Paint your Mantelpiece with Accent®

Mantelpieces provide a lovely frame for fireplaces, but features and trims painted in traditional enamel paints can discolour over time. So if your mantelpiece has started to turn yellow with age, you can freshen its look and feel with some new paint. Just two coats of Accent Doors, Windows & Trims is all that you need to restore your mantelpiece to its former glory. This handy home DIY task is the perfect weekend project. Have a look at our shopping list to get your supplies in order, and follow our simple guide below for more details on how to get started.

Ensure you have the correct equipment

You will need:

• Bucket & sponge
• Accent Sugar Soap
• Drop sheet
• Accent All Purpose Filler & scraper
• 220 grit sandpaper & block
• Masking tape
• Stirrer
• Paintbrush
• Paintable Gap Filler & caulking gun
• Accent Doors, Windows & Trims Water Based
• Accent Multi Prep Water Based

1. Prep

To begin, protect your floors by laying down your drop sheet. Next, thoroughly clean the mantelpiece with Accent Sugar Soap. To ensure a previously painted surface is prepared correctly, it is important to know whether it is coated with oil or water based paint. To test this, put a small amount of acetone-based solvent, such as nail polish remover, on a rag. Rub the rag on the painted surface and if there is no residue on the rag, the coating is oil based. If paint residue appears on the rag, then the coating is water based. If the previously painted coating is oil based, you will need to sand to a dull finish and apply 1 coat of Accent Multi Prep Water Based as the first coat (Step 3). If the previously painted surface is water based, no primer is required. With a now clean and primed surface (if required), carefully fill the junction between the wall and the mantel and any cracks with gap filler and allow to dry. Once dry, it’s time to sand the filled areas, dust off and spot prime with Accent Multi Prep Water Based.

2. Sand

To ensure a smooth finish, thoroughly sand your mantelpiece to a dull finish. Sanding evens out the surface area and helps to reduce imperfections creating a professional-looking result. Remember to mask around the mantelpiece for a clean paint edge and to avoid any accidental paint splatters.

3. Cut in

Now that your surface is prepared, it’s time to cut in. Dip your paintbrush approximately one-third of the way into the paint and gently tap both sides of the bristles against the edge of the paint tin to remove any excess product. Cut in around the mouldings first and then fill in the panels.

4. Paint

Now, it’s time to paint. Paint the surface using long, smooth brush strokes. While the paint is still damp, lay-off the surface with an unloaded brush using a very light touch. Use long, even strokes for a uniform, flat finish. Brush away from corners to avoid paint build up in these areas.

A fireplace in a living area, dining room or bedroom can be a beautiful focal point, and it’s easy to enhance the overall look by transforming a faded, chipped, or ageing mantelpiece with some fresh paint. This is one small project that can make a big impact! So, why not roll up your sleeves, turn on your favourite music and tackle your next home improvement project with ease? We’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the result. Make an impression by rejuvenating your mantelpiece with Accent.

Image – walls: Accent Snow Scene, mantlepiece & trims: Accent Enchanted White.

*Timings quoted at 25° and 50% humidity.