Painting or Staining?
The first decision that needs to be made is whether the new mantel will be painted or stained. Generally this choice is made prior to purchasing the mantel, as various wood types and materials are utilized in producing a mantel based on if it will be painted or stained. Stainable mantels use wood types known for their grain and appearance, and solid moldings, since the woods grain will be visible. Many individuals who plan to stain wood want the grain, as well as other natural blemishes, to shine through and would never cover those natural features with paint. Paintable mantels use finger-jointed moldings and less-decorative wood or MDF i.e. Medium Density Fiberboard, because the wood wont be visible. As soon as it is painted, it is really tough to determine the material used, which is why numerous contractors and property owners alike, prefer MDF as an affordable alternative to wood.
Setting up the Mantel.
While it is not really necessary to complete a mantel after you install it, it does make the job easier if you do this while it is on the wall, as it is similar to painting any other wood trim. If you complete it, and then afterwards, mar the mantel when putting it up, you will need to fix it. Certainly, many individuals paint or stain their fireplace mantel prior to installing it. It is truly a personal preference.
Whether painting or staining, I have put together a list of pointers below to help homeowners complete their new fireplace mantels Heating Repair Tucson .
Suggestions for Painting Your Fireplace Mantel.
I recommend making use of a high quality semi-gloss paint in the color of your choice, however, any paint that is used for inside house trim is suitable.
Have various size paint brushes available. You will want a smaller brush if your mantel has dentil molding so you can get the paint into the small crevices. A larger brush will help you paint faster and prevent stroke marks in the paint.
Although priming your mantel is suggested, you do not need to. You can simply apply 2 to 3 coats of paint.
Suggestions for Staining Your Fireplace Mantel.
Test your stain color on an inside area of the mantel before you install it to guarantee the color is what you want to achieve. If you will be making use of a polyurethane finish over the stain, I recommend testing the polyurethane on top of the stain so you can see the final look of your mantel.
If sanding the mantel, use a fine 220 grit.
If applying more than one coat of stain, make sure to let it dry prior to adding the next coat.
As soon as your stain is dry, apply one or two coats of polyurethane satin or semi-gloss is suggested, or tung oil to protect your finish.
Finishing a fireplace mantel is a satisfying experience, and once it is done, you can see how the new mantel enhances the look of the room.