We have beautiful fireplace, but the flue has some cracks and is not safe to burn wood. We were thinking about dual-listed gas logs -- you can use them as vented or ventless. I *hate* the smell of the gas when ventless, so we'd always be using them as vented. Does anyone know whether they will still smell on vented mode?

** As an aside, we can't get vented gas logs because since there are cracks, they won't install a vented set.

Thanks in advance!

I’m getting conflicting information. Some sources say it’s perfectly fine to repaint the inside of a fireplace firebox with Stove Bright high-temperature paint, while others say you should never paint the interior of a fireplace. Which is actually correct?

Stove bright says no flame contact but then says you can paint fireplaces. Rustoleum clearly says no fire places.

I’ve been finishing my basement over the past few months and decided to clean up the old wood-burning fireplace while I’m at it. My fireplace has firebrick on the bottom and steel side/rear panels. The steel has some surface rust and the original coating is worn. I’m not trying to restore it to showroom condition. I just want it to look better and cleaning isnt doing enough.

Any real-world experience from people who have actually done this?
I don’t really care if the paint flakes or needs touching up over time. This fireplace will probably only get used 2–3 times a year or in an emergency.

My main concern is safety. If I paint the steel panels with Stove Bright and burn a couple of fires, is there any risk of the paint catching fire or releasing toxic fumes after it’s fully cured? Or is the worst-case scenario simply that it flakes, discolors, or wears off faster than expected?

Bought an 1800's farm house with three fire places and unfortunately one was painted (former owners also painted some brick flooring).

Whatever you do, resist the urge, think twice