Painting Designs for Tile Fireplace

Spray the tiles with a bathroom cleaner and wipe clean with a sponge. Cleaning the tiles is perhaps one of the most important steps in this fireplace makeover, according to DIY columnist Tim Carter of the Ask the Builder website. Paints adhere more easily to clean tile.

Use painter's tape to seal off all the areas bordering the fireplace tile to prevent getting paint onto these surfaces. Layer one strip of painter's tape over the edge of the previous strip to prevent any small gaps between the layers of paint.

Use painter's tape to hold the stencil in place over the first fireplace tile. Dip a foam brush into oil-based paint. Carefully dab the paint over the stencil, until the design is completely covered with paint. Allow the paint to dry for about 30 minutes before attempting to peel away the stencil.

Carefully peel off the stencil and move it to the next tile. Paint this tile using the method described in Step 3. Repeat until all the tiles are covered. Allow the paint to dry for 48 hours.

Using a regular paintbrush, cover all fireplace tile with clear, water-based urethane. Tim Carter recommends using water-based urethane over oil because it does not dry with a yellow tinge. Use long, even strokes to apply the urethane and prevent streaking. Allow the urethane to dry for 48 hours.

Apply a second coat of urethane over the tiles. Two coats of urethane effectively seals in the painted design, helping prevent chipping or scratching.