What Sandpaper to Use on a Brick Fireplace

Start with a lower grit sandpaper and move up.

100-Grit Range

Start sanding your fireplace with a 100-grit sandpaper--medium grit. It will remove any layers of paint or glaze on the fireplace. The lower the number of the sandpaper, the rougher the paper is. After you have removed the layers, move up to a 150-grit sandpaper to start smoothing out the bricks. Grab a new piece of sandpaper when the paper starts to get too smooth or rips.

200-Grit Range

Use a 200- or 220-grit sandpaper, very fine, to make the fireplace smooth before applying a paint, glaze or other finish. The higher the sandpaper grit number, the smoother the finish surface will be, and the smoother the sandpaper will be.

Tips

Use a sanding block for the sandpaper so you do not hurt your hands. You can also use a power sander. Practice with the power sander before using it on your fireplace. Get used to the sander and how to change the sandpaper. Purchase sandpaper that has a black coating. The black coating contains silicon carbide, and it will last longer than regular brown sandpaper.

Foam-Sanding Sponges

Use a smaller foam-sanding sponge to sand areas where the power sander or large piece of sandpaper can't reach. Foam-sanding sponges can also be reused--wash them with soap and water and dry them with a paper towel.