Customize an electric fireplace to suit your style with this step-by-step guide on how to paint an electric fireplace.
After reading countless articles praising chalk-style paints, I finally tackled a larger project. I’ve tried small projects with homemade and commercial chalk paints, but this electric fireplace was the first substantial piece I painted using a clay-based chalk-type paint developed in Canada.
I used Cottage Paint in the Cloudy Sky color, a clay-based paint that offers an affordable alternative to some other chalk-style brands. I sourced it locally and put it to the test on this curbside find, and the results were rewarding.
Cottage Paint is clay-based and tends to cover well on wood when properly prepared. For anyone considering a similar makeover, this guide walks through the essential supplies, preparation, painting, and sealing steps to transform an electric fireplace into a fresh focal point.
3 Easy Steps to a Beautifully Painted Electric Fireplace
This short guide covers preparation, painting, and sealing so you can achieve a professional-looking finish without overcomplicating the process.
Supplies Needed to Paint an Electric Fireplace:
- Cottage Paint in Cloudy Sky (or your preferred color)
- 150 grit sandpaper block
- Painter’s tape
- Clean rag or tack cloth for dust removal
- Quality paint brush suited to chalk or acrylic paints
- Cottage Paint acrylic wax in matte finish (or equivalent water-based acrylic sealer)
- Wax application brush or soft bristle brush for sealer
- Soap bar (for cleaning brushes after use)
1. Prep the fireplace: scuff the surface with 150 grit sandpaper.
Even when paint manufacturers say sanding isn’t necessary, I recommend a light scuff sanding, especially on shiny or previously finished surfaces. Scuffing helps the paint adhere and reduces the chance of peeling later. After sanding, thoroughly wipe down the fireplace with a clean rag or a tack cloth to remove all dust. Use painter’s tape to mask off the black insert and any areas you don’t want painted—this protects the electrical components and keeps clean lines around the opening.
2. Paint multiple thin coats, allowing adequate drying time between coats.
Apply thin, even coats rather than one heavy coat. The Cottage Paint I used covered well and dried relatively quickly, but darker woods or finishes may need more than the typical two coats listed on a can. If you’re painting a dark stained or glossy surface, consider applying a stain-blocking primer first to minimize the number of tinted coats required and to improve coverage.
Tip: brush with the grain on wood surfaces and check for drips along edges and corners between coats. Lightly sand between coats if you notice rough patches, then remove dust before the next application.
3. Seal with an acrylic wax or water-based acrylic finish.
Not all “wax” finishes are the same. Cottage Paint’s finish in my experience is a water-based acrylic product rather than a traditional buffable paste wax. That means application and care differ from classic waxes. Apply a thin, even layer of the acrylic wax or sealer with a soft brush, allow it to dry according to the product instructions, and add a second coat if extra protection is desired. This sealer helps protect the finish from scuffs and everyday wear, especially on a piece like a mantel that gets regular use and decoration.
If you’re unfamiliar with this brand or product type, look for detailed application notes or demonstration videos from the manufacturer to ensure you’re using the sealer correctly.
The makeover dramatically refreshed the fireplace’s appearance. Below is the original finish, followed by the updated look after painting and sealing.
And here is the finished, painted fireplace:
I love having a small mantel to style seasonally—painting the piece made the mantel feel brighter and more inviting without a major renovation.
If you don’t find a curbside fireplace to update, many ready-made white electric fireplace units and mantels are available that can achieve a similar farmhouse or cozy look. Whether you purchase new or refresh an older piece, painting is a cost-effective way to personalize a fireplace and make it a warm focal point in your room.
