Study with fireplace, part 5
The next step in the fireplace construction was the firebox. I used the same egg carton brick technique as I did for the mantel brick but in a slightly larger size and without rounding the edges. I wanted it to look like a different type of material. I didn't line the upper inside edge with bricks. I had cut the firebox to be taller than the front opening to give the illusion of the firebox opening up into the flue above.
I've found the best way to get a realistic look to the bricks is to do multiple layers of color. I started with a thin coat of antique white. I then brushed on a thin coat of light brown mixed with grey. Over that I painted a layer of glaze mixed with dark grey. It looks dark and mottled, but the grout will even out the color overall.
I used Andi Mini Brick and Stone Mortar Mix (the same grout used for the foundation) to finish off the look. I scored the lines between the bricks with an awl to add more definition.
I will blacken the logs and add other touches to lend to the realism when I install the fire lighting. I will also be adding a hearth, though I haven't decided on a finish for that just yet.