Painting Tile Around Your Fireplace is Possible! Here's How
If your fireplace is surrounded by outdated or drab tile, you have the power to easily transform it with a fresh coat of paint. With the right preparations and materials, painting tile around your fireplace can revive the space and match your new interior decor.
Painting tile is an affordable weekend DIY project that can make a big visual impact. Follow this guide to learn the step-by-step process.
Reasons to Paint Fireplace Tile
There are several great reasons to consider painting the tile around your fireplace:
- Update outdated color or style - Paint allows you to modernize tile color and finish
- Match new interior decor - Pick a paint color to coordinate with your current color palette and furnishings
- Less expensive than re-tiling - Painting is fast, easy and affordable
- Quick DIY weekend project - With proper prep, you can paint the tile in just a weekend
Planning Your Project
Choose Paint and Supplies
The key to success is using the right paint and tools:
- Heat-resistant tile paint - Choose a top-quality tile paint designed for high heat areas
- Paintbrushes and rollers for smooth surfaces - Look for soft bristle brushes and short nap paint rollers
- Painters tape - To protect walls, mantle, etc. from drips and brushmarks
- Sandpaper or deglosser - Lightly sand or degloss tile before painting
- Drop cloths - Keep paint off floors and furnishings
Safety Precautions
Take steps to ensure safety:
- Ventilate the area - Open windows and use fans to allow fumes to escape
- Turn off fireplace and let cool - Avoid burns from contact with warm surfaces
- Wear protective equipment - Use gloves, goggles, mask/respirator as needed
Preparation
Proper prep work ensures the paint adheres well:
- Clean surface thoroughly - Use degreaser and rinse well
- Lightly sand tile - This roughs up the glossy tile surface for better paint grab
- Tape off mantel, hearth, walls - Protect surrounding surfaces from drips
- Cover nearby surfaces - Use drop cloths to keep paint off floors and furniture
Step-by-Step Painting Process
Apply Base Coat
Use a brush to carefully "cut in" around the edges where the tile meets the wall, mantel, and hearth. Then use a roller to quickly apply base coat to the tile surface itself. Work in small sections to maintain a wet edge and avoid drips.
Second Coat and Touch-ups
Allow the recommended drying time between coats as specified by the paint manufacturer, usually 24 hours. Then apply the second coat to fully cover and provide durability. Inspect for any missed spots and do touch up work as needed.
Painting the Hearth
The hearth requires high heat paint which withstands temperatures up to 1200degF. Tape off the hearth area and apply two coats according to manufacturer instructions, allowing proper dry time between coats.
Painting the Mantel
For a fresh color-coordinated look, paint the mantel a different color than the tile surround using traditional wood paint. Lightly sand and clean the mantel to prep. Tape off the wall or tile above to keep drips away. Apply at least two coats for a durable finish.
Curing and Cleanup
Once painting is complete, allow the full curing time of 2-3 weeks before using the fireplace. This gives the paint time to fully harden. Carefully remove painter's tape and clean up brushes and supplies. Clean any paint spills or drips immediately.
Maintaining the Finish
While the tile paint is durable, take steps to keep your newly painted fireplace tile looking fresh:
- Clean gently using soft cloths to avoid paint scratches
- Consider occasional touch up coats to combat any minor chipping
- Use tile sealing products for added protection
Do-it-yourselfers can paint tile around fireplaces with proper planning and materials. Follow the steps outlined here to take on this easy, budget-friendly project to revive your hearth. We hope this gives you the confidence to transform the look of your fireplace with colorful painted tile.