advice on repainting fireplace please!

3 years ago

Hello! We have this beautiful cast iron (I assume) fireplace surround that I desperately want to paint white. I would leave the middle black but possibly update the tiles to something a little brighter. I really don’t know where to start. The limited research I’ve seen suggests we need to strip the paint and recommends something called peel away. Has anyone had any experience or has any advice at all?
Thank you SO much in advance for any help! Hannah

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Comments (9)

Sonia
3 years ago
If that is a real Victorian fireplace I wouldn’t touch it. It’s beautiful.
Hannah L
Original Author
3 years ago
I do love it but it’s so big and makes the room seem very dark and much smaller. I don’t want to replace it but would like to change the surround.
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Hi Jane, Thank you so much for your thoughts. I've also been discussing this with quite a few people - everyone thinks I should keep the range and do my best to refurbish it. So, my plan now is to speak to more local antique dealers to see if they have missing pieces to help me build this back together. I've also spoken to a fantastic place in England called Antique Fireplaces & Ranges (http://www.antiquefireplacesandranges.com/) and they've given me tips on how I can clean and bring out the beauty in this piece with some iron paste called Black Lead. They also suggested making the missing pieces (if they cannot be sourced) with a local theatrical company that makes props for sets. This is a very reasonable idea given that I never intend to use the range other than as a feature piece. Thanks again, Jane and have a Happy New Year!
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Maybe the climate of where you live comes in to play here? If this is a fireplace that will be lit a lot, especially in winter, then I think it could be a nice addition. You would be able to see it from the kitchen, lounge and dining area. However, if it's just an occasional thing, then I wouldn't bother, as I side with Jonathan on preferring the open space through to the back of the house from the front door.
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Hello Alessandra, That's actually the original paintwork. You should strip it back to the original slate first. Being a porous surface, to paint on to slate you do not need a primer as the paint will adhere to the surface easily. You can base coat your slate if you wish. As slate can be easily scratched, in order to protect your project from signs of wear and tear, the best way to finish it is to apply two coats of varnish.
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Thanks for your thoughts everyone :) A white surround was one of my ideas so I'm glad to see it mentioned here! The old surround was damaged beyond repair and not looked after so we have recycled it. What would you do with the actual fire? The gas is switched off so debating to make the space hollow. We aren't fussed about having a working fire
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Dave Roberts
3 years ago
Is it painted or is that polished cast iron? I'm asking as there's a lot of detail visible, whereas a painted fireplace they'd look 'softer'.

If it's painted then you only need to strip the paint if there's a load of layers or if it's flaking off etc.

Looking at your fireplace, the details are very clear and probably ok to paint ( unless it's polished cast iron, in which case I've no idea). I'm painting one in a bedroom at the moment which I've washed, sanded the gloss very lightly before undercoating with Zinsser 123 (because I've got a massive tin of the stuff) and a few coats of white eggshell from a tin that needed finishing off. I coated the black section with Rustin's Matt black.

Not the best pic, work in progress as it needs another coat. In an ideal world I wouldn't have this painted, but the wall colour forced my hand!
Ellie
3 years ago
Can you post a pic of the whole room to see how the fireplace fits within your room. It does look lovely and I wouldn't want to change it.
Hannah L
Original Author
3 years ago
Dave - I think it’s painted as it’s very matt. Probably only a single coat. My concern is losing the detail if we need lots of coats of white paint.
Hannah L
Original Author
3 years ago
Ellie-it does fit with the room but would brighten things up so much if it could be white! I’ve been thinking about it for 14 years 😆
E D
3 years ago
The fireplace appears to be in great nick and particularly if it’s an original period piece (which it looks to be) it’ll be quite desirable in this complete state.

If you don’t like it it may be worth selling and you can then go for something you like.

I too am still curious to see more of your room/house though...🙂
Sonia
3 years ago
I agree with E D. Your sort of fireplace is incredibly sought after with people who are refurbishing Victorian properties and you could sell it. By painting it white you are devaluing it to be honest. This is one I found for sale online. Granted this is a retailer so the price is marked up, but I’ve seen similar on eBay for £600 - £700.
HU-835129498
3 years ago
Hi, in my opinion it would be a travesty to paint this, but appreciate you want a feature you like. Have you thought about getting a carpenter to box it in and you can have it any colour or style you like without damaging the original. Although I don't like this suggestion, as a compromise you could remove it and sell it, that way it remains intact in original condition. It looks like it is not painted but may have had some black grate polish applied.

advice on repainting fireplace please!

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Sonia

Hannah L
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advice on repainting fireplace please!

Comments (9)

Sonia

Hannah LOriginal Author

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Dave Roberts

Ellie

Hannah LOriginal Author

Hannah LOriginal Author

E D

Sonia

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Hannah L
Original Author

Hannah L
Original Author

Hannah L
Original Author