Can you paint tile? Yes! I’m sharing how to paint tile – an easy fireplace paint makeover & inexpensive DIY project – that made such a HUGE difference to our living room!
Today I’ll show you how to paint fireplace tile – in just 3 steps and no sanding!
It was so much easier than I thought it was going to be – and I love how it turned out!
How to Paint Tile: You’ll love this DIY tutorial if you’ve ever wanted to paint over outdated tile and I’ll show you what supplies you need and how to do it step by step…I’ll show you exactly how easy it is!
How to Paint Tile – Easy Fireplace Paint Makeover
Giving our living room electric fireplace surround, hearth and mantel a total makeover has been in the plans for a while – it’s in great shape, we love the size of it and the design of the mantel …but the colors were pretty boring and not as bright and stylish as I wanted.
First we painted the honey oak wood mantel white and it made such a huge difference to lighten and brighten our living room! Our mantel was a honey oak stain.
Read these posts on how to pick paint colors for your fireplace and home!
- 5 Ways To Create A Whole Home Paint Color Scheme
- How To Identify Paint Color Undertones – To Choose The Right Color
- How to Pick Paint Colors With Confidence!
- Paint Tips – How To Pick The Perfect Paint Sheen
Next we painted the boring beige tile fireplace surround and hearth – with no sanding and in just 3 steps! It’s so easy!
First let’s look at the before: Boring and blah ceramic tile surround on our electric fireplace.
Bye-bye beige!
Supplies to Paint Tile On A Fireplace Surround:
- White tile paint – you can buy it here. I get a lot of questions about the paint I used, so I want to clarify that I didn’t use any other type of paint. This paint is designed to resist blistering, peeling!
- Painter’s tape. Click here to see it. ( this is the only painter’s tape I use since it prevents paint bleeding!! And it doesn’t remove the paint from the metal fireplace insert – so important!)
- 2 paint brushes. I used a 1.5 inch flat paint brush like this and a 1/2 inch flat paint brush.
NOTE!! I usually use household paint brushes like Purdy paint brushes for these types of interior paint projects – but the flat paint brushes (linked above) that I used for this DIY project were the perfect size and shape for applying the tile paint, didn’t leave brush marks and gave me more control around the corners!
Okay let me just say it again because I’m so excited about this!! I did NOT SAND at all! Saves lots of time and mess!
The specific paint I used is a primer and sealer in one and it’s designed to adhere to tile (Always paint a test patch first on a spare tile – if you have one – to make sure it will apply to the surface of your tile!!)
Here’s what you need to do to get the job done:
affiliate links included in post – full disclosure statement available here.
STEP 1. CLEAN YOUR TILE (REALLY WELL!)
It’s so important to prep the tile properly to make sure the paint will adhere and won’t peel off!
Wash the tile before painting to remove any dirt, dust or grease.
I made up a mixture of 2 cups of warm water and 1 drop of this dish soap in a small plastic container and wiped down the tile with a cotton cloth and the soap mixture.
I didn’t use any other cleaner.
I didn’t use a sponge because I it’s harder to completely rinse out.
After cleaning the tile I gave it a final ‘rinse’ and wiped it down with a slightly wet cotton cloth (with just water, no soap) to remove excess cleaner from the surface, and let it air dry.
STEP 2. TAPE OFF
Tape around the entire tile with the painter’s tape. I even taped out the hearth tile by applying the tape right onto the carpet!
Run your finger over the edges of the tape thoroughly to seal it.
STEP 3. PAINT YOUR TILE!
Paint the tile and the grout lines using the paint brushes listed above and the white tile paint! I only used this paint – no other paint!!
(I did not use a paint roller or paint tray).
The first coat of paint will look streaky. That’s okay!
Our tile took 3 coats to cover. Each coat dries quickly though so I was able to finish in 2 days.
Make sure you follow the instructions on the can to let it completely cure in between coats and to fully cure before using the area. This will ensure a durable finish!
The paint sheen has a very soft satin look. Not completely matte, just a very soft shine – it’s perfect! It’s in between a matte finish and a semi-gloss.
After 1 coat of paint:
When the paint has completely dried remove the painter’s tape. Look – no paint seeping! Nice clean edges! No paint has been removed from the black fireplace insert!
We love it! No more boring beige! It’s fresh, bright and I love the white against our gray wall color and the black fireplace insert!
Our painted fireplace tile fits in so much better with the rest of our living room now, which just got a makeover!
Next project that we plan on tackling is painting floor tile – in our basement bathroom.
I’ll keep you updated on that project! I’ve heard that painting tile floors is easy, finger’s crossed it is!
(Let me know in the comments below if you’ve painted your bathroom floors. Did you use floor paint? Have you tried this with your kitchen tile backsplash!)
see our recent living room makeover!
Shop the look! Click on the images below and scroll using the arrows to see more about each item!
As a lover of classic colors and timeless design this paint makeover really makes me happy!
I also really love how my mantel decor absolutely pops now with the entire fireplace painted out in white.
Shop the look! Click on the images below and scroll using the arrows to see more about each item!
Before:
After:
Shop the look! Click on the images below and scroll using the arrows to see more about each item!
Here are a few questions I’ve been asked by readers:
Did you seal the tile as a final top coat? No I didn’t add any other sealer product! This paint is a sealer itself!
Can this work with porcelain tile? I’m not sure, my tile is ceramic.
Does this hold up to kids and pets? I don’t have any pets that walk on the tile hearth and our kids don’t either. The hearth and fireplace itself is not a high traffic area. Be sure to let the paint fully cure in between coats and after the final coat to make sure it’s as durable as possible.
Will this scratch, chip or crack? 2 years in I’ve had a few minor scratches the size of a dot on the hearth tile from where I placed my lanterns on the hearth tile….but I just repainted them with the same paint and the scratches are completely eliminated! The tile surround has shown no scratches at all. There have been no paint chips or cracks with my tile.
Will this work on wall tile? It may would work on wall tile too ,but I haven’t tried it. I wouldn’t do it in a shower though – it won’t hold up to moisture. For a shower/bathroom I would go with an epoxy paint that’s designed for high moisture and high humidity. I’ve heard great things about the Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Kit to paint shower tile.
Will this work on cracked tile or tile missing grout? I haven’t tried it but you can try to repair the tile with paintable caulk to fill in and smooth cracks and missing grout. Then apply the paint.
My tile is high-gloss – will this paint technique work? For high-gloss tile I would lightly sand the tile to give the paint something to adhere to and be sure to remove all the dust from sanding before starting to paint the tile. Like any paint project it’s all about the preparation of the surface.
Can you paint ceramic tile backsplash in a laundry room? I haven’t tried it in a laundry room. The paint is not intended for any surface subject to immersion or prolonged contact with water.
How long does painted ceramic tile last? I painted my fireplace tile 2 years ago and it has lasted. It still looks beautiful! As I mentioned I have had a few scratches from placing lanterns on the hearth area but I easily fixed them by touching them up with the same paint.
How to Paint Tile in 3 EASY STEPS!
PLEASE PIN THIS AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
My next project is to paint some bathroom accent tile using this same method – I’ll let you know how that goes!
I’m also inspired to use this paint technique on our dated kitchen backsplash in our basement bar area. Have you painted your kitchen backsplash with this paint?
Do you have some tile to paint? Do you think you’ll try painting it this way? Let me know how your tile paint project turns out!
You may also like:
How to paint a brown wood fireplace mantel in 3 easy steps!
7 Ways To Make A Small Room Feel Larger Instantly!
More paint color and decor ideas:
- Painting Fireplace Tile & Stencil Ideas – 9 Ways to Update Your Fireplace
- Top 50 Bestselling Paint Colors At Sherwin Williams
- Agreeable Gray Undertones & Coordinating Colors
- Online Design Services & Color Advice
- Behr Back To Nature Paint Color – Color Of The Year 2020
- 7 Ways To Make A Small Living Room Feel Larger Instantly!
- 6 Decor Tips: How To Create A Cozy Living Room
- Living Room Furniture & Decor Sales!
- Elegant Gold and White Christmas Living Room Decor Ideas
- The Best Transitional Glam Living Room Pieces
- The BIG Mistakes You’re Making Choosing A Roof Shingle Color
- How To Arrange Furniture With An Open Concept Floor Plan
- Gorgeous Accent Mirrors – The Most Beautiful Styles & How To Hang Them
- Chic Neutral Living Room – Walmart Home
- How To Arrange Furniture In A Small Living Room
- Living Room Design Ideas
I hope you enjoyed this DIY tile painting tips post!
[email protected] says
This is a great makeover. You are right it really did make a brighter and fresher difference. The space seems more open and airy now. Thank you for the tutorial.
heather says
I’m glad you like my tute Tracy and thanks for the compliments!! I wish I had done it sooner – we are really enjoying the fresh update!
Debra says
Can you then paint a color over the base coat? and, if so, what type of paint would you use? Thank you!
heather says
I’m not sure Debra – I haven’t tried that! Perhaps what you could do is paint a spare piece of tile you may have lying around with the white base coat then paint your color on top and see how it works. Good luck!
Lindsay says
Did you only use the Zinsser paint, or that as a base coat and a different paint on top?
heather says
I only used the Zinsser paint as described in the tutorial! Hope that helps!
heather says
Thanks so much Tracy!! You’re exactly right – it makes my whole living room seem bigger and brighter! I love when a small inexpensive change like this makes a huge impact!
Katy says
Is this paint okay with high heat from a functioning fireplace?
heather says
Hi Katy – Check with your fireplace manufacturer!
Sandra Coyer says
Love it! Also love the added clean look of the shiny silver. Thanks for sharing
Blessings~~~
heather says
You’re welcome Sandra! Thank you for your sweet thoughtful compliments!! Painting my fireplace has made such a huge difference to my living room!
Tiffany says
Hi, Heather ~ I L-O-V-E this project! And, oh, how I adore the two words: “no sanding.” :0) I’m doing this project this summer, and kicking builder-grade beige to the curb! Thanks so much for sharing!
heather says
Yay – I’m glad you like my post!! You’ll love your fireplace after Tiffany! It makes such a huge difference to the whole room!! I honestly wish I had painted mine earlier! Let me know how your’s turns out 🙂
Julie says
Heather, did you only use the primer/sealer (no actual paint?
Thanks
heather says
Yes Julie – just the primer/sealer! No additional types of paint! The white color of the primer/sealer is gorgeous!
Kathy Caveny says
Heather this is a great project and I want to try it on ours. Was it hard to get the primer to match the existing white on your mantel?
heather says
Hi Kathy! It matches perfectly to our white mantel! I’m so glad you like my post and painting tip! xo Heather
Pamela says
Did you also paint the grout too? I can’t tell by the pictures if you did or not. We got a slate grey color and want to refresh our fireplace that oddly had the same color as yours.
heather says
Yes – I repainted the tile and the grout! It still looks amazing – I’m so glad I did it!! Have fun painting your fireplace Pamela! 🙂
Marci says
I think I am going to copy your fireplace look, love it! also, what colour grey did you use on your walls?
heather says
Hi Marci! I’m glad you like my fireplace makeover!! My grey wall color is Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray! It’s a gorgeous color!
Aimee says
One word – GORGEOUS!! Love this project! Definitely putting this on my project list!! One quick question – Is the tile paint the same white as your mantel?
heather says
Hi Aimee – I used different paint but it’s the same color of white! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed my post! Happy Summer!
Keri says
Do you think this method would work on marble?
heather says
I really don’t know if it would or not Keri….I’d ask someone at Home Depot if they may know if it would work. Good luck!
Brenda says
Heather, I’d like to paint a tile kitchen backsplash. It is done in a black square shiny tile. There is an accent tile that I really dislike in the center. Will this paint work on a glossy finish tile as well?
lisa says
Was going to ask the same question…a tearing out of the backsplash isn’t in the budget now, but yikes, I don’t like the backsplash in the home we just purchased! We even have occasional glass tiles to paint over…wonder if it will work!
Nicole says
Yes it does. I’ve done it in a kitchen and a bath tub/shower surround.
Julia says
It looks fabulous! I recently moved into a new house and need to update two fireplaces! I have my work cut out for me. I love, love your round mirror. Where did you get it?
Kaci says
This is great! Do you know if they let you had color to the type of tile paint you used? We have a fireplace that is tiled but we don’t want it all white. We would like a medium grey color. thanks!
heather says
I’m not sure if you could tint it or not since I didn’t do that Kaci – but I guess you could buy a can and try to tint it! Might work!
Tiffany says
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! I followed it this weekend and painted over some dark green tile. My fireplace looks so much better. It completely changes the feel of the room.
Thanks Again!
Tiffany
heather says
AWESOME!!!!! Please send me a photo of your tile Tiffany!! ( [email protected] ) I’d love to share it on facebook! I’m so THRILLED that you followed my tutorial and you love the results!! Soooooo excited for you! 🙂
Tracy says
I only wished my Husband had seen this before he used engine block spray paint on our bathroom/bedroom fireplace. So many fumes and overspray (although it was just dried dust by the time it hit anything). He choose this paint because the tiles get warm from the heat of the fireplace. Does the paint you use handle the painted tiles being heated?
Thanks so much!
heather says
Yes – this paint works for a fireplace – I haven’t had any problems with it being heated at all Tracy! It still looks like I just painted it yesterday too – no flakes or chips. So sorry to hear about the fumes and over spray you experienced! My tutorial has no fumes and no overspray or mess. Thanks so much for visiting Tracy!
Heather says
Hi Heather – wondering how the paint has held up? We use our wood burning fireplace a lot and wondered if you thoght the paint would peel or scratch if were putting wood down on the painted tile?
Thanks,
From another Heather
heather says
Hi Heather (great name!) The paint has held up perfectly! No chips or scratches. Our fireplace is electric so I don’t put wood on it all the time, but I do put lanterns on it and birch logs for decor and have had no scratching. I’m wondering if you apply a matte sealer/varnish type of application on top for an extra measure of protection if that would help? I’d go to your local home improvement store and ask them what they think just to make sure. The other thing you could do perhaps is to paint a spare piece of tile you might have lying around and sort of test it to see how it holds up after a couple of weeks. Hope that helps!
Lena says
Do you use your fireplace often? I’m wondering if I were to do this would the paint hold up against the heat?
heather says
We use it often in the winter and has held up well!
Amanda says
How well does this paint your using stand up to the high heat temperature from the fireplace? Would it not melt away or cause a bad odour?
heather says
My fireplace is electric and it’s held up well!
Jackie says
Can you post a pic of the brushes you used? Thank you so much.
heather says
Hi Jackie – they are artists brushes and you can see pictures of them using the links in the post! I hope that helps! Thank you!
Kathy says
Hi Heather. Love the updated look. Can you use this same technique for my beige kitchen backsplash?
heather says
Thanks Kathy – glad you like the updated look on my fireplace! I’m not sure how this might stand up with a lot of scrubbing for a kitchen…I’d ask someone at your hardware store perhaps if they think it may work or if maybe you need to add a sealer on top! Good luck!
Ashley says
Hi! I love your makeover! Such a a difference! We have a similar mantle! How is it holding up to cleaning…especially the floor section?
heather says
Hi Ashley – it’s holding up super well! I just damp wipe the tile to clean it. There were a couple of small scratches on the floor tile, where I put my decorative lanterns, but they came right off with a Mr. Clean magic eraser! I’m soooo glad I painted it – looks so beautiful compared to the blah beige tile that was there!! Hope that helps!
Ashley says
That’s great to hear! Thank you!!
Cynthi says
How do you make the paint smooth and not have paint brush marks.
heather says
Cynthi – the paint brushes I used – links in post – are the answer to no brush marks! 🙂
janet says
I so want to do this. Maybe, I am blind, but did you paiint the tile on the ground as well. It looks beige still? Look great. Thanks for the tuturial!!
heather says
Hi Janet – glad you like my post! Yes I painted the tile at the hearth of the fireplace the same way! 🙂
Janet Pursley says
Thank you!! Just out of curiosity why do you use two brushes? Did it take a long time since the brushes are so small?
heather says
Hi Janet – I painted most of the tile with the 1.5 inch brush and the smaller brush was better at getting into some of the tight corners. No it didn’t take a long time to paint – the smaller brushes actually gave me more control so I wouldn’t get paint on the wood mantle. Hope this helps! 🙂
Sandy says
We are considering to paint our green ceramic tiles around our fire place, and we burn wood and there is quite a lot of heat when the fire is going. Do you think it would work for our fireplace ? Any suggestions would be great 🙂
heather says
I’d ask you local hardware, home improvement store about that Sandy! Our fireplace is electric not wood burning.
Tamara says
Thankyou for a very easy solution to transforming tile, I’ve had clients ask me if tile can be painted.
Lynn says
I’m so glad you posted this, I’ve been thinking about wanting to change my tile around my fireplace but I didn’t know you could paint it with the heat coming out right next to it. So glad to know there are no problems. I’m curious did you paint the grout too or leave that alone? Mine is a kinda beige-brown.
heather says
Yes I painted the grout too Lynn – mine was beige as well!
Kelly Anderson says
We just painted our walls mindful gray today and have the same fireplace! I was thinking he beige doesn’t match and this looks great! Did you have to put any sealant in top? I’m wondering if tiles on floor get marked up when people walk on them? Can you wipe them down when needed ?
heather says
Hi Kelly – I just used the steps that I posted in my tutorial. We don’t walk on the tiles below our fireplace but I do set baskets and lanterns on them. It wipes easily!
Michelle says
Your fireplace looks FAB! I am going to do paint my fireplace this weekend but would like an update if possible. Is this tile paint still holding up? Reviews online are not so good if used as primer but no reviews have been done regarding using as a paint only.
heather says
Yes – it’s holding up perfect Michelle!!
heather says
Hi Rose – the paint I used only comes in one color – white. But it’s a primer so you should be able to paint on top of it, but I haven’t tried that myself. Good luck and you are so welcome for the idea!! xo Heather
Marilyn Grieco says
Please provide the exact name and brand of paint. At Home Depot I was shown concrete paint. Was told they had “no tile paint”.
heather says
Marilyn – the paint I used is in the supply list. Check it out! 🙂 Best Heather
Lori says
So sorry to ask this same question, but I have read and re-read your instructions and I do not see the exact primer and paint, exact brand, sheen and color? (satin?) Would you please provide. Amazing job that I would like to try as well. Working with a salmon tile, yuck. 😉 Also, do you mind sharing your black fireplace insert? Thank you!!
heather says
Hi Lori – the products that I used are linked in the blog post! I don’t know where the insert is from. Have fun painting your fireplace tile!
Jill says
I painted my mantle but I’m nervous to paint the tile surround. Will the heat cause the paint to crack on the tile?
heather says
I don’t know Jill. My fireplace is electric and doesn’t heat the tile.
Debbie says
This is what I am trying to do with my tile around the fireplace. I went to Home Depot and asked about this paint as I coudn’t find it myself and the guy said he didn’t have any specific “tile paint”. He sent me home with an interior Satin Enamel that is a Paint and Primer in one. I’m thinking this might be the wrong product to use?
heather says
Hi Debbie – I used the paint that I talked about and linked in my post so I don’t know if the paint you bought at Home Depot will work or not.
Debbie says
I ended up getting the paint you linked here. I think our fireplace looks much better now. But, here is the issue that I see. I can scratch it off with my fingernail, and we have dogs, so I haven’t let them on it yet, but I can’t keep the fireplace barricaded forever. Have you had any issues with this? Wondering if I should put another type of sealant on it? It does say full adhesion and hardness in 7 days. Did you wait 7 days before putting your decorations on it? Thanks!
heather says
Hi Debbie – I waited a few days before putting any decor on it. I haven’t had any issues with it, but I don’t have dogs. Perhaps you could put a clear varathane on top? I’d ask your local hardware store if that might work. I’m not sure if that would work, but perhaps it’s worth a try!
Shanna says
If I’m understanding correctly, you only used the primer/sealer and not a top coat? We’re getting ready to paint our fireplace and I love the way your looks!
heather says
I used the supplies and the tutorial in my post! Thanks for the compliment – we love it!
Gina says
I’m you newest fan! We have the same fireplace and I thought about having a mason brick it, but I really love this! I can’t wait to get started!
heather says
Oh thank you Gina for your lovely compliments! So glad you like my blog and this tutorial! Enjoy your fireplace makeover!! xo Heather
Kristen says
Hi there – I am SO excited to have stumbled upon your post. Were your tiles smooth to the touch to begin with? Ours have some slight ridges in them that give them some more “natural look. “I am wondering how it would turn out if I were to follow your steps on stone that isn’t completely smooth. Thanks in advance!
heather says
Our tiles have a very subtle varied surface to make it look like natural stone as well. We love how it looks and how it turned out. So much better than the blah beige it was before!
Ginette says
Hi there, Our fireplace tile look exactly like your old one, so I am thrilled to see your post!
Have you used your gas fireplace since? This is my challenge in convincing my husband that this is a great idea!
heather says
We use our fireplace all the time! I’m so glad you like my post – thank you!
Allison Tesnar says
Very cool! We have a bathroom in our basement that is ‘fine’ but this may help improve the look of the boring beige tile on the floor. Since it says it’s a primer and you can use any topcoat I think I’m going to add a stencil to the top in charcoal to mimick the look of those cool patterned tiles. I’ll have to figure out a topcoat to protect it since it will be walked on. Any suggestions?
heather says
I’m not sure – perhaps you could ask your local hardware store what they might suggest? Sounds like you have a great plan with the stencil! 🙂
Cheri says
Have you ever stenciled on a ceramic tile fireplace surround? I am thinking of doing this but not sure if it would work or not. Also, if so, what paint do you use? Thanks!
heather says
Hi – no I have never stencilled on a fireplace tile surround. The paint I used is linked in the post! 🙂
Kelly says
Hi Heather, looks lovely! Now that some time has passed, has the paint project withstood the wear and tear of household activity? Just wondering if you’ve had any issues with chipping or cracking? Thanks!
heather says
Hi Kelly – it’s held up beautifully! I’m so glad I did it! I’m doing a blog post on how it’s held up – stay tuned!! xo Heather
Jeanne says
would love to see a picture of how the gray and white looks. I was also thinking of trying gray/white.
Julie says
I getting a new gas insert in mine in a couple weeks and I think I just found the solution for my out dated tile!! The link for the paint, you only used the primer/sealer in white – no actual paint? It looks beautiful!!!
heather says
Thanks Julie – we love our painted tile! Yes it’s paint/primer/sealer in one!
heather says
I’m so thrilled that you used my tutorial to paint your tile!! Isn’t it an incredible transformation? Thanks for sharing!! xo Heather
Shaney says
The hearth of our fireplace is tile and I would love to paint the entire thing but am worried about falling embers. Have you experienced this?
heather says
Hi Shaney! Our fireplace is electric so I don’t have experience with embers.
Lauren says
Hi Heather!
Dumb question, but did you just paint over the grout with this paint too?
Thanks!
Lauren
heather says
Hi Lauren! Yes I did – I painted over the grout! 🙂
rachael says
Can you use this same paint around a wood burning fireplace? We have black slate tile, that is fine, but our house is light gray and white and it sticks out like a sore thumb!
heather says
I’m not sure! My fireplace is electric not wood burning. I would ask you local hardware store to see if it’s possible.
Kate Sextom says
What is the Exact paint/ Primer that you used?
heather says
I used exactly what is in the instructions and supply list.
Denise says
Could we have the paint you used tinted to match our off white trim?
heather says
I don’t know, I’ve never tried it! I’d message/email the manufacturer to ask them, I’m sure they will help you answer your question!
Lisa says
I love your fireplace and want to do this myself, but notice you mention a couple times you have an electric fireplace. Mine is gas. I have the same tiles you do surrounding my gas fireplace and am wondering if it makes a difference in terms of safety. Would you happen to know? The manufacturer is out of business…
heather says
Hi Lisa – I don’t know about that.
Jen says
When you say “electric” fireplace do you mean gas fireplace? I have the same beige tile and juat finished painting my honey oak matle white and would love to paint my tile. My fireplace is gas and looks exactly like yours.
heather says
Hi Jen – No I don’t have a gas fireplace, our’s is electric. There is a difference between a gas and electric fireplace. Hope that helps!
Elizabeth says
hi Heather … this is amazing! We have beige tiles around our gas fireplace and were thinking of retiling. This saves time and $$$. Does the primer come gray too?
heather says
Thanks so much Elizabeth! Yes it comes in gray too!
You can see the gray version here: https://rstyle.me/+-ZOHFc41KSv1NXyHQxWgww
Jonie says
Hi Heather,
Can it be removed easily when needed? I live in an apartment and I am wanting to paint the fireplace but whenever it is time to move, I want to return to original condition.
heather says
Hi Jonie – I don’t think it can be removed…..maybe you can ask your landlord if you can paint it and leave it?
Izabel says
How long did you wait in between each coat?
heather says
I followed the dry time of the paint’s time instructions!
Mandy says
Does it still look this way? I’m debating on painting the tile around my fireplace but wondering how long it lasts…
heather says
Yes -it still looks this way and has lasted 5 years!
Pam Andrews says
Hi Heather. Your fireplace project looks awesome! I am wanting to do something different with mine. If I showed you a picture, could you give me an idea? I would be so grateful. It is a real fireplace.
heather says
Sure! I help my design clients with their fireplaces often! Email me at [email protected] and we can discuss.
Bree says
I am following you instructions exactly and using a Purdy paint brush not a roller. I just finished the 2nd coat and I can see the brush strokes pretty clearly. Are they noticeable on your fireplace with the 3 coats of paint? Would love to know and thanks for the idea.
heather says
I don’t have visible brush strokes on my painted tile. I used flat brushes that I listed in the supply list and are linked in the post, not a Purdy paint brush. You’re welcome for the idea! We love our tile makeover!
Marla Allen says
Hi Heather, this looks absolute great! I noticed you put in bold *You have an electric fireplace* why did you mention that and put it in bold? Was that a warning for something in particular?
heather says
Hi Marla – I just put it in bold because a lot of people ask me if I have an electric fireplace or gas fireplace! I have an electric fireplace. Hope that helps!
Marla Allen says
Yes that helps. Thank you so much!
Shayna Hamilton says
Hi there! Love what you did! Do you really need to get those paint brushes? They are $40 for the two and wondering if I can find somewhere else
Cheaper! I so appreciate your links to everything you got!!
heather says
Using quality paint brushes results in no brush marks in the paint and a better look. Have fun painting your tile!
Shayna Hamilton says
Hi again! I’m on my second coat of painting the mantel white. I’m still seeing a lot of brush strokes. I’m using the brush you linked. I’m not using the roller you linked because it left a kind of “wall” texture look! Any tips? Finishing third coat tomorrow! Thanks!!
Jenna says
How much of the paint did you need?
heather says
Not a lot! I didn’t use the entire can.
Alison says
Hi! I recently used the same primer to paint our tile fireplace. I love the look! However, when I was removing the painters tape some of the primer peeled off of the tile. After 4 coats it peeled all the way down to the tile. So I was wondering, do you think it will be fine after the 7 day cure time the primer states? Or should I put some sort of sealer over the top?
Thank you!
Alison
Audrey says
Hey! I’m trying to click on the painters tape but it’s taking me to a dead end on Amazon! Which tape do you use?
Thanks!
heather says
Hi – this is the affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3i568Va
Janice Rodriguez says
I was preparing to stucco over the multicolored tile on my living room fireplace when I came across your post. I followed your suggestions and my fireplace looks clean and fresh. I had the paint tinted Benjamin Moore White Dove and it looks amazing now. Thank you!
heather says
Oh fabulous! Thank you Janice for sharing your experience! I love Benjamin Moore White Dove and I’m so happy to hear that you tinted the paint to that gorgeous color! I’m so glad you love your painted fireplace tile! We still love ours to this day! xo Heather
Miriah says
I did this – used the same primer – mostly with a roller brush except for the tight areas. It worked SO well. I was so happy! My fireplace is in a north facing room so I did find the white of the primer to be a bit too harsh, so I painted over it with Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster, just normal paint, and it looks fantastic. No sanding, just cleaned the tile, then did the painting according to the directions on the primer can. I did need four coats of primer, but my tiles were a very dark grey so that’s likely the difference for me. Thank you so so much!
heather says
Fabulous! I’m so gad you love the results!
Zenia says
Hi Heather! Amazon no longer sells the first paint brush you mentioned 🙁 any other recommendations?
heather says
You could try this 2″ artist brush – it should work here is the affiliate link for it: https://amzn.to/3oLmRl9 Hope that helps!
Nina says
Hi Heather. I’ve used both types of brushes. I’m on my third coat of paint now..and I still see paint brush streaks. I’m thinking I’ll need to do some sort of roller brush now, or just sticky tile the fireplace. It was the same Beige tile.you had, I bought the recommended paint. Any ideas?
Christa says
The paint link takes me to a primer – what paint did you use? Large tile area on fireplace to paint black. Thank you!
heather says
That’s what I used.
Stephanie Cohen says
Hi. I like the fireplace a lot. I have ugly, brown, “rough surface” tile on mine. I’d like to have it painted all white like yours. I don’t have a wood mantel. My question: Your fireplace is electric. Mine is gas and wood so it allows for a real flame. I don’t use wood anymore due to termite issues. I do use it with gas logs. It gets hot. Is the paint you used SAFE to use on my gas/wood burning fireplace?
Thanks.