rendering an old chimney front

[bugsy]

i have an old fireplace that we now have a gas heater in.
The bricks have a pattern on them and are varnished with a gloss.
I would like to apply some render to the bricks and paint them our feature wall colour.

whats the best way to go about this and whats the best method?

[watson]

G'day Bugsy,
Can't answer your query about what is the "best" Method.
My missus did the following:
Roughed the finish. (Really Rough Sandpaper)
"Flang" a coat of render at if...with a large "slush" brush.......(Flang is the past tense of "Flung")
She then added render "bumps" to her liking.
Then she painted it with Haymes acrylic.
Been there 10 years.
Its over an "open" fireplace, and no deterioration so far.

[bugsy]

i gave it a go today.

thanks for the help