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Lightening Brick

Kitty Bartholomew: You're Home : Episode KIT-158 -- More Projects »
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If a dark-red brick fireplace in your living room contrasts very sharply with the lighter-colored walls--but you don't want to totally cover the brick--here's an inexpensive and easy technique for lightening it:

  1. Dilute about a cup of a water-based wall color (or a vanilla or beige shade) with water to the consistency of skim milk.
  2. Dip a marine sponge into the mixture, wring out slightly and begin rubbing it into the brick and the mortar. Work lightly to begin with, as brick is porous and will drink the liquid up. Go back over it again if it isn't dark enough.
  3. Work in a diagonal line when you get to the chimney.
  4. Leave the hearth until last; that way you can wipe up any drips. Go over them with plain water before applying the paint mixture.
Also in this Episode
Kitty Bartholomew: You're Home : Episode KIT-158
•Decorating Q & A
•Lightening Brick
•Dress Up Your Dresser
•Unusual Storage
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