How to Refinish a Cement Fireplace Mantel

Ensure the fireplace is cool before you begin work.

You can enhance the appearance of your drab, ordinary cement fireplace mantle by refinishing it with the appropriate coating. Before you begin the application process, understand a pair of critical points. Cement is a nonporous surface, ill-suited for adhesion. You must condition the mantle by applying a particular type of base primer before you paint, or you will ultimately end up with rampant paint failure. In addition, if your mantel is marred with smoke stains, you will need to apply a special stain-blocking primer, or the stains will bleed through the new finish.

Instructions

1. Scrub the cement fireplace mantel with a water-based degreasing cleanser. Rinse the mantel with wet rags and wait two to four hours for it to dry.

2. Protect areas adjacent to the fireplace mantel from paint overlap and drips by covering them with painter's tape, masking paper and drop cloths.

3. Apply oil-based stain-blocking primer to fireplace mantels marred with smoke stains, using a paintbrush, engineered for use with oil-based coatings. Wait 2 hours for the oil-based primer to dry. Skip this step if the mantel is free from stains.

4. Wash the brush with mineral spirits.

5. Apply acrylic latex primer to fireplace mantels using a paintbrush that is suitable for use with water-based coatings. Wait two hours for the acrylic latex primer to dry. Skip this step if you have already coated the mantel with an oil-based stain-blocking primer.

6. Wash the brush with water.

7. Apply acrylic enamel to the primed fireplace mantel using the clean latex paintbrush. Wait four hours before using the fireplace.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the label to ensure that the oil-based stain-blocking primer you purchase is compatible with acrylic paints.

• Never apply acrylic enamel directly over an unprimed cement fireplace mantel, or the finish will peel.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know