McKinney Cottage Schmear; An Extraordinarily Easy Fireplace Update

We are going to call this McKinney Cottage Schmear.  We looked at recipes online & found none that suited or needs.  Most used a concrete mortar which was too gritty for the look we wanted.  They also had extra steps of wetting the bricks & removing some of the schmear once it was semi-set.  Too many steps for us! 

The style we wanted was best achieved by using a white, porcelain tile mortar.  It was economical, easy to mix & apply.  Drying time was about 24 hours.    

From start to finish it took the two of us about 4 hours--it helps working as a team!

• Most fireplace screens are attached on the inside of the fireplace & can easily be removed by unscrewing the brackets holding it in place.
• After cleaning bricks with rubbing alcohol, we taped the edges with painter's tape to protect walls & floor, and covered the mantle.
• We sanded the bricks to remove sealant (because somebody thought that was a good idea at the time).  Vacuumed, then wiped with cloth to remove any excess grit & soot.
• McKinney Cottage Schmear -- Using a small container, we mixed the schmear as we used it to keep it from hardening.  The mix was the consistency of cake batter.  The texture of the brick determines the thickness needed.  The rubber float is a must because it is more sponge like to get into the grout lines of the brick.  You will know what works best when applying the schmear with the rubber grout float.
• When applying the schmear it helps to have a partner to determine an even coating. Standing back is a better way to assess application. Thickness is according to desired look.
• Drying time was about 24 hours in a low humidity environment.
• Pet paws are optional!

After - McKinney Cottage Schmear used to update this dated fireplace

Before - Cleaned with rubbing alcohol soaked rag to remove grime

Sand if brick if sealant has previously been applied.

Apply schmear side to side, smoothing out as you go.

Finished McKinney Cottage Schmear & drying.

We left one paw print for posterity.

The guilty cat - with schmear paw!