{UPDATED eight/3/2020} We're all moved in! The firm is an unfinished mess but we couldn't be happier. We've got room to roam with 3 acres out dorsum and a business firm that is slowly becoming our own. An outdated 1980's fireplace was ane of the start lilliputian spaces to go transformed. It's a super like shooting fish in a barrel DIY but information technology definitely required research on how to paint a ceramic tile fireplace.

painted ceramic tile fireplace
finished fireplace – yay!

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Before moving in, I could non let this space go. There were many wish list projects cut for the sake of time and money, but I could not wait another day at this nifty ceramic tile. You know how it is, sometimes a pocket-sized detail will haunt you every. single. day. And then I jumped in and painted this sucker.

outdated wood and ceramic fireplace makeover

We were dealing with some serious orangey Oak and peach faux marble here. Information technology was screaming for a full-on makeover (if you're merely looking to set up your tile environs, so skip on to #iv). Now, if you search the internets, there are a gazillion posts about painting fireplaces (I wrote one nearly whitewashing our brick fireplace concluding yr) and differing advice about what paint to utilize.

I was really looking for a long term solution versus just a quick makeover and wanted to do this correct.

So… here's the update. Despite my all-time efforts at researching (trust me, it was hours), I ended up using a pigment that I later learned is not officially recommended for tile. Cue failure soundtrack.

However! It's been well over a yr and our fireplace is still looking good. Despite the paint snafu, I learned a lot from this projection and am sharing all those tips!

How to Paint a Tile Fireplace:

tile fireplace makeover with black and white paint

Painted Fireplace DIY Supplies

  • Black Pigment (please read above update): I would use Tricorn Blackness from Sherwin Williams in Matte or some readers have shared the chalk pigment has even held upwardly well
  • Primer
  • Pigment Foam Roller Prepare (essential for a polish, castor stroke free wait)
  • Sanding Blocks
  • Painter's Record
  • Not-Rest Cleaner and Degreaser such as, Uncomplicated Greenish
  • Pigment Brushes (necessary for forest mantel)
  • Painter'southward Plastic

1. Sand & Clean Mantel

If you lot're dealing with orange wood that saw its prime number in the lxxx'southward (not knocking information technology – my dad has the cabinets and rocks it ) , you're likely looking to paint that as well. If so, sand that infant first. You don't need to take it down completely to raw woods, but fully remove that shiny sheen.

My husband took care of the sanding. If I did information technology I'd apply these niggling sanding blocks because I pretty much hate the feel of sandpaper. I did give the tile a little crude up to help the paint adhere. For shinier tiles, I definitely would've sanded more than.

DIY painted ceramic tile fireplace
the hubs stopping his other projects to sand for me 🙂

two. Mask Off Tile Surround

Once again, this is merely needed if you're painting the mantel. Merely you'll want to tape off the centre area. It seems kind of redundant since you'll be painting that as well, but since it'south 2 dissimilar types of paint, it'southward worth the extra effort.

I used this bluish record and information technology works best I've institute after taping off nigh every sqaure inch in this business firm. Merely going one step more than taping edges, I too covered the unabridged heart with plastic. This was necessary since we used a paint sprayer, but I might practice information technology if hand painting anyway just to exist cautious.

painted fireplace mantel

3. Paint the Mantel

Mark sprayed the unabridged mantel with Sherwin Williams Pure White which is a touch on warmer than our walls which are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. I don't trust myself with a sprayer and would've done this step by mitt.

four. Clean Ceramic Tile Fireplace

(Seems basic but oh so of import!) You could really practice this pace after sanding, but for clarity's sake I'yard gonna put it right here. Either way, it'southward super important. The tile must be cleaned from dust, dirt, and other crap that builds up from the lxxx's.

HOWEVER, you also want to make certain to employ a non-balance cleaner then the paint adheres well later cleaning. I used a TSP (an old school cleaner that cuts through anything, but wish I would've gone with a more eco-friendly pick).

fireplace painting supplies

5. Tape Off Mantel

Then much taping and prepping. Just actually, isn't that almost of what painting is all near? One time the mantel has dried for a few days, become ahead and tape off that babe existence conscientious to brand polish clean lines with the tape. Because nosotros were in the middle of a full on remodel, I didn't worry about the floors. Otherwise, be sure to encompass and tape!

how to paint a ceramic tile fireplace

6. Paint Ceramic Tile

Time for the fun part! For this fireplace, I used a Black enamel pigment that did non need primer but if I had gone with regular latex paint, I definitely would've primed it first. Here, I used the foam rollers for a polish end.

At that place it is, easy! Permit me know if you take whatsoever questions on my process and definitely let me know if you choose update your fireplace too!

tile fireplace makeover
moving things in with Pete the true cat 🙂

PREVIOUS UPDATE

5/twenty/2020 – And then I completed this fireplace projection one year ago before we moved into our new home. Since this time, Rustoleum has shared on a Q&A page that they do not recommend the enamel pigment I used for tile. This contradicts previous data I institute but desire to share that with you!