If you follow me on Instagram, you know we recently moved to Kansas City (from Dallas) into a major fixer upper. After the walls, ceilings, and floors were redone, I knew the first thing I would tackle would be the fireplace. We have a double sided fireplace (the other side is brick and in our kitchen which I’ll be making over soon!); however, the side in the living room was such a 1980’s eyesore. I decided to paint the tile Benjamin Moore Classic Gray to match all the walls in our home (which is more like a gray tinted white as it’s very very light!) and also allow for a little contrast between the white paneling and the tile.
The best part about this project is that it made a big impact but only took $18 and two nap times! (If you’re a mama, you know every project is measured by how many nap times it takes, yes?!).
BEFORE
AFTER
STEP 1: Remove fireplace doors.
You may need to stick your head in the fireplace to see how yours is connected. It shouldn’t be too complicated to take out, but you may need two people! Don’t try to paint your tile or doors without removing them first!
STEP 2: Clean tile and fireplace doors with a degreaser (this one is my go-to!)
This is very important as it will remove all dirt and grease to allow the paint to better adhere.
STEP 3: Sand tile just enough to remove the gloss.
I definitely recommend using a power sander for this. I used 220 grit (I didn’t sand my doors at all).
STEP 4: Clean tile and doors thoroughly to remove any residue.
You need a clean, dust-free surface to paint, so don’t skip this step!
STEP 5: Tape off all edges.
If you are not a perfectionist, this is where you need to become one! A good paint job is 95% in the prep work! Use a high quality painter’s tape. Take off all edges where the tile meets the mantle or surrounding walls. Also be sure to tape off the glass on your doors.
STEP 6: Prime tile using STIX primer.
This primer is made to stick to the toughest materials, including tile! I did two coats 4 hours apart (I did not prime the fireplace doors). I first trimmed the outer areas with a small paint brush, then went over everything (including the grout!) with a small roller brush.
STEP 7: Spray paint fireplace doors.
It is very important that you use a spray paint made for high heat. I recommend this one. Be sure to use very light, even coats to avoid dripping or pooling. I did 8 coats about 2 minutes apart.
STEP 8: Paint tile.
I used the same latex paint that was used everywhere else in our house. I did two coats 4 hours apart (after waiting 24 hours for the primer to cure!).
STEP 9: Remove tape and reinstall doors.
I also replaced the pulls on the doors to update them.
This one isn’t complicated AT ALL, so don’t let it intimidate you! Now I’ll leave you with a pretty drastic before and after! Crazy what a little paint + new floors can do, yes?!
BEFORE
AFTER
Katie, your fireplace looks so stunning. What a huge transformation. Thank you for sharing the steps in your blog. You are an inspiration!
Thank you so much, Aiane!
Can’t stop showing my husband all your before and afters! We LOVE the transformation!
I LOVE this! What a gorgeous before and after. Are these the same floors you used throughout your house? If so, what’s the brand/name? We’re looking to redo ours!
Thank you! and yes, they are! If you check out my saved stories on IG (@katiebethlamb), there’s a photo of the exact type! (They are from Shaw!)