1. When redesigning and resurfacing a fireplace, begin by coming up with a detailed sketch of what you would like the finished fireplace to look like.
2. After your design is complete, measure the fireplace in all dimensions.
3. Decide what kind of style you want - tile or stone - for resurfacing.
4. Go out and buy your supplies!
5. To begin, use a stripping agent to remove the old paint from the brick on the fireplace. Rather than putting the adhesive directly on the old finish, the stripping agent will ensure the adhesive will work on whatever material is underneath!
6. Remember to wear gloves and safety goggles.
7. Tip: Synthetic bristles could melt when using stripping agents; use a natural bristle brush.
8. When applying the stripping agent, brush it on in one direction, rather than back and forth. That will help keep the vapors to a minimum. 9. Make sure to give the solvent enough time to thoroughly soak in and degrade the material.
10. Scrape off the paint to test and see if the solvent is done working. The original surface will come off easily if the solvent is done. 11. Add more stripping solvent to the surface as needed.
12. Use newspaper to remove the access, and then wipe down the brick with mineral spirits.
13. If you are using tile to resurface, be sure to measure and plan out your layout ahead of time. Design which way your tiles will flush, and cut accordingly.
14. Re-measure the width and the length of the fireplace face. Remember you will need to save a little room for grout lines.
15. Find the center of the middle tile, and measure outwards according to your length. Now it's time to cut your tiles.
16. To cut tile or stone, using a wet blade is the best idea. The moisture will help eliminate the problem of hot flying material and smoke. The water cools it down and allows you to cut smoothly.
17. Tip: Use a tape measure to double-check your cut.
18. Line up the blade on your stone or tile. Let the water start to flow, and then turn on the blade. 19. Pull it towards you, slowing down as the blade comes toward you.
20. Do the same for all your tile or stone pieces.
21. Next, you'll have to create a batch of mortar to install the tiling.
22. Then, use a putty knife to spread the mortar onto the fireplace brick.
23. Also, add some mortar to the back of the tile. Use a knotched trowel to scrape the excess mortar off of the back of the tile and to give the groves you'll need to apply.
24. Then, push the tile in, and twist it slightly to ensure a good bond.
25. As you go, make sure the tiles are level with one another. Also, add spacers between each tile to leave room for the grout.
26. Once each tile is in place and lined up evenly, tap it lightly with a rubber mallet to ensure it's secure.
27. Also scrape any excess mortar from between the tiles to leave room for the grout.
28. After placing on the tiles above the fireplace, use painter's tape to keep them from falling as they dry.

Project: The Fireplace Floor and Hearth

1. Begin by measuring the area of the hearth.
2. Next, lay out all the tiles in front of the fireplace to get an idea of how you will need to cut.
3. A mock-up is a great idea. Dry fitting allows you to see the ultimate design, and it reveals any potential problem areas.
4. For the troublesome corners and L-cuts, use a speed square to mark the tile where the first cut out begins.
5. To establish how deep to cut, slide the tile over and then use the molding as a guide.
6. There's a second, smaller cut that needs to be marked as well. So, with the tile back in the starting position, repeat this measuring and marking process.
7. Mark a straight vertical line where the second cut will go.
8. Cut all of the rest of your tiles with the wet blade.
9. Before laying them down with mortar, refit them into a dry fit and then number all of the tiles. That way, you'll have an easy way to identify which piece goes where. Also, you'll be using quick-dry mortar on this section, so you'll have less room for mistakes.
10. Because you're extending the tile or stone beyond the existing slate, use a temporary dam to build up the mortar.
11. Once the mortar is down, run a trowel over it to create an even surface and gather any excess mortar.
12. Then lay down the tiles.
13. Now, add the grout in between the tiles.
14. With sponges and water, clean off the excess grout from between the tiles and clean them off.