Creative Ways to Change a Fireplace Surround Color

Paint Tile Surrounds

• Paint tiled surrounds for a quick fireplace color update. Choose a solid color from a patterned textile or accent color found elsewhere in the room's decor. Clean the surface of the tile using an oxygen cleaner. Roughen the surface of the tile with a 220 grit sandpaper and vacuum away the dust and debris that results using a suction attachment.

  Tape off the grout using painter's tape or paint the grout the same color as the tile. Use a spray primer made for ceramic tile and then an oil based enamel paint for the final color. Protect all surrounding areas from over painting by placing drop cloths and painter's paper over them.

Change Mortar or Grout

• Stain the grout in a tile surround or remove and replace the mortar in a stone surround. Color variations can make a tile or stone pattern more noticeable or cause it to recede. Grout stains are easy to apply. Use an oxygen cleaner to remove grease, oil and dirt from the grout. Allow the grout to dry for 48 hours before you apply the stain. Use a small, stiff artist's brush to apply the stain color and wipe away any stain that spills on the surrounding tile. The mortar can be removed and replaced with a different color.

  Create a stronger contrast and color pattern by darkening the grout used with a lighter tile color or darken the grout with a darker tile to create a more solid colored surround. Grout stain can only darken the grout and not lighten it.

Add Tile To Wood

• Add decorative tile across flat surround surfaces to change the palette of the surround. Consider the room's decorating scheme and choose tile patterns that are appropriate. Measure the height and width of the area where you planto install tile. Use the measurements to figure how many tiles will be needed and at what size.

  Use a latex modified thin set mortar on the surround surface and apply a thin layer to the back of the tile as well. Place the tile and allow the mortar to dry overnight. Mix and bag grout (just like bagging and using decorative icing on a cake) to draw a smooth line of grout between the tiles. Smooth the grout with a grout tool and wipe the tile surface clean. Consider imported patterns found through tile dealers or custom tiles created by local artisans. Contact local art schools with ceramic and pottery departments, or visit arts and crafts fairs to locate artists. Tiles can be applied at the corners of the fireplace surround, at focal points or used as borders and trim.