Fireplace project - refinish the bricks around the fireplace?

I have an older fireplace, and the red bricks around the firebox are burnt and the grout brtween the bricks is missing in some small areas. Can I paint the bricks? Is there any other way to restore the bricks' look? (I tried acid wash, but it didn't get rid of the black burnt areas).
I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

Answers:
Try a creosote remover, generally the black marks are creosote. You should be able to find this at just about any fireplace store. Repair grout before using and/or painting, which you can do.

Other answers:
dont use the fireplace if it is missing grout...that is a sure sign of a house fire. you can't paint the bricks, because if you do get the grout repaired, and start a fire, the paint will just peel away. Sorry to say that you will just have to live with the smoke stains...thats normal
dont use the fireplace if it is missing grout...that is a sure sign of a house fire. you can't paint the bricks, because if you do get the grout repaired, and start a fire, the paint will just peel away. Sorry to say that you will just have to live with the smoke stains...thats normal
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