Why update your fireplace?
Updating your fireplace and mantle space can change the entire dynamics of your home. Chances are the fireplace is located in living/family room. Which is the main focal point in your home. Remodeling that space can be costly, however don’t let that stop you. There are some simple and affordable ways you can update the space without dumping a ton of money into it.
Whitewash Brick
Whitewashing is a very popular look right now. It’s a great way to put a modern twist on an ugly brick fireplace. It’s also pretty simple to do.
1.) Clean the Brick
The brick around your fireplace most likely has soot build up so you will need to clean the brick before applying anything. The best way to clean brick is with a wire brush. This will remove loose mortar and other hard to get build up.
2.) Repair mortar
Before painting, this is the perfect time to repair the loose mortar around the brick. All you need is a mortar agent to fill in the voids. Don’t worry about it not matching, I mean you are going to paint it.
3.) Prime it
You will then need to prime the brick for paint. Just make sure that you use a water based primer and not an oil based primer.
4.) Paint it
Using a thick fluffy roller and latex paint apply the paint to the brick. Use a brush for the mortar lines.
Paint or stain the mantle
If you have a wooden mantle you can either sand, paint and prime it. Changing an ugly outdated wooden mantle into a modern wooden mantle isn’t as hard as you think.
1.) Sand
You will need to sand the mantle to get the polyurethane off of it. Poly is a protective coating applied to the wood to protect it from scratches. Paint or stain will not soak in unless the poly is removed.
2.) Paint it
Paint or stain the wood using the color of your choice.
3.) Apply polyurethane
Once the paint or stain drys it would be wise to apply polyurethane which will protect the mantle from scratches and normal wear and tear.
Update the mantle surround
The easiest and cheapest way to do this is to apply peel-and-stick tiles. Peel and stick tiles are kind of like wall paper but easier and less time intensive. They come in all sorts of designs and look great.
Do you live in the Greater Cincinnati area and have questions about remodeling your fireplace?
Contact your friendly pros at New Leaf Home Repair and Remodeling for an estimate.
