Can you paint a hearth?

[Lavenderu]

My fireplace has a multifuel stove and the hearth is some kind of unsealed stone. I've scrubbed it but can't get the embedded coal out. As and when I replace the stove I will have it tiled, but meanwhile is there anything I could do to make it look better and easier to clean?

Can't seem to upload a pic

Picture

You can. You can buy special paints that are heat resistant.
Google should help with brands .

OP I painted mine using Rustins Heat Resistant Black Matt (quick drying) paint. You only need a small tin. When I moved in, I had some sort of tan coloured porous tiles with marks on them which looked rubbish. Result as pictured and saved retiling, I'm happy with it.

Thanks, that looks pretty good @SilentHedges , Idbe happy with a finish like that. Will have a look in B&Q.

I've bought this Tikkuila Muuri paint which was the only one that didn't just come in black. Black would give the best coverage over the marks but would look completely wrong on a stone fireplace. Has anyone used it? Will it cover? I'm planning on just painting it and expect it to need 3 coats.