If you have a brick fireplace that is showing it's age and wear - you can freshed and transform the area with a little paint. Here's some easy steps to a fresher looking feature.

1. Clean the outside of your fireplace and remove loose, flaky particles of mortar/brick. A wirebrush and vacuum will make the job easiest.
2. Tape off the mantel, walls and floor surrounding the fireplace. And don't forget to cover any nearby carpet.
3. Fill cracks or small holes with latex caulk. Use a natural bristly brush to apply a stain-inhibiting primer. This prevents dark colors and stains from showing through.
4. Apply two coats of paint. On rough brick, you will need to press the paint into the grooves.
5. If you paint the hearth, you will need to use a heat resident paint (latex paint is fine for the rest).
6. Stand back and admire the new focal point in your room.

Alice and Jim Hayes are Licensed Realtors with Loveless Realty in Libby, MT. Please call us at 406/293-8364 or 293-1926 or visit our 24-hour open house at www.alicehayes.com