Is it safe to paint the inside of a wood burning fireplace?

A friend recommended I spruce up our fireplace by painting the inside with fresh black paint. Is this safe? Do I need to use a special, heat resistant type of paint?

I don’t recommend it, it will flake off

Yes you can paint the inside fireplace; you just have to use a special paint that is created for high temperatures.

Absolutely not

Yes, you can paint your fireplace. Just make sure to follow the preparation steps before painting and use only high quality, heat resistant paint

Paint will eventually fail on all brick and masonry. Silicate based masonry stains are best for changing the color of brick

Yes, its safe as long as you use the high temp paint. I also suggest using a roller application versus the spray can.

If it has been used much at all, there will be soot along the box and paint will come right off.