How to Tile Over Painted Brick Fireplace
If you are tired of your painted brick fireplace but do not want to actually remove the fireplace surround, you can change the entire look without altering the surround structure by giving your fireplace a tile makeover. While tiling over a painted brick fireplace is a pretty serious undertaking, the actual process is not that complicated. When you are done you will have a pretty, modern fireplace that will complement any decor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Thinset mortar kit (includes adhesive)
- Plastic tubs
- Trowel
- 2x4 the width of your tiles' height
- Level
- Nails
- Tiles
- Cleaning rags
- Glass cleaner
Instructions
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1
Clean off the fireplace. Use the broom to whisk away every speck of dirt so the bricks are completely clean. For built-up grime, use a wire brush on the bricks. This may scuff the paint, but that is OK.
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2
Cover the painted bricks with a thin layer of thinset mortar. Mix it up without the adhesive so that it makes a thin primer. This layer would not hold the tiles in place, but it will prepare the surface of the bricks to accept the tile and it will fill in any irregularities in the surface of the fireplace. Use the smooth side of the trowel to create a smooth, even surface. Let dry for 24 hours.
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3
Nail the 2x4 across the fireplace directly under the hole for the fire pit. This will provide support for the tiles above the pit since they cannot rest on the ground. Make sure that the board is level.
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4
Mix up a regular batch of mortar. Add water and the mortar adhesive.
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5
Tile the fireplace. Start directly above the 2x4 and apply a thick, even layer of mortar to the primed bricks. Once it is in place, score it with the rough side of the tile and press the tiles firmly into the mortar. The mortar will rise up slightly around each one. Place the tiles as close to one another as possible and line them up along the face of the surround, one row on top of another. When you have completed one row, start another directly on top of it. Wipe away any mortar that gets on the tiles immediately. When you have finished the top of the fireplace, you can repeat the process from the bottom. You will have an exposed line of bricks where the board is.
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6
Let the tiles and mortar set for 24 hours. Remove the 2x4 and fill in the last exposed row.
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7
Clean up the tiles. Use the glass cleaner to shine up the tiles, which likely will have developed a number of smudges over the process.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a hearth or a mantel, tile the sides from the ground up, and the top with flat tiles.
If you use art tiles, which tend to be irregular, use "spacers" and a grout gun to fill in the areas between the art tiles.
