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fireplace tiles can be a highly attractive design feature in your home, but not if they're old and faded. The tiles surrounding your hearth are subject to a lot of abuse from heat and smoke, so they can really start looking unattractive after a while. But if you can't afford to replace your fireplace surround, don't despair. Following are some tips on how to paint fireplace tiles that will give your hearth a whole new lease on life.
You'll need to begin by thoroughly cleaning the fireplace, including the interior. It's important that there not be any soot or ashes floating around to get trapped in the paint. When you're cleaning the tiles, be sure to tackle the grout in between the tiles as well. If there are stubborn deposits, use a special tile and grout cleaner to eliminate them. At this time, check for any crumbling or broken grout and repair it. Make sure everything is completely dry before you move on to the next step.
Next you will need to sand the tiles in order to rough up the surface so the paint can stick. Sand in both directions: up and down, then side to side. Keep sanding until the tiles no longer feel smooth. You can either use a sheet of fine grit sandpaper or an electric sander to make the job easier.
Now it's time to apply the primer. Choose one that is appropriate for glossy surfaces such as tiles. This will prevent any bleed through of old stains, and also provide a secure base for the paint. Be sure you don't get any paint on the interior of the fireplace, as it is highly flammable. Apply two coats and allow it to dry for a full day. Then lightly sand it in preparation for the latex top coat.
Using latex paint (semi-gloss is a good choice as it gleams nicely in the firelight), apply one coat, being sure to get into all the cracks and crevices. Allow it to dry for a couple of hours, and then finish with a final coat.
Some people like to use spray paint that provides a textured, variegated surface resembling stone or granite. If you decide to go this route, you'll have to mask off all the surrounding areas before you spray. It will look more realistic if you wipe off the paint that gets on the grout using a small sponge brush. However, you might then have to paint the grout again using white or off white if it was badly discolored to start with.
Another option is to paint the whole thing white, then use a sponge painting technique to add color and texture. This will work best with a pale shade that doesn't stand out too much from the white background. You need to avoid painting the grout while you're doing this.
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