Welcome friends! I’m so happy to finally be sharing my family room stenciled tile DIY fireplace makeover with you!! I’ve wanted to update this fireplace since we moved here four years ago. Well, I finally got inspired over the summer and just went for it! Friends, I am so happy with the results I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner!! Let’s take a look at the before:
Yup, pretty typical 90’s fireplace with beige tile and brass accents.
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step 1: get rid of the brass
If you have a fireplace like this and you’ve been on the fence about painting out the brass, just do it!! I promise you will not be disappointed! My brass slats actually pop off, so it was an even easier job than I expected.
This Rust-Oleum high heat worked like a charm. I gave each slat a good 3 coats outside. If you’re working indoors, make sure you have good ventilation and cover and tape off all other surfaces, floors etc.
step 2: prepare, prime, and paint base coat
With the brass gone I was really encouraged and motivated to get going on the next step, preparing the tile. I wiped it down with a bit of soapy water and rinsed well. Then I taped off all areas that needed protecting: around the fireplace insert, hardwood floor, walls etc.
I applied 2 coats of primer meant for tile: cutting in with a brush then rolling it out. I allowed that to dry overnight, then applied one coat of my base paint. Things were looking better all ready!
Step 3: apply stencil
The stencil I used for this project is from Cutting Edge Stencils. They have so many amazing styles to choose from, step by step instructions, and how to videos on their website. I chose Abbey wall stencil in their smallest size, 6 x 6. It was a good choice for this project, as I only had to trim it slightly. I also wanted the ’tiles” to appear smaller than the original tiles, which I think were too big for this space.
Once you have your stencil in place, use painters tape to secure. My tips for success are: 1) don’t overload your roller with paint (too much paint can cause bleed) and 2) apply light pressure, going over stencil thoroughly, but not pressing too hard. Figuring out the placement of the stencils did take some time and I was happy to have my hubby’s help with this project. Are you ready to see the after?
Ta da!! Do you love it as much as I do?!? Honestly I can’t believe this is the same fireplace! I’m so happy with how this project turned out!
I hope you found my stenciled tile DIY fireplace makeover helpful. Not only has it given my fireplace a whole new look, but the whole room just feels so much brighter! If you’ve been thinking of giving wall or floor stenciling or painting over tile a try, I say go for it!! I’d love for you to share your experience or any questions or comments below!
XO JUDY
The fireplace is gorgeous! Wow, what a difference! The accessories on the mantel just make the makeover pop. Well done!
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Thank you so much Donna! 💗
WOW! It looks amazing… what a BIG difference, and you made it look so easy. Kudos.
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Thanks Tana! 💗 Super happy with how it turned out!
Hey Judy~ I just stumbled on to your blog today. Oh HAPPY day! I love your home and all your decorating ideas. Love ’em all!
Blessings! Deb 🙂
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Hello Deb! So kind of you to say and thank you for following along!
Ohhhhhhh yeah, sister! GREAT job! I love how this turned out!
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Thank you so much Marissa!!I’m so happy with this project turned out!
this looks amazing, this is exactly what i am looking for! so easy too…do you think herringbone would be difficult to do? looks like we have the exact same fireplace?
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Hi Stacey, thank you 💗 I think a herringbone pattern would be lovely! Yes, I think this style of tile was very popular 🤣
WOW! WOW! WOW! Simply stunning and you make it look soooo easy!
How permanent is the paint. Just wondering how well it woll wear. I love this and want to do it, but need to convince my husband.
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Hi Linda! I used wall paint from Benjamin Moore, so very durable. My husband was sceptical at first too but he loves it!!
I just happened upon this blogpost today and you just blew my mind! You can paint tile?! I have a very similar looking fireplace and I really wanted to re tile it but the budget says no… I will definitely try this! Your fireplace is stunning by the way 🙂
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Thank you so much! YES you can paint tile 🙌🏻 Just make sure to use a primer meant for tile. Your local paint store should be able to help. It totally transformed this space, so glad we did it! You will love it!!
Hi again! So Im planning on starting this project today and I was doing a little internet research – some people are recommending sanding down the tile before priming it, to get the paint to stick better. I was hoping to skip this step, how has your paint been holding up? I dont expect we will actually use this fireplace as we live in SoCal! Thanks 🙂
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How exciting Jennie 😃I didn’t sand, but I used a good primer meant for tile and it’s holding up really well!
Hi! How do you get the brass panels out in order to paint? I can’t wait to get started.
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Hello Michelle,
My brass panels were removeable and popped out fairly easily. If yours don’t, you can always tape off the surround with brown paper. Hope this helps!
Hi! I love this look so much! I am curious about what type of paint you used and if you actually use your fireplace? Other posts I have read tell me to use non flammable paint if I am going to use it and some just mention the primer. Some just painted their fireplace for decor, and I want to actually use mine. I am planning on painting mine and want to ensure I get the right paint. Thank you in advance!
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Hi Catrina! I used Benjamin Moore primer and paint. We do use it and haven’t had any issues at all. I would ask at your local paint store for their advice. We’ve been so happy with the results!
Thank you so much! I am headed to the paint store today! Your tutorial was teh most helpful one I have found and I cant wait to get started!
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Yay and thank you so much! Keep me posted 😃
What sheen did you choose for the paint?
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Hi Lindsey! I used BM in eggshell. Hope that helps!
Hello! I was just curious as to what color grey paint you used for the stencil. I love the color! Thanks 🙂
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Hi Trenae! I used BM Grey Owl in eggshell. The white base is same colour as our walls, Cloud White.
Hello! Thank you for this amazing idea! My fireplace looks stunning! Did you seal the tile?
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Love hearing that Keri, thanks for sharing! I didn’t seal the tile but imagine if you did it would probably extend the life of it 🙂
Can’t wait to try this. Did you a poly or top coat?
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Hi Sonya,
I did not but after a year a did notice a bit of black staining from the gas fireplace. It washed off but I think a top coat would be a great idea!
Do you think I could follow your process for painting over marble?
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Hi Erika,
I would ask at your local paint or hardware store for a primer that adheres to marble. Good luck with your project!
This is beautiful! Thanks for the encouragement to do it myself
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Aww of course!! Please let me know if you have any questions 🙂