Fireplace Makeover

The Before...

The standard builder-grade beige tile surround.  

Previously I upgraded the inside of the gas fireplace by spray painting the inside with high-temperature paint, changing the single burner to an H-burner, placing river rock on the bottom, and covering it all with broken glass. 

Now it's time to upgrade the surround.  Tearing out the tile and replacing it with something updated is just not in the budget right now. Will use paint, a stencil, and stick-on tiles to make the upgrade.

Everything starts with painters tape

Used tile paint to the floor tiles and grout around the surround which I will be covering with stick-on textured tiles, just need to make sure any grout on the sides are painted as well.

High temperature black spray paint to the face of fireplace... because the painters tape pulled off some of the black paint already on the face on of the fireplace. I made sure to cover the TV with plastic and turned on a fan venting any fumes outside.

Well, just a little overspray

I wanted to use a stencil to create a repeat pattern on each tile.  I started with every other tile on the front two rows one night...making sure the stencil is secured, rolling with a roller that is not overloaded with paint, and cleaning the stencil between each tile.  Then the next night did the remaining tiles on the front two rows.  The following night I trimmed the stencil for the back row, painted every other tile.... and so on until every tile was stenciled.  My OCD kicked in the next couple of nights, after work while watching TV I would grab a detail paintbrush and clean up each of the stencil lines.  Keep in mind, I did all of this during the pandemic shutdown, so I had plenty of time on my hands.  Once I was burnt out/satisfied enough, covered the stenciled tiles with a protective matte coat. Letting each coat dry, I believe I painted five top coats to protect all of the painstakingly detailed stencil work.

Floor & Decor

Found these stick-on tiles at Floor & Decor.  They come in panels with a faux stone tile front.

Low Profile

Will not add bulk to the front of the fireplace surround.

Easy to Apply

I lucked out and two rows of tiles fit perfectly above the fireplace. I used scissors and cut the remaining panels to fit going down the sides

The After...

Link to products I bought on Amazon for this project: