Firebox finishing advice

[j&s]

Hello all, newbie here, but have learned a lot reading these forums, so thank you!

We're in an old house (1803) with a huge raised hearth fireplace. The firebox and chimney need a lot of work, so as the cost would be about the same we decided to install a free standing wood stove for better heating and efficiency. The first step was parging the walls of the firebox. The guys said they usually paint it black, but we're afraid that with the size of the fireplace and with the stove inside, it'll be too much of a big black hole in the room. It was painted white before, though sooty from fires, but we think that a lighter color would be a better look for the room. They said the high heat brush on paint they use didn't come in light colors, but we could probably use any regular paint. That seems questionable, but maybe the heat from the back and sides isn't high or direct enough to damage it? Does anyone know what kinds of paint would work, preferably not spray paint. Or is there a plaster or stucco that would work? There should be about 10" clearance from the sides and back of the stove to the walls of the fireplace.

 

[begreen]

There are many high temp paints in white, most are in spray cans but a google search for high temperature white paint will show some in cans too. It doesn't have to be extremely high temp, like car manifolds. Heat resistant is probably fine. Here is an example:
http://www.alvinproducts.com/Product-Line/aT/View/ProductID/65/Heat-Resistant-White-Paint

 

[byQ]

Have you ever thought about putting in a thin flagstone rock - it would look nice like it is just another part of the fireplace. Or maybe tile.

 

[j&s]

There are many high temp paints in white, most are in spray cans but a google search for high temperature white paint will show some in cans too. It doesn't have to be extremely high temp, like car manifolds. Heat resistant is probably fine. Here is an example:
http://www.alvinproducts.com/Product-Line/aT/View/ProductID/65/Heat-Resistant-White-Paint

My searches were pretty much just showing spray grill paints and such, but "heat resistant" as a search term has brought up some good options. Thanks!

 

[j&s]

Have you ever thought about putting in a thin flagstone rock - it would look nice like it is just another part of the fireplace. Or maybe tile.

Stone is a great idea. I think because it was a whitewashed plaster look before, we just had that in mind, but stone would be beautiful; will have to price that.

 

[bholler]

Why not just leave the masonry bare?

 

[j&s]

Why not just leave the masonry bare?

We thought about it, but it looks a little more mismatched and unfinished in real life than in the picture. It's such a focal point of the room, we would like it to look a little more finished.