How to tell if fireplace paint is high-temp

[CSinSD]

Hi all-
I purchased a condo, and the inside of the fireplace had recently been painted black. My inspector said some paints can release toxic fumes if they get too hot. The seller was an investment company that flipped it, and they said they didn't know what kind of paint was used. Anyone know of a way to test if the paint is safe for high temperatures?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Fsappo]

Id say this and probably get shot for it...But when you are burning the fireplace, air rushes up the chimney.. Just like it takes smoke out of the house (and heat) it would take the fumes up. If no one here can 100% guarantee a method to see what kind of paint it is, I would burn a fire and just open the windows and doors. Also, high temp stove paint can still off gas if exposed to direct flame.

 

[CountryBoy19]

All paint, when heated, will off-gas to some extent. Even stove paints will. It's generally known that when you get a new stove, you want to do your "break-in fire" in mild weather because this will allow you to open the windows and ventilate the smell from off-gassing.

The main difference between a high-temp stove paint and normal paint is just as the name implies, stove paint can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down. If they used regular paint it will bubble, discolor, or change in some way that alters the durability or appearance once you have a hot fire in the stove. If it does not change then it is probably stove paint. If it's not stove paint and it doesn't change at high temperatures then is there really anything to complain about?

 

[BobUrban]

Fire place in a flip?? It was painted with the cheapest rattle can of paint they could find and done only to cover an otherwise less than pretty old fire place and limit the instant eye sores that may hinder a quick sale. I would guess if all checks out it is safe to burn and, as mentioned, the fumes go up -not in. Open windows and let er' eat. A good hot fire will eliminate any future concern.

Not to discredit your purchase or the quality of your home or fireplace but there is NO affordable paint that can withstand the inside heat of a stove or fireplace so it was put there to "pretty" things up and nothing more.

 

[BrotherBart]

Yeah any nasties are gonna go up the chimney and straight to the sky. Might kill a goose or two.

 

[mellow]

If in doubt strip it.

This stuff does a good job:

 

[CSinSD]

Thanks for the advice. I'll open the windows for ventilation the first time I use it, see if it bubbles, and if so strip it and repaint. I appreciate all the quick replies!

 

[BobUrban]

Is the paint on the inside? If so it will all burn off and there is no need for any reason to repaint it.