What's Involved in a Fireplace Mantel Restoration?
Antique mantels provide a unique, quaint touch to any living room. But when time gets the best of them and years of old paint taint their appearance, it's time for a restoration. Stripping down the aging piece of furniture in preparation for repainting or revarnishing isn't an easy project. However, a refurbished mantel that fits seamlessly with the rest of the room will wipe away any previous usage trace.
How are fireplace mantels restored?
Here's what a fireplace mantel restoration looks like:
Separate the mantelpiece from your fireplace. If possible, take a wire brush, scraper, and non-toxic stripper to remove the paint. Make sure to put on a pair of gloves and ventilate the area to avoid being overcome by the chemicals. Also, don't scrape the carved section's design or gouge the wood by rubbing or scrubbing too hard.
Allow the stripper to rest on the painted wood so that it penetrates all layers. Scrape away as much as possible.
Tackle recessed and carved sections using a toothbrush or get rid of the paint on the carving with some rough twine.
After the old coating has been removed - which can take a few applications of stripping chemicals - clean the mantel and sand it gently to address rough spots.
Finally, lacquer, wax or stain the mantel to highlight the gorgeous wood.
How to clean a grimy old mantelpiece
You can easily clean the sooty and grimy surfaces of antique mantels:
Whip a mild liquid soap until it starts frothing. A combination of a tablespoon of soap and a quart of water is generally enough.
Dampen a clean cloth in the mixture without soaking it in water.
Wipe the mantel clean using the cloth. Scrub to get rid of dirt.
Finally, use a cloth to dry the item to avoid water damage brought about by dampness.
What are some excellent options for the trumeau?
When it comes to refinishing a trumeau, feel free to use the same coating, wax, or stain applied to the mantel. Another option is to cover the frame partly or entirely with a gold leaf to get the extra sparkle. If there's no mirror, either leave the spot empty or find a smoky or tarnished mirror. Make sure to preserve the decorating painting or mural in the upper section of the trumeau or have it fixed by a professional wood repair contractor.
What about missing mantels?
If an old stone or brick fireplace lacks a mantel, find some antique corbels and reclaimed wood to build a new item. A good place is tear-downs of houses that, many times, have century-old hardwood features with signs of weathering. The rough appearance is an excellent complement to the vintage, uneven stone or brick fireplace. Additionally, imperfections and splits add to the charm and shouldn't be tampered with if the mantel's integrity isn't compromised.
Hire expert hands
Restoring an antique mantelpiece is a time-consuming and laborious task. To save yourself trouble, reach out to local furniture repair professionals. They have all the tools and skills to restore your treasured item to its former glory.
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.