How To Refinish A Fireplace Mantel

How to Refinish a Fireplace Mantel

A fireplace mantel is a beautiful and functional part of any home, but over time, it can become worn and outdated. If your mantel is looking a little worse for wear, don't worry—it's relatively easy to refinish it yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Materials You'll Need:

Sandpaper (120-grit, 220-grit)
Wood filler
Tack cloth
Primer
Paint
Paintbrush or roller
Polyurethane
Paint stripper (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Mantel

Start by removing any hardware from the mantel, such as knobs or pulls. If the mantel is painted, you'll need to remove the old paint using a paint stripper. Once the old paint is removed, sand the mantel lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Step 2: Repair any Damage

If the mantel has any cracks or holes, fill them in with wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, sand it smooth with 220-grit sandpaper.

Step 3: Clean the Mantel

Wipe down the mantel with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris. Tack cloths have sticky adhesives on them, making them effective at picking up even the smallest particles.

Step 4: Prime the Mantel

Apply a coat of primer to the mantel. Primer helps the paint to adhere to the wood and provides a smooth surface for painting. Allow the primer to dry completely.

Step 5: Paint the Mantel

Once the primer is dry, you can start painting the mantel. Use a paintbrush or roller to apply two coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 6: Apply Polyurethane

Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to the mantel. Polyurethane will protect the paint from scratches and wear and tear. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely.