how to paint brick?

[nodmicks]

We have an area in the living room that had patio block brick up the wall and on the floor. A woodstove sits there. I dislike the color of the block (it's red). It's divided into sections l8ike regular brick even though thy are sections. I'd like to paint it to look more like marble. Any ideas?

[kimmee]

You'll need some sort of base coat primer - they make a gel one thats pretty expensive but it will give you that smooth finish you want. Other wise if you just paint brick it will have some rough spots and some that absorb the paint and some that don't - I don't think that looks bad but the last time I did it I had to use several coats of an enamel gloss finish so it would shine (to give an optical effect ) and to make it easier to clean. You'll also need some sort of heat proof paint or you'll have a real mess!!

[nodmicks]

Ugh! More work than I thought. Thanks Kimmee

[Ellise]

If you use patio paint it will cover and seal it in one easy step. I'm sure you could always do the Faux Marble effect.