I want to put tile on a brick fireplace, what do I need to do?

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/reface-brick-fireplace-mantel-tile-33583.html

Use a wire brush and clean the brick and do not put tiles on it ..why would you waste such a beautiful face of brick ? save the money on the tiles go buy some wine and enjoy your brick fireplace ... D

Ordinarily I would agree, but has been painted over with heavy red paint. The paint has penetrated the brick. I thought of maybe trying a light whitewash.

I had an ugly yellow brick fireplace. I hated it. Since I had a custom made mantle that I was going to install, I went to Home Depot, got some premixed Quickset (I already had the trowel and the other tools. We smeared the quickset directly onto the brick and some on the back of the marble tiles we were using and put them up starting at the fireplace opening (at the bottom) and working out to the sides. Then we went up until we had it at the desired height. Press firmly into place as you are working to prevent the tiles from shifting. Since we were using marble we did not need spacers, but if you are using actual tiles you will want to get spaces to place between the tiles as you work. Wipe off any excess Quickset to prevent it from hardening where you don't want it! It will

also get in the way of your grout if you leave it and it sets like concrete! Allow everything to dry. I believe that 24 hours is recommended. Pull the spacers. I wiped the tiles off with a damp cloth. If you are grouting, mix your grout and trowel it liberally into the spaces between tiles. Have a bucket of water and a good tile sponge readily available and make sure that the floor surface is completely covered to prevent water damage. Wash the tiled area down, rinsing your sponge frequently, until your sponge comes away clear and the grout looks

smooth. Let dry. Again, I allowed about 24 hours. There will probably be a haze on the tile, just wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth. Your are ready for the next step. In our case it was installing my beautiful mantle. Good luck. Enjoy.

Thanks for the help