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How to paint or german smear glossy embossed bricks?

Hi team

I've got a horrible (for me, you might like it) fireplace surround that was added at some point to a 1951 fireplace. I'll be demo-ing it in the future (to either just.. plasterboard or maybe with a pretty artdeco style tiling) but for now, I gotta live with it. I'm thinking of whitewashing it, but I don't think that's quite the look I'm going for. I'm also thinking of using the German Smear/Schmear technique (applying mortar and then wiping back with a sponge).

My issue is the bricks are both patterned AND glossy. (Whyyy... I don't know) I'm making an assumption that neither paint nor mortar will stick particularly well, and I'd like some advice about whether I need to use paint stripper to strip back the gloss before applying something else, or whether I can just go for it.

I'm honestly contemplating Polystrippa Paint Stripper to get rid of the gloss, wash off, rub back with some steel wool, let dry and let rip with some grey or white mortar.

Thank you for advice in advance.

embossed glossy brick.jpg

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EricL

Hello @RenoLiz

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your fireplace.

I propose holding off on your plans as de-glossing tiles is a messy activity. Whether you use chemicals or a grinder it will make a tremendous mess. Plus, removing the gloss surface on your tiles might compromise its ability to withstand heat. Any material used around a fireplace must be heat rated unless specified by the fireplace manufacturer.

I know you're not keen on your current fireplace surround, I propose using all that effort when you have the resources to change the tiles to something you really want. In the meantime, don't spend a single dollar on this fireplace until you are good and ready. Doing anything now will be a half effort and it will take longer for you to save up to your goal.

Let me call on our experienced members @Renowayoflife and @redbournreno for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

redbournreno

Hi @RenoLiz,

Yes I agree that is ugly!! However, I also agree with Eric that stripping it back and painting it is probably not worth the time and effort. I have no idea what they have used on those bricks to make them glossy, but grinding it off is not a good idea.

If you must paint it then I recommend a specialist paint store that should have some very specialist primer, such as Nutech terracotta primer. You need a primer that will stick to anything and I am not sure what Bunnings stocks that will do such an extreme job. Then a heat resistant paint on top. But as I said, I wouldn't bother.

I would say focus on your plans to demo soon rather than later, and don't waste your time on pretty it up with such tricky bricks.

Plan Z would be to cover the bricks with some heat resistant tiles and using heat resistant adhesive.

Bets of luck

RenoLiz

Thanks Eric!

These are not tiles. These are bricks. We rendered over bricks in my Mum's house and there was no fireplace safety issues (inspected by firefighter).

Looking forward to more advice! Thank you!

RenoLiz

Hi!

Thanks! I'm definitely not binding anything. They are not tiles, they are bricks. If I was grinding them I would totally just attack them and remove them! (Totally smart idea)

Thanks for suggesting a primer that would be tough enough to stick to it. I appreciate it!

I was today looking at this Dulux range:

https://www.dulux.com.au/products/precision-coatings-remover/

Thanks so much for you advice!

EricL

Hi @RenoLiz

My apologies for the miscommunication, I misread bricks and glossy. However, it's not something you see every day and that is bricks with a glossy surface. Just to be on the safe side, I still recommend using fire rated materials when modifying your fireplace.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

RenoLiz

No worries, thanks Eric! Do you think that a render would stick to the gloss and be fire safe enough? Would I have to pick a specific kind?

EricL

Hi @RenoLiz

The good news is that there is a mortar product that is fire rated and that is the Dingo 10KG Fire Rated Mortar Bag. But if you were to use it on the bricks, it would definitely need to be modified and the glossy surface removed.

Eric

RenoLiz

Amazing. Thanks so much for that recommendation!

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