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Hello XXXXXXXXXXX, and thank you for your question.

Yes, it's possible paint the brick.
First you need to carefully clean the surface of the bricks with a wire brush, to remove all dust and grime, and ensure a uniform surface for the paint. If you don't do this you may get a much "grainier" finish than you anticipated.
Check all your mortar joints, and if there are any slightly crumbly areas or missing bits, seal them with silicone caulk. Make sure your caulk is the type recommended for masonry, and that it can be painted. If you have any major amount of missing or crumbly masonry then you'd be best off having a contractor looking at this before you paint over the brick.
Wait until any caulk is completely dry, and then wash all of your brick. A 3 to 1 mixture of water and bleach will work. Let this dry for at least 2 days before applying any primer.
Use a latex primer that is recommended for masonry. Follow the directions - usually it will require two coats.
Because of the texture of brick, you need to either use a sponge or deep nap roller, or rent a sparyer. The latter is the best way to make sure that primer and paint get into all the nooks and crannies of the brick, but if this is a fairly limited area then a roller or sponge can be sufficient. You will probably want to apply at least three coats of paint. It's important on brick to make sure that the coats are not thick.

Another possibily is to have brick glazed - companies that reglaze tile can often do this - you could talk with local tile glazing companies and ask them if they can do this or refer you to someone locally who can.

I've also had clients who have had brick walls or brick veneer painted or repainted to look like other colors of brick, by artists who specialize in faux painting, either because they did not like the original color or pattern of the brick, or because someone had already painted the brick and they felt it would be easier than removing the paint!
For this you would want to find a local faux painter. In selecting someone for this, make sure not only to look at their portfolio but, if possible, at actual projects that they have done.

As for the operation of the chimney: there are many reasons why a chimney will smoke, some having more to do with available combustion air than with the chimney itself. In any case, if you would like to use the fireplace my recommendation is to start with an inspection by a CSIA-Certified chimney person.

Converting a wood-burning fireplace to gas is a popular option, and more efficient and cleaner than wood burning. Your first stop there may be a local retailer, or your local gas company may offer some options directly. In either case, be ready with measurements (height, width, depth) of your existing fireplace so they can determine the correctly sized insert. The retailer or gas company will usually have technicians to take care of installation, including the gas line and the chimney liner.


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Expert:	MJ
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
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Answered:	9/20/2009

Architect

Licensed Architect, LEED® AP, NCARB Certified, M.Arch degree, 10+ years experience