Q. Our daughter lives in an arts and crafts bungalow that has been extensively modified over the years. She is installing a gas fireplace in the living room. The surround is tapestry brick with extruding buttresses at the top next to the mantle. The mantelpiece is much undistinguished and needs either some tarting up or to be replaced.

 The real issue is the tapestry brick. My daughter wants to paint it off white. I have a concern that it will not take paint well, leaving blotches and tiny holes that will show through the paint. I say it should be painted black and the imperfections will show a lot less.