Are you ready to start searching for the perfect color? Stick with quality products that you know will hold up to the high temperatures and stay looking great for years. Here are some top brand recommendations to get you started.
Stove Bright: The original Stove Bright aerosol paint was developed for production line workers to cover the occasional scratch flawlessly. It has since become an industry leader for high-temperature paint in both aerosol and brush-on varieties. They come in a wide range of colors so you can match the existing paint or start over with something new.
AW Perkins: AW Perkins Co is a leading supplier for chimney cleaning equipment and offers a wide range of products for both professionals and DIYers. Their 1200°F stove and grill paint offer protection in a rainbow of colors.
Rust-Oleum: Started by a sea captain who noticed that oil stopped rust from eating away at his ship, Rust-Oleum has been in business since 1921. Their specialty high heat spray paint is also rated to withstand up to 1200°F.
Rutland: Rutland has been making stove and fireplace products for over 130 years. Based in North Carolina, they manufacture in Illinois and supply both professionals and homeowners. They offer quality brush-on and aerosol high-temperature stove paint.
How To Apply Stove Paint
There are three phases of a proper application. The first is preparing and cleaning the surface of the fireplace or stove you intend to paint. This could take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the condition of the stove. The second phase is the actual application, and the third phase involves the curing process.
Preparation
Prepping the surface for the new paint is crucial for getting a nice new finish. Start by deciding whether you need to remove the existing paint coat or whether you can paint over it. If the old paint is badly chipped or rusted away, you may be better off removing it.
(Safety first! Work in a well-ventilated area and use eye protection and any other safety equipment that the tools you use require.)
Before you begin, test a small patch of the new paint on top of the old paint. Wait for it to dry and inspect it for any bubbling or evidence of a chemical reaction. Although rare, some old stove or fireplace paint can react with the new paint and create an unsightly mess. If your paint reacts in this way, you'll need to remove it completely before you begin.
Follow all of the instructions and recommendations for the paint that you choose. For example, solvent (trisodium phosphate) or paint thinner can be helpful in cleaning away soot and oily grime, but some paints are incompatible with solvent. Always use products that you know will work together.
If you're removing the paint completely, you may want to use a steel wool drill attachment and a power drill. This speeds up the paint removal. Other options include a sandblaster or a sander/grinder.
If the old paint is not in terrible condition and does not chemically react with the new paint, it is not necessary to completely remove the old paint. Instead, scuff the surface with fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool pad. The goal is to make a rougher surface so the new paint will adhere easily.
Wipe off all the paint dust with a white cloth so the surface is both scuffed and clean. (You can use paint prep to help clean off the dust you make when sanding.)
Tape off the glass and any other parts you don't want to paint. You can also use cardboard, newspaper, or drop cloth to protect the surrounding areas from any drips or overspray.
Applying the Paint
Once you have the stove completely clean and prepped, you are ready to start painting. Read the instructions on your paint can from start to finish. Some paint may also require a primer to help with the adhesion. Here's a step-by-step overview once you're ready for the main layer of paint:
Spray Paint
Shake the can vigorously to stir the paint. You should hear the marble rattle inside.
Test the paint by spraying on a scrap piece of cardboard to make sure the spray is even.
Keep the can at least 12 inches away from the surface while spraying.
Start near the top and work your way down.
Follow the directions for how long to wait between coats and add additional coats if necessary.
Cure the paint.
Do
Paint in a well-ventilated area.
Follow all the manufacturer's instructions.
Wait for the recommended length of time between coats.
Wear gloves to keep the paint off your hands.
Don't
Don't apply the layers too thickly.
Don't hold the nozzle in one place for too long (this could create pooling or drips).
Don't paint when it's too hot or too cold (the paint should list an ideal temperature range).
Brush-On Paint
Open and gently stir the can until it is uniformly mixed.
Using a clean brush or roller, start at the top and begin to paint.
Work your way down and around the appliance, being careful to paint evenly.
Follow the instructions for how long to wait in between coats.
Apply an additional coat if necessary.
Cure the paint.
Follow the dos and don'ts above for the best results. Note that it is also possible to use a paint sprayer to apply the brush-on paint.
Curing
Curing the paint makes sure that the heat-resistant properties of the paint are activated. The paint you order should come with specific instructions for curing, but these are some general guidelines. Make sure the area is well-ventilated before you begin curing. We recommend that you have everyone leave the area during the process so that no one breathes the fumes.
Wear a face mask in order to minimize inhalation.
Fire the appliance up to approximately 100 °F - 250 °F (according to the manufacturer guidelines) for 15-20 minutes.
Gradually increase the temperature of the fire over the course of 45 minutes to one hour to a temperature of around 500 °F.
Expect to smell an odor from the paint as it dries. You will see smoke coming off of the pipe, this is normal as the paint sets.
Storage and Disposal of Wood Stove Paint
Recycling aerosol paint cans
After you finish painting your fireplace or stove, you might be wondering what to do with the paint can. Brush-on paint is easier to store and can last up to 10 or more years if properly sealed. Avoid throwing spray paint cans in the garbage unless they are completely empty.
If the spray can still has some paint, lay down several layers of newspaper outside and spray the paint can until no more paint comes out and there is no hissing sound. After that, you may throw the can away. Throwing away partially used spray cans is both a safety and environmental hazard.
In order to carefully seal any leftover brush-on paint, you may need to clean out the grooves at the top of the can with a rag. Place the lid on the can and lightly tap it with a mallet to seal. Keep the leftover cans in a cool (not cold) space with limited exposure to sunlight. (Don't store them on a damp floor since the cans might rust.)
There are several ways to dispose of water or latex-based brush-on paint. If only a small amount is left, you can leave the can outside with the lid off and allow the paint in the can to dry completely. You can also use kitty litter to soak up the paint and dry it up in order to throw it away. A third option is to take it to a recycling center.
Man with a box of recyclable items
Shipping
Stove paint orders will ship via small parcel post. When your paint arrives, check the spray nozzle for any damages that might have happened during transport. Also, verify that the color code matches what you ordered. If you notice any issues, contact the manufacturer to request a replacement.
Summary
Whether you're looking to cover up a scratch, or planning to refurbish the entire fireplace, high-temperature paint is what you need. Check out the wide range of colors and finishes for a simple way to protect and enhance your appliance.
Freshly painted wood stove in flat black
Follow the basic guidelines for preparing the surface and applying the paint and you'll find yourself enjoying a fresh-looking stove or fireplace.
Do you have any questions about high-temperature paint or how to apply it? Feel free to ask one of our NFI Certified Specialists.
Is this paint rated for surfaces that are directly touched by flames?
1 Answer
No, none of our paint is designed for this purpose. Some high heat paint can be used in those applications, but the direct contact with flames will result in peeling and cracking over time.
Submitted by:Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on July 19, 2023
Can you tell me which color is close to BM Swiss coffee interior paint?
1 Answer
For the paint lines we carry, our Stovebright Almond is the closest to Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee. Please be sure and refer to the color chart on our item page to review this paint color.Â
What preparations have to be made to paint brass (as in a brass fireplace frame around glass bifold doors)?
1 Answer
It is recommended to "rough up" the surface of the brass using steel wool or fine sandpaper so that the paint will stick. After roughing up the brass be sure to use a cleaner such as acetone to remove any debris left behind.
I placed a new panel into my fireplace, what is the best paint to use on the fireplace panel?
1 Answer
It is not recommended to paint the interior panels of your fireplace. The paint will eventually fade and/or flake off the surface of the refractory cement.
Please note any of our paints will not last more than a season or two before the heat of the flames will cause it to peel and crack. None of our paints will withstand direct contact to flames over time.
Submitted by:Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on January 26, 2021
Can I use this paint inside a ventless gas fireplace as long as I cover the logs and pipe that's inside of it?
1 Answer
Yes, the aerosol paint would work best. I would recommend turning off the gas, carefully remove the logs and cover the burner and pilot assembly. After that, you can paint the firebox (in a well ventilated area) and reassemble the components once the paint has cured.
Unfortunately, no. Any paint we offer is not meant to be in direct contact with flame and the paint originally used with these logs was a special high temperature paint that is not offered to the general public.
Can this paint be applied to a cinder block fireplace?
1 Answer
This paint can indeed be applied to a thoroughly cleaned cinder block surface. Because of the porosity of cinder block, it would not be a bad idea to first skim the surface with a refractory cement.
What is the average coverage amount for one 12oz can of Stove Bright high heat spray?
1 Answer
Per the manufacturer, average coverage is 6 square feet for a 12 ounce can. Average coverage depends mostly on the existing color being covered and the type of metal being painted.
Will the high heat stove paint properly adhere to ceramic tiles of a ceramic fire box?
1 Answer
While the paint will initially adhere to the ceramic panels, it is very likely that it will discolor and begin to flake after a few fires. The ceramic panels usually must be replaced once they begin to discolor or crack, as there is not a product that can effectively restore or patch them.
Submitted by:Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on September 17, 2013
Can I use this paint to update the brass on the outside doors?
1 Answer
The Stove Bright paint can be used to paint the outside of fireplace doors.
Submitted by:Magan B. on November 14, 2012
Most Helpful Answer
Brandi
from St. Louis, MO asked:
November 4, 2012
Can this be used on a masonry fireplace?
1 Answer
Our high-heat stove paint is not suitable for use in a masonry wood-burning fireplace. The high heats from the wood fire will cause the paint to peel and crack.
Submitted by:Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on November 5, 2012
Most Helpful Answer
Sean
from Petaluma, CA asked:
October 21, 2012
Can I paint brick and mortar?
1 Answer
It is not recommended to paint over brick and mortar, as the high temperatures often cause the paint to discolor and separate quickly.
Submitted by:Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on October 22, 2012