
Open your can of semi-gloss interior paint. Stir it with the paint stick. Apply the paint to the wooden mantel piece in the same way you applied the primer--with the wood grain, starting at the bottom and working your way up and over.
How to make a quality fireplace mantel?
The first step is to gather your materials:
- Multi-Tool for cutting trim
- Miter Saw or Table Saw (Or have wood cut at home improvement stores)
- Nail Gun
- Measuring Tape
- Long Level
- 2″ Finish Nails
- Wood Filler
- Paintable Caulk
- Paint
- Paint Brush or roller
How to choose a paint color for a mantel?
- Paint very large squares of the sample color directly on your wall. ...
- For the best color representation, paint at least two layers and/or start with a paint primer so that the previous wall color does not show through the test strip and ...
- Make sure your test strips are eye level and you can see them from a distance.
How to decorate a fireplace mantle?
Mantel decor ideas – 10 tips for year-round fireplace and mantelpiece decoration
- Introduce botanical elements in preparation for spring. From arboretum-inspired motifs to hothouse plant life, foliage takes on a fresh look this season. ...
- Paint your mantel to match the walls. Clever paint ideas are the easiest, quickest and most affordable way to dramatically transform a home.
- Create symmetry with your mantel decor. ...
How to install a rustic fireplace mantel?
Rustic Beam Mantel and Corbels
- Picking Your Wood. Repurposed wood comes in all shapes and sizes. ...
- Hollowing Out the Back of the Beam. After getting the beam to the correct size (note: I have not sanded to finish), I then started prepping the mantel ...
- Filling in the Holes. ...
- Creating the Corbels. ...
- Finish the Beam. ...
- Installing the Beam. ...
- Did you make this project? ...

What kind of paint do you use on a fireplace mantel?
Semi-gloss paintsSemi-gloss paints – enamels – are a good choice for painting your fireplace or mantel, but will need repeated cleaning, like you would with a painted door. You will need to apply multiple coats of paint for a bold finish. Chalk or wood-specific paint will be best.
How do you prepare a mantle for painting?
1:589:56How we Painted our Oak Mantel/Channel Updates - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first things first is to prep the area and so I just laid down a drop cloth and then I startedMoreThe first things first is to prep the area and so I just laid down a drop cloth and then I started cleaning the mantle with a spray that's called k'rud Kutter and that is a degreaser.
What kind of paint do you use on a wood fireplace?
Choose indoor, heat-resistant paint, latex paint. Choose paint that is rated to withstand temperatures generated by the fireplace (generally about 200°F). Depending on what look you want your fireplace surround to have, you can use satin, eggshell or a gloss finish.
Do I need to sand my wooden fireplace before painting?
If your fireplace is made of smooth brick, we recommend sanding it before you start painting. This creates a grittier surface that is easier for paint to stick to. Clean and allow to dry before starting the painting process.
What is the best finish for a fireplace mantel?
A semi-gloss paint is an ideal choice because it gives you a solid, durable surface that withstands the heat put out by the fireplace while reflecting light from the flames. It is stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Can you paint a wood mantle?
You can prep and paint a fireplace mantel the same way you would for stained cabinets, interior trim, or doors. The preparation and painting process is a lot easier for painted mantels.
Do you need special paint around a fireplace?
Choose fireplace paint—indoor, latex, heat-resistant paint (either flat, semigloss, or gloss) that's rated to withstand temperatures generated by the fireplace (generally about 200°F). Remember that this type of paint is only appropriate for the exterior of a brick fireplace, not the interior firebox.
Can I paint a fireplace with normal paint?
Painting a fireplace requires specialist heat resistant paint to create a safe and long-lasting professional finish.
Do you need high heat paint for fireplace?
A common misconception about painting fireplaces is that you need to get 'heat-resistant' paint. If you are only painting the outside of your fireplace, your paint just needs to be approved to withstand temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and most general interior paint is!
How do you paint a fireplace mantel?
1:254:53Transform Your Fireplace Mantel In 20 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd eat the Roman toxin into paint is you can just dip your brush in and start painting. There is noMoreAnd eat the Roman toxin into paint is you can just dip your brush in and start painting. There is no sanding stripping or priming needed at all in order for you to start your project.
Can you use chalk paint on a fireplace mantel?
Whether you have a full surround or just a shelf, chalk paint can give your fireplace a new fresh look. You can choose to paint you mantel a light white color to match your trim or a darker color to accent lighter brick and match dark hardwood floors. No sanding is necessary and you can layer on 1-3 coats.
How do you prepare a fireplace for painting?
0:573:09How to Paint a Brick Fireplace -- Buildipedia DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut the most important thing is the preparation is cleaning we have some soot here that we needed toMoreBut the most important thing is the preparation is cleaning we have some soot here that we needed to get rid of we use the trisodium phosphate. And water rinse that off cleaned opposite as best we
How do you sand a mantle?
4:1112:32How To Strip & Stain Fireplace Mantel Before & After - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you have stripped it down you're also gonna want to sand it you'll start with a medium gritMoreOnce you have stripped it down you're also gonna want to sand it you'll start with a medium grit sandpaper. And then work your way to a super fine sandpaper that way it's smooth to the touch.
Do I need heat resistant paint for fireplace?
A common misconception about painting fireplaces is that you need to get 'heat-resistant' paint. If you are only painting the outside of your fireplace, your paint just needs to be approved to withstand temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and most general interior paint is!
Can you use chalk paint on a fireplace mantel?
Whether you have a full surround or just a shelf, chalk paint can give your fireplace a new fresh look. You can choose to paint you mantel a light white color to match your trim or a darker color to accent lighter brick and match dark hardwood floors. No sanding is necessary and you can layer on 1-3 coats.
Can I paint my MDF fire surround?
As mentioned before, MDF is very porous, so first you'll need to apply a primer to prepare the wood for the paint. If your furniture does not already have a primer coat, be sure to use an oil-based product for the best effect. To apply, pour the primer into your paint tray, and use a roller to apply to the MDF surface.
What is the best primer for a fireplace mantel?
The Best Primer and Paint for A Fireplace Mantel. For stained and varnished wood, either oil-based primer, or white shellac primer , are the best choices. Either one creates a bleed-resistant seal and sticks well to prepped wood. If the surface has already been painted, you may or may not have to use primer.
What sprayer do I use to paint a pine mantel?
I used my Graco GX-19 Finish Pro to spray paint the pine mantel featured in this article. I use this sprayer for most of my fine finishing projects, including cabinets and trim, using the green Graco fine finishing spray tips. You can even rent a sprayer and practice on some scrap wood before shooting your mantel.
What grit sandpaper should I use for a mantel?
Sand your mantel after cleaning, using 220-grit, or 180-grit sandpaper, with a random orbital sander for the top. The sander I use is the Makita random orbit sander. If you have other painting projects in the house, this sander is very useful for sanding cabinets, doors, and shelving too. I like using 220-grit sandpaper because it's less likely to scratch or damage the wood. You can use the same grit between coats of primer.
What to use to sand wood?
For sanding tight grooves and rounded parts of the wood, use sanding sponges for detailing, or a folded piece of sandpaper. The purpose of sanding is to dull the varnished surface to give it some tooth, not to grind it down to the bare wood. When using an electric sander, there will be more airborne dust, even if the sander has a dust collector. You should wear a respirator and either cover your furniture with plastic, or move it out of the room.
What is the best paint for a fireplace?
The best paint to use is acrylic enamel, or oil-based enamel for durability, but the problem with oil is it dries really slow and your white paint will turn yellow over time. Benjamin Moore Advance is a popular water-based product that a lot of people like, but I've used Pro Classic acrylic enamel for over twenty years with good results, including the fireplace in the pictures. Two coats in the semi-gloss finish is very smooth and washable. The paint dries to the touch in a few hours. I recommend two coats of primer and two coats of paint, sanding in between prime coats.
How to repair wood damage?
Patch holes and wood damage with a quality wood filler. For large holes and damage, use Bondo wood filler. This stuff dries harder than concrete with minimal shrinkage. It's a two part filler that dries in minutes. I use this product for cabinets and woodwork. Use a putty knife to apply the filler in a very thin layer for easier sanding.
What is the best paint brush for a mantel?
The best paint brush is one with soft bristles and angled to make cutting-in easier. Don't use a cheap brush or one that's designed more for cutting in walls. A good brush will lay off the paint smoothly without leaving heavy brush strokes in the finish. The best paint roller nap to use on a mantel top is 1/4-inch.
How long does it take to paint a mantel?
Allow the first coat to dry. This can take more than 12 hours.
How long does it take for a paint stripper to work?
Allow the stripper to work upon the mantel surface for about 15 minutes, or the package's instructions outline. Sometimes there are multiple layers of paint. This is most apparent when the chemical stripper doesn’t seem to strip-off the paint properly and traces of underlying paints become visible.
Is a fireplace a focal point?
A fireplace is usually one of the focal points in a house , and its contribution to the interior aesthetics is further emphasized if the accompanying mantel has a lustrous, vibrant exterior. Wooden mantels are fairly common, but they need more regular care and painting than natural stone mantels.
Is it easy to paint a fireplace mantel?
Painting wooden fireplace mantels is relatively easy. It's a short project, involving only basic DIY skills. The needed supplies are easily available, and there is no real risk of causing any harm to the mantel or the fireplace. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.
Can you strip a mantel before painting?
If the mantel has not been painted before, stripping is not needed. You can prepare it for painting with some basic sanding. Sand the wooden mantel with 100-grit sandpaper. This creates a cleaner, paint-friendly surface that bonds better with the primer and the paint.
Supplies
paint brush – I love this one because it has a short handle and is easier to hold onto!
Tutorial – How To Paint A Wood Fireplace Mantel
1. After taping off the mantel area with painter’s tape, lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper the entire mantle with sandpaper (wrapped around a piece of wood acting as a sanding block).