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cara_mcdonald

Should I paint the fireplace?

5 years ago

We are installing peel and stick tile on our fireplace and now the white wood surround looks more yellow toned to me. It’s the same color as the trim in the entire house, and we don’t want to paint all the trim - too big of an undertaking for a house we won’t live in for that long.

Should I leave it as is? Paint it navy? Other ideas? I’m a little stumped.

Comments (21)

  • 5 years ago

    I’m not sure that peel and stick tile is appropriate for a fireplace...is it fire proof?

  • 5 years ago

    It looks like a faux fireplace, but I could be wrong.

    You can paint it charcoal gray, or the white closet to the tiles. A fireplace needn’t match the trim of the house, it’s it’s own entity.

    Added to the fact that you just have that bit of floor molding. Not like there’s lots of trim and molding around the fireplace to make it clash.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Paint it a darker version of the walls and BTW peel ans stick tile is really not a good choice for a fireplace surround and get a piece of art insted of reflecting nothing worth seeing twice.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    What is going on with existing tile? Looks like some has come off at the bottom? You might have a bigger issue than you think? Is that gas logs? Is it functional? Agree that mirror is not the best choice for this spot either. Replace current tile with larger format tile in deeper gray tone. Peel and stick not up to fire code. If you plan on selling in the future, this will become a issue then. Here are some inspirational ideas.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Peel and stick tiles? No. If you do any painting, paint the surround a white that goes with the current tiles. A beautiful art work on the mantel would add so much more than the mirror and small objects on the mantel now. And you can take an art work with you when you move.

    Uttermost 34345 Splish Splash Modern Art · More Info


  • 5 years ago

    The peel and stick tile is not completely finished which is what you see at the bottom. We chose this because it’s an inexpensive fix to what was very ugly tile.

  • 5 years ago

    Why don't you paint existing tile a dark gray?

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Cara. Good additional info. The new look is quite pleasing. Your trim looks fine to me. I wouldn’t add another color. I think a pretty piece of art and minimal pieces on mantel would be beautiful. Art should pick up colors in new look. Nice job. I researched this a little and it probably is ok if you don’t get fire going too hot too long. A nice fireplace screen would enhance look too.

  • 5 years ago

    Looks like those are gas logs. Not sure the heat won't affect the sticky backs of the tiles. I guess if they just let go and fell off it wouldn't be terrible, but I'm pretty sure the fireplace would not pass inspection or qualify you to be paid by your insurance company if the house burned down and this was the source of the fire. If you don't intend to use it, and this is strictly cosmetic (never to see a flame) you might be safe, otherwise, this is a big NO! Resale will be hindered by it.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Here are some requirements 6” from wood burning fireplace no combustible materials. I would have to see specifics of the peel off tiles to see if they claim “non-flammability”? Decoenthusiaste hit the mail on the head. In my experience in our area, local requirements are more stringent. So hopefully these tiles pass the code requirements for your safety.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Opps

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks all. The adhesive seems weak so we can probably just take it off. I can’t afford new tile so this project is just a flop.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    All is not lost Cara. You can paint the existing tile or material there. We just need to help you get the right prep and products. I will reach out to my friend Beth H and see if she can be of assistance. She is an expert in these type fixes. Bbl

  • 5 years ago

    Hi again, Cara.

    Since this isn't a forever home, start looking for a few art works, functional and beautiful handmade ojbjects and furnishings that will pull the eye away from what you don't like. Not that you should clutter up your space with decor items, but a handmade throw, beautiful sofa pillows, paintings and photographs of subjects and in colors you love would bring your personality into your room in a way that the temporary stick-on tiles won't.

  • 5 years ago

    Which ones are the stick-on tiles, the white ones or the ones across the bottom? In any case, you run the risk of making the fireplace look “cheap” in addition to being a possible fire hazard. I would just abandon that idea. A great piece of large artwork would deflect attention away from the surround. Can we see more photos of this room? The furniture placement looks a little “off”, but it’s hard to tell.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    peel and stick tiles cost more than cheapo .25 white subway tiles.

    you can find closeouts on tile at tile stores, online, craigslist, etc. Heck, I found real marble mosaic tile on craigslist for $4 a sq feet. that peel and stick costs triple that.

    can you guys DIY tile?

    the current stone looks like it may be slate. you could get a small pint of Romabio and paint the slate.

    if you pick anything white, you'll have to paint the mantle a brighter white.

    why don't you try a black tile? or anything besides that peel and stick.

    doesn't matter if this is your forever home, you're still living here! shouldn't cost you more than 100-200 to tile that surround the correct way

    if the fireplace is decorative only, I'd just mortar atop the slate and apply my new tile onto it. in any case, you'll have to undo the mantel surround (unless you're really good at cutting perfectly straight edges

  • 5 years ago

    I am definitely not comfortable DIYing tile! I’ve never done it before. I’m fact, we hired someone to install the peel and stick tile.

  • 5 years ago

    Here’s a photo of the room! My toddler has his toys sprawled out right now, so that’s the reality of how it looks most of the time. Usually there’s another chair in the corner where the Christmas tree is.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    why didn't they finish the bottom? and if you paid someone to do it and it's not sticking, now what? Were they properly prepped? I believe they aren't suitable on top porous substrates. that slate tile should have been prepped properly. Anyway....

    (and if you hired someone, why not hire them to do real tile?? couldn't have been too much more money. call him back and see if he'll do the real tile since the others aren't sticking.

    to answer your question, paint the mantle a brighter white if keeping those tiles.

    if not, try using the Romabio to paint the slate tile. It's a cute room. the slate tile can't be all bad! But maybe you'll like it better if it's all one light color.

    That you can do yourself. buy the small pint of lime wash online. or at home depot. simple to use.








    you could also get some black chalk paint and do it in black.


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Thanks Beth for jumping over here! Your the best!

  • 5 years ago

    Nice room. It looks very comfy.