DIY Fireplace Makeover: Transform Your Fireplace Surround and Tile on a Budget with Low VOC Paint

Are you dreaming of a fireplace transformation but working with a tight budget? This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will show you how to revitalize your fireplace surround and tile with paint, achieving a stunning new look without breaking the bank. We’ll also cover effective techniques for painting stained wood using low VOC products, making this a family-friendly home improvement project. Get ready to give your living space a fresh, modern aesthetic with minimal investment and maximum impact.

This post is sponsored by KILZ®. All opinions are 100% mine.

My journey to this fireplace makeover started, as many DIY projects do, with a daring idea. My husband often jokes that I have an endless supply of home improvement concepts. While sometimes met with an amused eye-roll, other times, he embraces the vision – especially after seeing the incredible transformations from previous projects. So, when I proposed an ambitious fireplace overhaul with a near-zero budget, which included painting the existing tile, I braced myself for the usual skepticism. To my surprise, he simply said, “Okay, let’s do it!” – which I promptly translated as, “Go for it, honey, it’s all yours!”

And so, the project began! Thankfully, I had my amazing friend, Abby, by my side. Finding someone who genuinely offers to help remove wallpaper is a true testament to friendship, as anyone who has tackled that tedious task knows it’s far from enjoyable. Abby was instrumental throughout almost every stage of this transformation. We spent countless hours painting and chatting about life, all while our little girls happily played nearby, creating beautiful memories alongside our evolving living room.

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s take a moment to appreciate the “before” state of our fireplace. You won’t believe the transformation!

Our previous fireplace was, to put it mildly, an eyesore on multiple levels. It featured rough, fuzzy stained cedar posts and matching cedar shiplap, which gave it a dated and heavy feel. But the real showstopper (and not in a good way!) was the egregious orange, bamboo grasscloth wallpaper. The previous owners’ cats had clearly expressed their opinions on this wallpaper, leaving behind noticeable scratches and damage in various spots. Adding to this cacophony of dated design were the orange, brown, and tan floral tiles – a distinct nod to the 70s that simply did not align with my aesthetic vision. Oh, and that TV? It came with the house – making it, quite humorously, the most expensive television we’ve ever “purchased.” This entire setup was crying out for a modern, refreshed look.

Remove Wallpaper

The first crucial step in our fireplace makeover was to tackle the dreaded wallpaper removal. This often-challenging task can make or break the smoothness of your final painted surface, so it’s essential to do it thoroughly. We began by saturating the wallpaper with a homemade mixture of water, vinegar, and a touch of dish soap. This solution helps to loosen the adhesive, making the paper easier to scrape off. Using a sturdy wallpaper scraper, we carefully removed as much of the old grasscloth as possible.

Once the bulk of the paper was off, we were left with stubborn remnants and adhesive residue. To achieve a perfectly smooth base for painting, we then lightly sanded the walls, focusing on any remaining paper bits or sticky areas. After sanding, we meticulously cleaned the walls to ensure all dust and debris were gone. With the surface prepped, we applied KILZ 2® LATEX Primer. This step is vital as it not only seals the surface but also provides a uniform base for the new paint. Finally, we painted the walls with KILZ COMPLETE COAT® Paint & Primer In One in the beautiful shade of Origami, instantly brightening and modernizing the space around the fireplace.

How To Paint Stained Wood for a Fresh Look

Painting stained wood can be a game-changer for dated interior elements like fireplace surrounds, trim, or even furniture. The key to a long-lasting, professional finish lies in proper preparation and selecting the right products, especially when dealing with the notorious challenge of tannin bleed-through from certain wood types. This section will guide you through transforming stained wood with ease, using low VOC products that ensure both beauty and safety.

Materials:

• Painters’ tape (high-quality for clean lines)
• Angled paint brush (for detailed areas)
• Small 1/4 inch nap roller (for smooth, even coats on flat surfaces)
• Clean towels or rags
• Drop cloth or plastic sheeting (to protect flooring)
• 100-150 grit sandpaper (for initial rough sanding, electric sander highly recommended)
• 180-220 grit sandpaper (for a smoother finish)
• Can key (for opening paint cans)
• Paint stick (for thorough stirring)
• Paint tray
• KILZ PREMIUM Primer (essential for blocking tannins with low VOC)
• KILZ COMPLETE COAT Paint & Primer In One – in Swiss Coffee (or your desired finish color)

Step 1: Sand the Wood Surface

Begin by thoroughly sanding the stained wood fireplace surround. For rougher surfaces like our fuzzy cedar posts, use an electric sander with 100-150 grit sandpaper. This step is crucial for removing any existing finish, evening out imperfections, and creating a “tooth” for the primer to adhere to. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid unsightly cross-grain scratches. Once the initial sanding is complete, follow up with 180-220 grit sandpaper for a smoother, refined finish. This finer grit will prepare the surface beautifully for paint, ensuring a professional look.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare

After sanding, it’s imperative to remove all dust and debris. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to pick up larger particles, then follow with a damp paper towel or a tack cloth to meticulously wipe away any fine dust that could compromise paint adhesion. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving to the next step. A clean surface is paramount for successful priming and painting.

Step 3: Apply KILZ PREMIUM Primer

This is where the magic happens, especially when dealing with stained wood that tends to bleed tannins. Apply KILZ PREMIUM Primer. This particular primer is a lifesaver because it excels at blocking tannin stains from bleeding through your topcoat, ensuring a crisp, clean paint finish. What truly sets it apart, and what I was most excited about, is its very low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and low odor formula. With small children in the house, I prioritized minimizing harmful fumes, and KILZ PREMIUM allowed me to paint without constant worry. Unlike previous experiences with oil-based primers that required us to evacuate the house for days due to strong fumes, I could work comfortably with the baby nearby. This product genuinely worked wonders!

For extra assurance against any stubborn tannin bleed-through from the cedar, I applied three coats of KILZ PREMIUM Primer, allowing adequate drying time between each coat. While two coats likely would have sufficed, I preferred to be extra cautious to guarantee a flawless, lasting finish.

Step 4: Apply Topcoat Paint

Once the primer is completely dry and has created a perfectly sealed, uniform base, it’s time for the final paint application. Paint the primed wood with KILZ COMPLETE COAT Paint & Primer In One in Swiss Coffee. This shade is my absolute favorite white, offering a soft, warm hue that brightens any space without feeling stark. It’s also the trim color used throughout our entire home, providing a cohesive and elegant look. Apply two thin, even coats for the best coverage and durability, allowing proper drying time between applications. And just like that, the dated stained wood is transformed into a fresh, inviting feature!

How To Paint Fireplace Tile for a Modern Upgrade

Beyond the wooden surround, the fireplace tiles often present the biggest design challenge in older homes. While many shy away from painting tile, fearing it won’t last, with the right preparation and products, it’s an incredibly effective and budget-friendly way to achieve a completely new look. Say goodbye to those outdated floral or drab tiles and hello to a fresh, modern aesthetic! Here’s how to paint your fireplace tile for a durable and stunning finish.

Materials:

• 100-150 grit sandpaper (optional, but highly recommended for better adhesion)
• Non-detergent soap (like dish soap) or TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) cleaner
• Clean paper towels or microfiber cloths
• Angled paint brush (for precision)
• Painters’ tape
• Drop cloth
• Can key
• Paint stick
• Paint tray
• KILZ 2 LATEX Primer (an excellent all-purpose primer for adhesion)
• KILZ COMPLETE COAT Paint & Primer In One – I used Toasted Poppyseed (choose your preferred color and sheen)

Directions:

Step 1 (Optional but Recommended): Sand the Tiles

While some guides suggest skipping this step, I highly recommend a light sanding of your tiles with 100-150 grit sandpaper. Tile surfaces are typically very smooth and non-porous, which can make it difficult for paint to adhere properly. Gently scuffing the surface creates microscopic abrasions, giving the primer and paint a better grip. This extra effort significantly enhances the durability and longevity of your painted tile finish. Remember to be gentle; you’re not trying to remove the tile’s glaze, just to lightly etch the surface.

Step 2: Vacuum Dust and Debris

After sanding, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove any sanding dust or loose particles from the tiles and surrounding areas. This ensures a clean slate for the subsequent steps and prevents dust from getting embedded in your primer or paint.

Step 3: Clean the Tile Surface

Next, clean the tiles thoroughly with a non-detergent soap and water solution, or for a more aggressive clean, use TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) cleaner. This step is critical to remove any grease, grime, or residue that could prevent proper adhesion. Rinse the tiles meticulously with clean water and allow them to air dry completely. Ensuring the surface is immaculately clean is fundamental for a lasting paint job on tile.

Step 4: Tape Off Adjacent Areas

Carefully apply painters’ tape to all areas you do not want to paint, such as the surrounding walls, carpet, or fireplace insert. Precision here will save you time and touch-ups later.

Pro Tip: If your fireplace is bordered by carpet, gently press the carpet away from the tile edge and secure it with tape. Then, tuck another strip of tape along the tile line, pushing it down firmly to create a clean, protected barrier.

Step 5: Prime the Tiles

With your surface prepped and taped, apply a coat of KILZ 2 LATEX Primer to the tiles. This all-purpose primer is excellent for promoting adhesion on various surfaces, including tile. When priming, you have a choice regarding the grout lines: you can paint over them for a solid, uniform look, or carefully avoid them to maintain an authentic tiled appearance. For my project, I opted for the latter, carefully painting only the tiles and leaving the grout lines unpainted to preserve a subtle, classic tile effect. Allow the primer to dry for 1-2 hours, or according to product instructions, ensuring it’s completely dry before proceeding.

Step 6: Final Clean Before Paint

Just before applying your final paint coat, give the primed tiles another quick wipe down with a clean, dry towel. This step is particularly important to catch any stray dust, pet hair (especially if you have a furry friend like a husky!), or small particles that might have settled on the surface while the primer was drying. A perfectly clean surface ensures a smooth, flawless finish for your paint.

Pro Tip: When painting intricate areas or for maximum control over your brush strokes, use a short-handled paint brush. I found that loading my brush with a fair amount of paint also helped achieve crisp, straight lines, especially when defining the edges of each tile.

Step 7: Paint the Tiles

Now for the exciting part – applying the color! Paint the tiles using KILZ COMPLETE COAT Paint & Primer In One. I chose “Toasted Poppyseed” in a flat sheen to achieve a sophisticated, modern concrete tile look. If you prefer a slight sheen, a satin finish would also work beautifully. Apply your first coat evenly and carefully, paying attention to edges and corners. Allow this coat to dry completely according to the product’s recommended drying time.

Once the first coat is dry, assess if a second coat is necessary for full, opaque coverage. Most tile painting projects benefit from two coats to ensure a rich, even color and enhanced durability. After applying the final coat, allow ample time for the paint to cure fully before placing any items on the hearth or exposing it to heavy use. This curing process is crucial for the paint’s long-term resilience.

To further enhance our fireplace’s new look, we also constructed a custom wood mantel, a DIY project which I will share details about very soon!

Step back and admire the incredible transformation. It’s hard to believe this is the same fireplace!

I am absolutely thrilled with how gorgeous this fireplace makeover turned out, especially considering the minimal cost involved. A traditional fireplace renovation can easily run into thousands of dollars, but this entire DIY project came in at less than $100! This budget-friendly approach not only saved us a significant amount of money but also left us with plenty of paint and supplies for future home projects. I only needed a quart of the Toasted Poppyseed for the tiles, though I purchased a gallon just to be safe. Similarly, we have ample Swiss Coffee paint remaining, perfect for tackling more trim and doors around the house when the time comes.

So, if your fireplace is in desperate need of a facelift but a major renovation isn’t in the cards, remember that a bit of elbow grease and high-quality paint can work wonders. This DIY approach offers a cost-effective and rewarding way to completely transform your space, breathing new life into an old fireplace and making it a stunning focal point once again. Don’t underestimate the power of paint to revolutionize your home decor!

Thank you, KILZ, for sponsoring this post and playing a pivotal role in transforming our formal living room into a space we truly love!

To help you create a beautiful space, I’m giving away a $100 Walmart® gift card to one lucky winner so you can pick up your own KILZ COMPLETE COAT Paint & Primer in One.

To enter: Comment below on how you would use KILZ to transform your space. One lucky winner will be entered for a chance to win $100 gift card to Walmart..

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