fireplace!
    • If the finish appears grayer than you expected, don’t panic. [8] It takes 20-45 minutes for the mortar wash to fully dry and reach a bright shade of white. [9]
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4

Update metal accents with spray paint.

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    It’s important to use a high-heat spray paint that can withstand extreme temperatures. After applying 2 thin coats , your fireplace will look more stylish and current. [10]
    • Protect surfaces from paint mist. Cover all areas within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the firebox using plastic drop cloths and painter’s tape. Black spray paint looks fantastic on fireplaces, but not so great on carpet! [11]
    • Ventilate the room. To minimize fumes, open the doors and windows before you begin painting. Use a fan to circulate the air. [12]
5

Frame your fireplace with shiplap.

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    Build a frame around the original fireplace using 2 by 4 ft (0.61 by 1.22 m) wood boards. [13] Attach cement backer board to the area around the firebox opening, making a 6 in (15 cm) non-combustible border. Then, cover the rest of the frame by hanging shiplap planks . Install tile on the backer board.
    • Research current fire safety codes before beginning this project. [14] It's important to keep combustible materials 6 inches (15.24 cm) away from the firebox.
    • Framing a new surround is a smart way to conceal an unsightly fireplace without the hassle and mess of removing the stone. [15]
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6

Renovate with stone veneer.

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    For this project, build a wood frame around your fireplace and cover it with cement backer board, leaving an opening for the firebox. [16] Next, adhere the stone veneer to the backer board with mortar. [17]
    • Identify fire safety codes and regulations before starting this project. [18] Combustible materials should be at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) away from the firebox.
    • For a crisp, contemporary look, select a white marble veneer .
    • A charcoal gray stacked-stone veneer works well in an industrial-styled space.
7

Glam up your fireplace with tile.

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    After making a wood frame with cement backer board, adhere wall tile using thin-set mortar that’s formulated for wall applications. [19] Add grout the following day. Allow the tile to cure for 2-3 days before using the fireplace. [20]
    • If the tile doesn’t have a mesh backing, use spacers between the tiles.
    • For a whimsical vibe, choose colorful tiles with hand-painted designs.
    • If you’re aiming for elegance, consider a mosaic tile in a herringbone pattern.
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8

Modernize the fireplace with concrete.

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    Build a wood frame and attach cement backer board. [21] Use a concrete trowel to apply a skim coat such as FeatherFinish . [22] Let the skim coat dry overnight, then sand lightly to smooth out any bumps. [23]
9

Stain your mantel.

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    Maybe you wish your wood mantel were a little darker. Or a bit lighter. Good news, you can redo it yourself! For an amazing upgrade, use a product like CitriStrip gel to remove the old finish. Apply wood stain and varnish for a fresh style. [25]
    • Wear gloves and ventilate the room while using stripping products, wood stain, or varnish.
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10

Install decorative mantel brackets or corbels.

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    Ornate wooden corbels add a touch of elegance when attached to the underside of a floating mantel. [26] For a more rustic look, install black iron brackets .
11

Build a mantel cover.

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    no demo needed! Construct a wooden box the same length and depth as your current mantel, but don’t add a back to the box. Stain and varnish the wood , then slide the box over your old mantel to hide it. [27]
    • Depending on the design of your fireplace surround, you may need to notch the bottom panel of the box to fit over your mantel.
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12

Paint your mantel.

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    For the most durable results, use an enamel-based paint . [28] Apply it with a brush to get into the nooks and crannies, then follow up with a foam roller for a smooth finish.
    • Classic black is a solid choice, but you might choose to add rich color to your space with an unexpected hue like terracotta or indigo.

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      Tips

      • While it’s possible to remove the stone using a hammer and chisel, it requires a lot of effort and makes a huge mess. [29] Unfortunately, the mortared substrate would probably need to be cut out and replaced as well. [30]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21124733/how-to-whitewash-brick-with-paint
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/77NR7gKtY_0?t=188
      3. ↑ https://www.yourhomestyle.uk/diy/what-is-masonry-paint-and-how-is-it-used/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/byMI2Yj1f1A?t=186
      5. ↑ https://www.yourhomestyle.uk/diy/what-is-masonry-paint-and-how-is-it-used/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/hYNpA4yKZ7w?t=125
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/german-smear/
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/hYNpA4yKZ7w?t=434
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/german-smear/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/B2V8j9j6Dfg?t=244
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/B2V8j9j6Dfg?t=103
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/B2V8j9j6Dfg?t=182
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/w4jL3hDVRfs?t=90
      5. ↑ https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018P5/chapter-10-chimneys-and-fireplaces
      6. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/realestate/that-ugly-fireplace-isnt-as-bad-as-you-think.html
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ubex0H4Cbsg?t=45
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/f9UN9ET165A?t=220
      9. ↑ https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018P5/chapter-10-chimneys-and-fireplaces
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmkhOXv8_-U
      11. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/house-one/21244515/tile-a-fireplace
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/8tEg6zSth6U?t=293
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/6mhsDVUrVkQ?t=274
      14. ↑ https://youtu.be/6mhsDVUrVkQ?t=314
      15. ↑ https://youtu.be/6mhsDVUrVkQ?t=150
      16. ↑ https://youtu.be/zN8gul3zqbI?t=32
      17. ↑ https://youtu.be/h5Cda3CLO4U?t=181
      18. ↑ https://youtu.be/SmUzePAvONw?t=79
      19. ↑ https://youtu.be/KnhbPrqWNTk?t=352
      20. ↑ https://youtu.be/Uv0-lNe08Ds?t=105
      21. ↑ https://youtu.be/_jQ7jBGr1I4?t=172
      22. ↑ https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018P5/chapter-10-chimneys-and-fireplaces

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