Adding slate tiles over a brick fireplace?

Question

I have a fireplace that is made up of real bricks (not just a facade). These are painted over white. I would like to cover up all these bricks with a slate tile. A couple of questions in this regard:

a) Do I have to remove the paint over the bricks to do this and, if so, how?

b) Do I need to cover up the gaps between the bricks or just add mortar directly and add the tiles?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Removing the paint is the best way to guarantee a good bond.If the paint is bonded soundly to the brick, and doesn't have a gloss finish, then I would just rough it up with coarse sandpaper to improve adhesion. If the bricks are flat, then apply your tiles with thin-set mortar.If they are not flat, then apply a scratch coat of brick mortar, 1/8"  inch thick over entire surface being careful to keep it as flat as possible.This will fill in the brick joints. After sufficient drying time, at least 24 hrs, apply your tile with thin set mortar.

Be aware, this is an over simplification of this application. If you have never worked with mason materials before, you might want to consider calling a professional.

Answer 2

a.  no, I wouldn't remove the paint before I put the slate tiles up.  However, it would be beneficial to how they stuck, if you took some kind of a wire wheel and cut off wheel and went over the paint.  This will allow for the thin set mortar to stick.  When you do the cut off wheel, use it flat against the surface.  If you can put it on the end of a drill and use it like you're buffing a car.

b.  I would just add mortar directly and add the tiles.  Have a good plan.  My wife did our fireplace.  She did a wonderful job.  The ends had to be cut really short though and it would have been better if they had been thought out a little better, because its easier to cut 4 inch pieces on the saw rather an inch pieces.  All in all our job was beautiful.  I still admire her work.