How to Brighten and Lighten a Stone Fireplace
Stone fireplaces are durable and energy efficient. The stones absorb heat from the fire and radiate it into the room, and they can remain hot for some time after the fire is out. These fireplaces also can accumulate soot, dust and burn marks.
You can beautify and brighten a stone fireplace and add some protection to the stone and mortar by cleaning and sealing it.
Things You Will Need
- 5-gallon bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Muriatic acid
- Water
- Trigger sprayer
- Acid scrub brush
- Ammonia
- Paint brush
- Solvent-based concrete sealer
Tip
Apply enough acid solution to burn and clean the stones. Scrub in a circular motion to get into the crevices.
Warning
Use safety precautions when working with acid and proper ventilation when working with sealers.
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Wear rubber gloves. Mix one pint of muriatic acid with a gallon of water in a five-gallon bucket. Carefully fill the trigger-sprayer bottle. Attach the trigger and pump a few sprays into the bucket to be sure that the sprayer functions.
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Begin at the top of the stone fireplace. Spray the acid solution over a small area. Allow the acid to fizz and burn for one to two minutes. Scrub the area with an acid scrub brush to remove thick residue or stains.
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Mix a cup of ammonia with a gallon of water. Fill a trigger sprayer and neutralize the entire fireplace with the ammonia-and-water solution.
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Allow the stone to completely dry. Apply two coats of a masonry sealer with a paint brush. Allow two to three days of curing before lighting a fire. These steps will brighten up the stone fireplace.
The Drip Cap
- Stone fireplaces are durable and energy efficient.
- These fireplaces also can accumulate soot, dust and burn marks.
- Mix one pint of muriatic acid with a gallon of water in a five-gallon bucket.
- Fill a trigger sprayer and neutralize the entire fireplace with the ammonia-and-water solution.
Writer Bio
Bobby Stones began writing in 2006. He has worked with concrete since 1993 and is an expert in decorative concrete and masonry. Stones serves as a writer and adviser for a decorative concrete company, as well as writing for his company's blog. He holds a certificate in quality control principles from the University of Massachusetts.
Photo Credits
- John Kelly/Photodisc/Getty Images
- John Kelly/Photodisc/Getty Images
- rubber gloves image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
- A Stone wall made with cement and stone blocks image by Alfonso de Tomás from Fotolia.com
- Stone Background image by Joe Pitz from Fotolia.com
- paint brush image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
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