How to Refinish a Cast Iron Mantle
Sculptural and historic, cast iron mantels turn fireplaces into major living room or parlor focal points. Cast iron fireplace mantels gained popularity during the Industrial Revolution, when iron casting became more prevalent. Fireproof and highly durable, cared-for cast iron mantles will last forever. When forgotten, however, cast iron mantles lose their supple luster and are susceptible to potentially irreparable rust damage. Eradicate rust before it goes too far and nourish the iron with polish to refinish and preserve old, cast iron mantels. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- Vinegar or spray lubricant
- Towels and rags
- Steel wool
- Black stove polish
- Paintbrush (optional)
Instructions
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1
Dust the mantle to remove loose debris.
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2
Remove rust by scrubbing the mantle with either vinegar or spray lubricant, using a wire brush. Get into narrow crevices of decorative areas with steel wool. For hard to remove spots, saturate the rust with rust converter and allow it to sit for the time indicated in the product directions.
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3
Wipe the vinegar or lubricant dry with a towel.
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4
Apply a coat of black stove polish to the entire mantle, using a rag or a paintbrush. Leave the stove polish to sit and penetrate the metal for 15 minutes. Buff of the stove polish with a dry, clean towel. Apply a second coat of stove polish. Leave it to sit and buff to a final shine.
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Tips & Warnings
For severe rust, have the mantle professionally stripped or sandblasted, and black oxided. Due to toxic chemicals and dangerous procedures, amateurs should not attempt to strip, sandblast or black oxide on their own.
Avoid using water to clean cast iron. Water induces dullness and rust.
