How to Remodel Fireplace Mantels
A fireplace mantel should act as a picture frame for what, in most rooms, is a major focal point. When that picture no longer makes sense with the décor or is in bad need of a makeover, remodel your fireplace mantel. It is not as daunting as it sounds. An easy facelift could be a new coat of white paint to brighten it up. Add decorative carving appliques to a plain fireplace or remove them from a gaudy one. Any way you go about it, remodeling a fireplace mantel is sure to make a big difference in the look of your space. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drop cloths
- Painter's tape
- Wire brush
- Steel wool
- Sander and fine grit sandpaper
- Wood stripper
- Paint or stain and clear finish
- Paintbrushes
- Wood chisel and hammer
- Wood appliques or onlays
- Wood glue
- Pin nailer
- Wood filler
Instructions
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Repaint a mantel with chipped or peeling paint that otherwise looks fine. Tape drop cloths over carpet, flooring and furniture before beginning the process to avoid damaging the rest of your room. Make sure to use painter's tape on sensitive surfaces and tape around the mantel to protect your walls as well.
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Use a soft wire brush or fine steel wool to remove loose paint from the area. Sand down any uneven spots with a fine-grit sandpaper by hand or with a power sander; 150- to 220-grit works well. Be sure to get the detail areas as well.
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Use a soft bristle brush to apply a coat of oil-based primer such as Kilz to the entire surface to promote a good bond. Allow this to dry thoroughly before applying at least two coats of semigloss latex in your favorite color. Use long straight strokes and avoid overloading the brush to prevent drips and runs. Keep a damp rag handy to catch drips before they dry and ruin your finish.
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Strip the stain from a badly weathered mantel with wood stripper. Use a gel type for better adhesion and follow manufacturer's instructions for best results. Flexible metal scrapers and fine steel wool work well for removing the finish. Be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly before restaining and adding at least two coats of clear finish to protect the surface. Use soft, lint-free rags for stain and a fine bristle brush to apply finish.
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Remove overly gaudy applied carvings or moldings to simplify a too-fancy mantel. Check to be sure the carvings are applied by running a utility knife or thin putty knife around the edge of the carving. If it will slip in, the carving is not part of the face it is attached to. Use a hammer and sharp wood chisel to pry the carving loose. Remove any nails or staples with pliers and sand the area smooth before staining or painting it to match.
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Add carved appliques if the mantel is too plain. They can be purchased in the molding aisle at most home centers. Stain or paint before attaching for best results. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the flat back of the applique and use a pin nailer to attach the carving to the mantel. Fill any nail holes and stain or paint to match.
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