Hello Friends! Welcome back to ASW Homestead! Today we will discussing how to paint a fireplace mantel.
The fireplace is often the focal point of the living room and to paint a fireplace mantel can change the look and feel of the entire living room in just a day or two. A frugal way to make any homestead unique.
We recently moved to our new Homestead a few weeks ago. It’s a 1953 Cape Cod with wonderful natural light throughout.
However, the entire house needed painting. The previous owner primed the entire downstairs and then listed it for sale. I’m grateful the primer was already done and I can move right on to the paint which is my favorite part.
The previous owner also primed the fireplace mantel before the sale but didn’t paint it.
Nor, was the fireplace cleaned. I had debated on painting the mantel white to match the trim work around the house but ultimately decided for a pop of color.
The mantel and fireplace needed to be cleaned and free from any dirt and grime including ash left behind in the fireplace.
I removed the ash from the fireplace.
Now time to tackle cleaning the tile work around the fireplace.
The tile work had tape residue all along the tile work. I suspect the previous owners sealed the fireplace during the winter to keep the home warmer. But, now is the time to clean it off. I used Dawn dish soap and a steel wool scrubbing bud to remove the tape residue.
Halfway done scrubbing the tiles around the fireplace and then on to the fun part. Choosing a paint and paint color.
Disclaimer: If you decide to also paint the inside of the fire place make sure to use a heat-resistant paint. I chose not to paint the actual fire place just the mantel.
Is your living room on the smaller side? You may want to choose a lighter color to make the room feel more spacious.
If the room is larger, are you wanting to make the room feel cozier? You may want to choose a darker color for your fireplace mantel.
Our homestead is on the smaller size so I chose a light sage color to make our living room feel more spacious.
Consider using an eggshell or a satin paint finish for long term durability and easy cleaning. I chose a satin finish for our mantel.
First of all, don’t rush the painting. I love completing a project and checking off that to-do box. Maybe you do too. But taking it slow will make for a prettier end result.
Start with the first of a few coats using a paint brush for the detail parts of the painting. You could use a roller for the larger portions. I used a standard size paint brush for the larger parts. But, I had to borrow a tiny brush from my daughter’s artist brush collection for the crevices near the top of the mantel.
Once the first coat is applied, wait until it’s entirely dry before applying the second coat of paint.
You may also want to consider lightly sanding between coats of paint to ensure a smooth finish.
I applied three coats of paint to the mantel for complete coverage. After the last coat has dried, examine your work for any paint drips or brush stroke. You can remove these little imperfections by lightly sanded the area.
I love the sage color in the living room so much more than the whiter primer. 😊 Little paint projects, like to paint a fireplace mantel. can make an entire room brighter.
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Around here, we’re learning as we go—one season, one project, and one lesson at a time. I’m glad you’re along for the journey.
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