I have a question concerning tile, which I have never set. I have a fireplace in my house, the face brick(yellow) is what could be described as smooth. There doesn’t appear to be any type of finish on it. My wife and I would like to set new tile over the brick, if possible. Would a mastic-type adhesive work here? Is there any other prep work that needs to be done to the fireplace brick?
The fireplace is inactive and can not be used. This is strictly an appearance issue. The approximate area to be tiled is @ 12-18″ per side of firebox, @20″ above the firebox. A wood mantle w/bookcase sides will finish out the wall.
Replies
Yes, you can put tile on a brick surface, assuming it is reasonably clean and free of oils and soot and such.
Yes, you can use mastic if you want.
My personal preference is almost always the white thinset. I find it to be a bit stickier than other options. But I've used mastic in the past, without problems.
Be sure to read the directions on the container -- you'll be fine.
I would question using mastic because of the ups and downs in the surface of the brick, and thus the difference in thickness of the mastic. Thinset would be my preference, for one thing it will tooth into the mortar joints."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Another vote for thinset. Use the modified type, and your tiles will never come off.
Plus, like someone else already said, you can use the thinset to make up some of the height differences in the brick.