I've been seeing lots of posts on various DIY facebook groups over the past weeks asking about how to update a Fireplace so thought I would write a blog on how to do it.

To start with the process will depend on the material of your current fireplace.  If it is a wood such as pine, all you'll need to do is give it a very good clean, sand with around a 220 grit sandpaper to give it a key, clean again, and then a couple of coats of Fusion Mineral Paint (FMP).  With FMP there is no need to use a sealer such as wax as it has a self sealer in it.  Great hey! 

The number of coats you need will depend on your colour choices.  Painting with darker colours usually need less than if you are painting a dark wood a light colour.  

Some woods such as mahogany can be prone to 'bleed through' which is a process where the tanins can 'bleed through' causing a pinkish stain.  No amount of coats will cover this so you need to apply a sealer to act as a blocker.  I would recommend using Zinsser Bin Shellac Primer (red tin).  Applying a coat of this will give you that blocker to prevent the bleed through, and then you're good to paint as above.

Dont't forget that FMP requires 3 weeks to fully cure, so although it dries to the touch within an hour, it needs time to cure to become fully durable so just be gentle with your piece through this time.  

It always amazes me the difference a few coats of paint can make in making something look so much more modern and brighter.  Saves so much money and hassle opposed to buying new.  Happy days! 

Pop over to the Shop section of my website if you'd like to purchase some FMP to give it a go!