How to Paint Wooden Fireplace Mantels

A crisply painted mantel stands out in your home.

An unfinished wooden fireplace mantel is like a blank canvas for your decorating ideas. Painting the fireplace a contrasting color from your décor can really make it pop in your home, much like an accent wall. A good, interior semi-gloss paint will give the mantel the proper kind of finish. Plus, the semi-gloss paint is easier to clean, which is a must for a fireplace mantel.

Things You'll Need

• 150-grit sandpaper
• Vacuum
• Primer
• Paintbrushes
• Semi-gloss paint

Instructions

1. Sand the mantel by hand with 100-grit sandpaper. The entire surface should be rough to the touch when you're done. Vacuum up any sawdust.

2. Apply primer to the mantel with a paintbrush. Coat the whole mantel with the primer and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. Rinse off the paintbrushes.

3. Cover the mantel with high-gloss paint. Use large brushes for the flat, wide areas of the mantel. Use smaller brushes for the designs or hard to reach nooks.

4. Allow the mantel to dry for at least two to three hours. Apply a second coat of paint over the first coat. A third coat can be applied if you wish.

References

• Hy-Tech: Types Of Paint
• That Painter Lady: Paint Fireplace Mantel
• Super Home Ideas: Finishing Your New Fireplace Mantel