How to Re-Stain a Mantel
- 1. Remove your mantel, if possible. ...
- 2. Remove the old finish from the wood using a commercial stripper, following the manufacturer's instructions. ...
- 3. Use a putty knife to gently scrape the softened finish from the treated area. ...
- 4. Treat another section of the mantel by repeating Steps 2 and 3. ...
How do you fix a broken mantel on a fireplace?
Stick to antique wood to replace damaged sections or an entire missing mantel. Remove the mantel from the fireplace, if possible; use nontoxic stripper, a scraper and a wire brush to loosen the layers of paint. Be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
How do you sand and stain an antique mantel?
Sanding and restaining is an easier task if the antique mantel was never painted; new stain will blend old and new sections of wood. Stick to antique wood to replace damaged sections or an entire missing mantel. Remove the mantel from the fireplace, if possible; use nontoxic stripper, a scraper and a wire brush to loosen the layers of paint.
How do you finish a mantel shelf?
Natural wood stain comes in numerous colors, shades, and types. Glazing is another option: the process of combining stain or paint with a solvent to create a rustic look. Ultimately, though, how you finish the mantel shelf is a matter of personal taste and style coordination.
How do you remove old paint from a mantel?
Once the old paint is gone -- this may take more than one application of stripper -- wipe down the mantel, sand it lightly to smooth any rough spots, and stain, wax or lacquer it to emphasize the natural beauty of the wood. Flooding a century-old piece of wood with liquid will raise the grain, damage the wood and loosen any glued joints.
What is a fireplace mantel?
How to fill in holes in wood?
Can you repaint a mantel?
Can you replace a mantel after it's dry?
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How do you sand an oak mantle?
Sand the entire mantel with medium-grit sandpaper followed by fine-grit paper until it is smooth and free of imperfections. Sand with the grain of the wood. Fill cracks and holes with wood filler that matches the color of your stain. Wipe the surface clean with a tack cloth.
Do I need to sand mantle before painting?
If your mantel is stained wood, you need to remove the old finish so you can add new coats of stain. If your mantel is painted, there is no need to remove the existing finish completely if you're just going to repaint it, but you do need to sand it so that the new paint finish will adhere better.
How do you stain oak mantels?
Scuff sand your wooden beam and do not forget to wipe away sand dust with tack cloth then apply pre-stain with a nylon brush and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Apply water-based stain color of choice after 2-3 minutes wipe away excess stain in the direction of the wood grain then allow the stain to dry for one hour.
How do you update a wood mantel?
HOW TO UPDATE A WOOD MANTEL WITH PAINTSTEP 1: SAND. When prepping a mantel for paint (whether it's stained or currently painted) you need to sand your surface to remove the majority of the sheen. ... STEP 2: PRIME. If you're painting over any raw wood, it's smart to prime it first. ... STEP 3: PAINT.
What is the best paint for a 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.
What kind of paint should I use for a mantel?
Opt for an acrylic finish for fireplace mantels, as it is nonflammable and easier to work with. If your mantel already has dirt and soot on it that can't be cleaned off, first use a primer paint to cover imperfections and give you a surface on which the paint adheres.
What is the best stain color for oak?
The best stain colors for oakWhite Wash by Varathane.Walrus Oil cutting board oil.Weathered Oak by Minwax.Weathered Wood Accelerator by Varathane.Sun Bleached by Varathane.Antique White by Minwax.Classic Black by Varathane.True Black by Minwax.More items...•
What is the best finish for oak?
By far the best finishes for high quality wood furniture are either Danish oil or beeswax. They bring out the stunning beauty of wooden furniture grains and leave wood satisfying to the touch. Steer well clear of varnish and polyurethane if you are after a luxurious piece of quality furniture.
Does oak need to be sealed before staining?
0:202:29You always stain. And then seal you never seal the wood before you stain because then you can'tMoreYou always stain. And then seal you never seal the wood before you stain because then you can't stain the point of the sealer is to fill in all of those pores.
How can I make my fireplace mantel look nice?
The right mix of accessories can enhance a simple mantel. For an easy fireplace mantel decorating idea, hang a mirror in the middle and a sconce on either side. Anchor the mantel with a larger vase in front of the mirror and fill in with smaller accessories, such as vases, candlesticks, and decorative objects.
Do you need to seal a wood mantel?
If your house has a fireplace but is without a mantel, you can install one with time and effort. However, you'll need to use a sealer so the mantel, whether it is wood or stone, does not become heat stained. Applying sealer to a mantel is simple, and the positive effects last for years.
How do you make an old fireplace look modern?
But if your mantel is looking a little tired there are lots of budget-friendly, practical tips to give it a makeover.Start by giving it a good clean. ... Brush it up with paint. ... Embrace the materials. ... Whitewash it. ... Tile in style. ... Fit a floating beam. ... Replace the mantelpiece. ... Try a faux fire.More items...•
How do you prepare a mantle for painting?
1:589:56The 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 happens if you don't sand before painting?
As a general rule, if you don't sand the wood before painting then the applied paint could peel off after a while. This will only happen, however, if the new paint was applied to an already painted or sealed surface. If the paint is applied directly to raw, untreated wood then sanding is not required.
Can I paint over varnished wood without sanding?
Can you paint over varnished wood without sanding? Yes. You certainly can.
How do you sand and paint a fireplace mantel?
2:036:07But before we do that you want to take some sandpaper 220 grit or finer. And just hit any of theMoreBut before we do that you want to take some sandpaper 220 grit or finer. And just hit any of the spots that are high where there's a bit of texture from the paint drawing.
What is the second layer of shellac dye?
Next, a barrier coat of dewaxed shellac seals in the dye. Shellac dries fast, allowing you to move through the steps quickly. A second layer of color, called a glaze , is applied over the sealed dye.
What is a protective topcoat?
A protective topcoat adds depth and durability. Typical topcoats are oil-based or water-based varnish or lacquer. They protect the finish you’ve labored so diligently to create, as well as the wood beneath it. Be sure to seal the glaze layer before a topcoat is applied. Dewaxed shellac is the perfect sealer because it’s compatible with any topcoat you choose.
What is the difference between glaze and oak?
Glaze deepens the grain contrast. A glaze layer is the secret ingredient to a great oak finish. A dark glaze emphasizes oak’s beautiful strong grain. Glaze is nothing more than a thick stain applied over a sealed surface. Apply the glaze with a stiff brush across the grain.
What is oak finish?
Finishing oak is like finishing two different woods at once. The large, visible pores in the earlywood soak up stain much more aggressively than the relatively smooth latewood does.
How to control color strength on latewood?
You can control the color strength on the latewood by either wiping the wood clean or leaving a little glaze behind. Use one rag to pick up the bulk of the stain. When it becomes saturated, it will leave a thin layer of color behind.
How many grit paper to scuff sand?
Scuff-sand with 280- or 320- grit paper between coats of shellac and varnish. A light touch is all that’s needed. Care must be taken not to sand through one layer of finish into the next.
What is the best sealer for dyed oak?
Shellac sealer brings the dyed oak to life. At the same time, it creates a barrier that prevents dyes or stains from bleeding into the next layer of finish. The barrier coat also creates distinct, well-defined layers that really add depth and beauty.
What to do after staining a mantel shelf?
After staining your wood mantel shelf you will finish it with a clear protective coating. It helps to have the room ventilated, as the finish can be quite pungent. Before applying either a second coat of stain or the finish, let the entire shelf dry thoroughly. Shelves. Wood Finish.
How to apply wood grain stain?
You should always go with the grain when applying stain, whether by brush, sponge, or rag. Any runs in the stain wipe away immediately. Hold a clean rag in one hand. As you apply stain with a brush or sponge, use the rag to rub it into the wood. Penetrate the wood grain thoroughly.
How to sand a shelf?
Especially at the places where you applied putty, sand the shelf with medium-grit sandpaper, and then with a fine-grit sandpaper. Make sure all the edges are smooth and that there are no splinters or rough patches. Where you applied putty, sand those areas until you can feel little difference between the wood and the putty.
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To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
Is staining a mantel a good idea?
Depending on the decor of the room and the mantel itself, staining it may be a better choice of finishes. Natural wood stain comes in numerous colors, shades, and types. Glazing is another option: the process of combining stain or paint with a solvent to create a rustic look.
Do you need to finish a mantel shelf?
Once you choose the style of mantel shelf you wish to install, it needs to be finished to both protect the wood from overexposure to air and moisture, as well as to decorate it. Opting for paint is one way to coat and adorn it. Depending on the decor of the room and the mantel itself, staining it may be a better choice of finishes.
How to avoid brush strokes in varnish?
Use a foam brush to avoid brush strokes in your varnish. Stay away from glossy finishes. A light color stain won't cover an existing darker finish if you don't bleach the wood first. Wood strippers can be caustic and emit strong fumes.
What was Mary Love's first book?
Writer Bio. In 1982, Mary Love's first book, "Shakespeare Garden, " was published. She also authored professional brochures. Love was the subject of a PBS special profiling Northwestern Pennsylvania artists, highlighting her botanicals and birds.
How to clean a wood table?
Clean the wood using a sponge dipped into a solution of mild detergent and water. This will remove remaining traces of stripper. Allow the wood to dry for 24 hours.
Can you re-stain a fireplace mantel?
A fireplace makes an impressive focal point in any room. A surrounding wooden mantel defines the fireplace's character and charm, extending an invitation to gather around the hearth. When the mantel's wood finish becomes outdated and worn, its charm diminishes and this affects the ambiance of your entire room. By following a fairly simple process, you can re-stain your mantel and restore it to its former beauty.
What to do if your mirror is missing?
If the mirror is missing, replace it with a tarnished or smoky mirror, or leave the space empty. Preserve as much of any mural or decorative painting at the top of the trumeau as possible, or hire a professional restorer to repair it.
Where do mirrors hang on a fireplace?
Mirror and Trumeau. A trumeau mirror hangs on the wall just above the mantel or rests on it and becomes an integral visual element of the whole fireplace. The trumeau originated in 18th century France as a decorative flourish to fill the wall space between windows.
Can you strip a wood mantel?
When the fabulous wood mantel that came with your house is buried under decades of old paint, it's time for a rescue. Stripping a wood mantel is not for the faint of heart, but the finished product will erase the labor-intensive experience from memory. Sanding and restaining is an easier task if the antique mantel was never painted; new stain will blend old and new sections of wood. Stick to antique wood to replace damaged sections or an entire missing mantel.
Who is Benna Crawford?
Benna Crawford has been a journalist and New York-based writer since 1997. Her work has appeared in USA Today, the San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, and in professional journals and trade publications. Crawford has a degree in theater, is a certified Prana Yoga instructor, and writes about fitness, performing and decorative arts, culture, sports, business and education .
What is a fireplace mantel?
A fireplace mantel is often the first thing people notice when they visit your home. If you have a mantel that looks old or simply doesn’t match ...
How to fill in holes in wood?
Use your wood filler to fill in any holes, cracks, or other damage and imperfections. Let the wood filler dry, then sand and go back over it with a damp cloth to remove any debris left behind.
Can you repaint a mantel?
Your mantel is not ready to start refinishing or repainting it. An oil based product is best since it will give you the best adhesion compared to other products. Use several coats to provide even coverage. Make sure you allow each separate coat to dry completely before adding another one. Once you’re done with this you will want to add a few coats of polyurethane. This will add more of a luster to your mantel while helping to protect the new finish.
Can you replace a mantel after it's dry?
You’re done! Once the mantel is dry you can replace all the items you stored earlier back to their original place.
