How Do You Redo A Fireplace Mantle?
Wooden fireplace mantels can be beautiful when they are kept in good repair. But if your mantel is chipping or peeling or even scratched or stained after years of use, it is not so attractive and can make a fireplace look like a drawback, rather than the asset it is. Check that your mantel is attached separately with nails or screws; if the fireplace and the mantel surrounding it are one piece, it may be harder to remove and you might wish to have professional help. Stripping and staining a mantel, however, is something most homeowners can accomplish. Locate the nails or screws holding the mantel in place and remove them. Test the mantel to see if it can be removed easily. Use a soft-headed mallet wrapped in fabric to gently bang on the mantel from the underside to loosen any old glue, if necessary. Take the mantel outdoors or into a room that is very well-ventilated. Lay the mantel onto a flat surface, such as across a pair of wooden sawhorses. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and some
