Hello,

What type of product should I use to level/smooth out the face of my brick
fireplace prior to installing ceramic tiles on it? The brick is pretty
bumpy. I've read other posts that talk about using mortar. Is this the
same mortar that you find next to cement bags, the kind used for laying
bricks? I've never used this before, so I don't know how well it works on
vertical surfaces.

I've already tried using some Mapei Planipatch, which was recommended to
use. It sets too fast for this type of job I'm finding, and the 10lb box
doesn't spread too far.

Secondly, the hearth of the existing fireplace sticks out about 18" from the
wall and is about 3" high. It had lousy broken tiles that I removed this
morning. Now there is an uneven surface (looks like mortar) left. What
should I use to level this? Again, I think the Planipatch will set too fast
and it's coverage will be poor. I've never used a leveling mortar/compound
before and I'm not sure it's suitable for this. It seems to me that a
self-leveling mortar would run off the edge of the hearth and onto my
hardwood floors.

thanks