:confused:
My husband and I are in the beginning stages of a living room 'make-over'. Our fireplace is now painted white with blue grout (yuck). Do I need to remove the old paint before we repaint it? Do we need a specific type of paint, or a primer?
thanks

This is really 100% up to you as is any repaint, it doesn't really matter either way it is simply a question of looks and thoroughness. Me, I would just prime and repaint.

If you go the route of a simple repaint, then first clean the current surface and make sure it is dust free and dry. Using a primer is optional as it is designed for porous surfaces like drywall, concrete, etc. I would use a primer as I think your actual paint coat will go on a bit better. Then just paint over and you are good to go.

If you decide to strip it first, then first make sure you check for lead paint before doing anything. You didn't mention the house age, but it is always good to be safe. Then just prime and paint after you strip it.

In terms of kind of paint, you want to use latex for masonry usually. A decent primer is Zinnser Bullseye 123 Primer.