Looking for Replace Damaged Tiles in My Fireplace Surround

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Permalink Reply by Shelley on January 25, 2011 at 5:39pm

Ian-

Here is a link-coolstuffis@att.net-that has antique fireplace tiles-Jane is most helpful with any reno project so don't hesitate to contact her!  I've sent photos of what I want matched and she definitely knows her stuff.  Big salvage store in Toledo Ohio-ships anywhere.  Good luck!  

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Permalink Reply by Donald Shore on January 26, 2011 at 12:20pm

lesperance tile photos

 

Hi,

 

I posted before, but thought you might like to see photos which are up on my Ning site (http://arttiles.ning.com/photo/albums/old-house-journal-forum-pic)  The link in parenthesis is where to go if the link above doesn't work.

 

Don

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Permalink Reply by Shelley on January 31, 2011 at 12:55pm

Hi Don,

I've looked at your album-quite impressive! I have two questions-1. I like the one photo with the brown tiles-white mantel...where can I locate one of the iron inserts that I can put tile around? 2. Can you match tile? We have an old bathroom with original tile-if I send one to you can you match it?  I've attached photos of the library fireplace that needs some excitement.  Look forward to your responses!

Shelley

Attachments:

• FIREPLACE1.mht, 4.7 MB
• FIREPLACE 2.mht, 345 KB

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Permalink Reply by Donald Shore on January 31, 2011 at 3:10pm

 

Thanks,  The iron front for the white mantle was original to the house.

 

We have some simple solutions for people who are working towards a finished fireplace... by that I mean the iron is important, but maybe not available yet... so we can make tile that will complete the facade and in the future when an facade is found, it goes right on the tile and it looks right.

 

We do match tiles and are happy to see your tile.  Send us a piece of tile for review.

 

The photos have an mht extension that my mac doesn't recognize.  I will have to figure out how to convert them, but if you can translate them to JPG or PDF that would simplify things.

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Permalink Reply by Shelley on January 31, 2011 at 5:00pm

Don-

Here are some jpg's of the fireplace.  Hope this works.  What other suggestions might you have without having an iron insert?

Shelley

Attachments:

• Fireplace 1-31-11 009.jpg, 2.7 MB
• DSCN0117_024.JPG, 171 KB

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Permalink Reply by Shelley on January 31, 2011 at 5:13pm

Don-

Here are two pictures of the old bathroom tiles.

Shelley

Attachments:

• DSCN0118.JPG, 2.7 MB
• DSCN0119.JPG, 2.6 MB

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Permalink Reply by Donald Shore on January 31, 2011 at 10:05pm

 

Really nice. 

 

My approach would be to minimize the use of tile by creating a simple trimmer that followed the opening and thereby covered the damaged tile.  Some craftsman style decoration could be insinuated into the tile set coursing.

 

Here is a simple example with some white tiles to show how it might be accomplished.

 

How to choose a finish is difficult to decide, there are a couple of directions.  One is to work with dark colored clays without a glazed surface.  The goal would be to create tiles that were similar to the edge and surface character of the brick. 

 

A second direction would be to create tiles in an "arts and crafts" style glazes that would harmonize with your art pottery and perhaps pick up details from the fireplace set.  We have some Greuby reproductions that are left over from a Green and Green house in Pasadena that would work out well in this regard.

 

My instinct tells me that the unglazed tile is preferred, but glazed tiles (either matte, clear, or majolica) may offer a bit of reflectivity that would be desirable.

 

 

Attachments:

• IMG_580.JPG, 333 KB

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Permalink Reply by Shelley on February 1, 2011 at 11:45am

Don-

Would it be possible to have a patterned bronze strip made to fit around the fireplace opening then tile? I have been looking at "arts and craftsman" style antique tile but there doesn't seem to be enough tile for the project! I also found a site that makes bronze tiles BUT really pricey!

You would not believe what the library looked like before I took down the hideous wallpaper, stripped the paint off of the brick fireplace-updated the knob and tube-re plastered- then painted the room! Luckily the previous owners didn't paint the original woodwork and built-ins in this original 1905 library! Is the attachment that of a Greuby reproduction tile?

What are your thoughts on making tiles that match the old bathroom tile?  Previous owner had some water damage in one wall and put up cheap wall tile that doesn't match the old tile.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Truly appreciate it!

Shelley 

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Permalink Reply by Martin on February 4, 2012 at 5:25am

I have seen someone replicate damaged tiles using fingernail polish of all things. It actually looked REALLY REALLY GOOD. She actually had to point out which tiles that were replicated and it was still nearly impossible to see which ones were replaced.

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Permalink Reply by Donald Shore on February 4, 2012 at 10:39am

We have worked with conservators that mix up fine plasters, color them to match the color of the tile, apply them into the existing ceramic,  and then put a clear acrylic over the top for the shine.  It's pretty interesting to see what can be done.

This is similar to what your friend did with nail polish... yes?

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Permalink Reply by Martin on February 5, 2012 at 3:27am

Yep that is basically it. I figure it is less complex and cheaper to use nail polish, then put some kind of clear coat over the top of it. It all depends on your budget, what you or whoever is doing the work is comfortable with, and if the overall effect is what you were looking for.

That is why I love old houses as well.. There are a ton of different ways to attack a single problem :)

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