How do I keep my white washed fireplace from chipping?

Hello Donna, My understanding of whitewash is that it does eventually wear off over time which gives it a beautiful aged look as on the house in the link below (which the builder actually purposely whitwashed this way for aged effect on the house in the second link)

"... however, whitewash flakes off over time, and powders your clothes when you rub against it. The good news is that it leaves no permanent ..."

http://www.resilience.org/stories/2014-04-29/use-whitewash-instead-of-paint-for-traditional-look-and-no-toxins/

stains.https://www.askthebuilder.com/whitewashing-brick/

The link below tells how to SEAL your whitewashed brick.... is that something you did? If you DID seal it, then there really isn't anything more you can do technically to keep it from chipping when you move your screen except to be extra careful not to bump or scrape it with the screening:

http://www.victorianinbloom.com/2012/how-to-seal-whitewashed-brick/

Good Luck Donna, and thanks for using HOMETALK for answers :)

Seal it!

sesl it with Creteseal. It is beyond easy to apply and I never had the first chip!

You'll have to seal the area, check your local diy store for the product you need.

You need to add a metal trim around your fire opening because your paint isn't fire proof

Hi Donna: The key to any job is preparation. If you didn't prep the wall properly, then it will chip. Maybe you can re-do the surface.

Here are 2 sites that may help:

How To Whitewash a Brick Fireplace - This Old House

How To Whitewash A Brick Fireplace - The DIY Nuts

I'd look for a masonry sealer but also ensure it's rated for heat and fireplace brick.

Use a clear masonry sealant or polyurethane made for high-heat locations if your whitewashed fireplace is close to the firebox to prevent chipping. Apply a matte or satin polycrylic sealant to the outside regions that are impacted by the screen. Let each thin coat thoroughly dry before applying the next one. As a result, there is a barrier that keeps chips and scuffs out. Additionally, it's simple to touch up chips by applying additional whitewash as needed. When moving your fireplace screen, think about placing felt padding to the bottom to avoid future damage.

Hi Donna, hope this helps you. You can keep a small jar of whitewash for touchups handy. Sealing isn't required for every whitewashed brick surface, but it's a smart idea if the brick is outside or in a humid area

Seal the brick and put bumpers on the fireplace screen corners.

I would suggest putting sticky felt pieces on the fireplace screen... I don't think sealing the bricks with a clear coat would be good for the bricks as they need to breath