By Paul McGovern, Master Craftsman at PaintingHeroes.ie

If you have a dated or discolored marble fireplace, you may be wondering – can I just paint over it? Painting natural stone like marble is certainly possible, but also tricky. As an experienced painter, I often get asked – should I paint my marble fireplace and what’s the best way to do it?

In this article, I’ll go over the do’s and don’ts of painting marble, steps to properly prepare the surface, tips for choosing the right paint, and recommendations for hiring a painting pro. Read on to learn how you can refresh your old marble fireplace with a brand new coat of paint!

The Short Answer

Yes, you can paint over marble. But because marble is very porous and prone to damage, proper prep and using a flexible paint formulated for natural stone is crucial. For best results, consider hiring a professional painter experienced with painting marble fireplaces.

What to Know Before Painting Marble

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Marble is delicate and paint adheres poorly without proper prep. You must thoroughly clean and apply sealant/primer before painting.
• Painting marble yourself is challenging. Hiring a pro painter is recommended for best results with no mess or damage.
• Not all paints work on marble. Use flexible masonry paints like acrylic latex that allow expansion/contraction and resist chipping or yellowing.
• Painting removes the signature veining and glossy sheen of real marble. The painted finish will look more matte and uniform in color.
• Painting marble is semi-permanent. While not a permanent finish, removing painted marble is extremely difficult.

Yes, you can paint over marble. But because marble is very porous and prone to damage, proper prep and using a flexible paint formulated for natural stone is crucial. For best results, consider hiring a professional painter experienced with painting marble fireplaces.

What to Know Before Painting Marble

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Marble is delicate and paint adheres poorly without proper prep. You must thoroughly clean and apply sealant/primer before painting.
• Painting marble yourself is challenging. Hiring a pro painter is recommended for best results with no mess or damage.
• Not all paints work on marble. Use flexible masonry paints like acrylic latex that allowed expansion/contraction and resist chipping or yellowing.
• Painting removes the signature veining and glossy sheen of real marble. The painted finish will look more matte and uniform in color.
• Painting marble is semi-permanent. While not a permanent finish, removing painted marble is extremely difficult.

Now let’s look at how to prep and paint marble fireplaces step-by-step if you do wish to DIY.

How to Prepare a Marble Fireplace for Painting

Proper prep is 95% of a successful paint job. Follow these steps:

1. Clean the marble thoroughly. Use a degreasing cleaner and hot water. Rinse several times. This removes any waxes or oils that can prevent paint adhesion.
2. Sand the marble lightly. Use 150-grit sandpaper to rough up the glossy marble surface and help the paint bind better. Be gentle to avoid damaging the soft stone.
3. Apply sealant/primer. Use a quality masonry sealer and primer recommended for marble. Two coats ensure paint adherence and prevent absorption.
4. Caulk gaps and seams. Check for any cracks or missing grout and seal with painters caulk. This prevents paint bleeding.
5. Remove hardware and fixtures. Take off any mantels, grates, doors, screens, etc. prior to painting for full coverage.

Pro Tip: Wear a safety mask and goggles when sanding marble to avoid inhaling debris. Completely mask off the surrounding area from overspray.

Paul McGovern

How to Choose the Right Paint for Marble

You must use a flexible paint designed for natural stone and masonry. Avoid standard house paints which can crack, chip, and peel off marble.

Here are the best paint options:

• 100% Acrylic Latex: Flexible water-based acrylic paint binds well and holds up on marble. It allows expansion/contraction and resists yellowing.
• Epoxy Paint: Two-part epoxy paints provide a very durable and protective finish. But they contain solvents and require expertise to apply.
• Urethane Alkyd Paint: Oil-based urethanes offer greater adhesion than latex but take longer to cure and yellow over time.

I recommend acrylic latex paint for DIYers. Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore make quality acrylic masonry paints in all sheens (flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, etc). Get the non-fading, mold/mildew resistant formulation.

Choosing Paint Finish and Sheen

In addition to choosing the right paint type, pay attention to the finish and sheen:

• Matte/flat finish provides a subtle look and hides imperfections well. It withstands heat from the fireplace.
• Satin/eggshell finish offers mild sheen and is scratch-resistant. Popular for a light marble glow.
• Semi-gloss/gloss finish gives the most shine and is very washable. But it shows imperfections.

So for most fireplaces, a matte, eggshell, or soft satin finish is recommended.

Application Tips for Painting Marble

Once prepped, apply at least two coats of quality acrylic latex paint using these tips:

• Use a nylon/polyester brush for best results. It pushes paint into the marble pores efficiently. Disposable foam brushes don’t perform as well.
• Maintain a wet edge and don’t overbrush as latex dries fast. Work in sections to avoid lap marks.
• Thin coats are better than thick coats which can crack. Allow proper drying between coats.
• Use a small roller for large flat areas. But cut-in edges with the brush for sharpest lines.
• Work methodically and watch for drips. Latex dries permanent on marble.

Be extremely careful during painting to avoid splatters and brush marks on the soft marble. Having an experienced hand is a huge advantage.

Drying Time and Curing

Drying times vary based on temperature and humidity. In ideal conditions, latex paint dries to the touch in 1-2 hours. Fully drying and curing takes 14-30 days.

Do not use the fireplace until paint has fully cured! Read manufacturer guidelines carefully.

Pros and Cons of Painting a Marble Fireplace

Before deciding to paint marble, consider these pros and cons:

So weigh your particular situation carefully before painting natural marble. While painting does offer a quick update, the payoff may not be worth the risk and effort for all homeowners.

Hiring a Professional Marble Painter

Because of the intricacies of prepping and painting marble, I strongly recommend hiring a professional if at all possible. Here are key benefits:

• Experience prepping and painting marble correctly
• Access to commercial-grade paints and tools
• Skill to paint seamlessly without mess or damage
• Ability to match any marble color perfectly
• Follow up with any needed repairs or touch-ups

While it does add cost, hiring a pro ensures your fireplace will be painted beautifully and last for many years. Be sure to get quotes from painters experienced specifically with painting marble fireplaces.

Conclusion

While certainly possible, painting over real marble fireplaces requires caution and expertise for success. Make sure to properly prep the marble, apply compatible paints designed for stone, and consider hiring a professional for best results.

I hope this gives you a good overview of how to paint natural marble fireplaces to refresh their look instantaneously. Please reach out with any other painting questions!