Does your fireplace need urgent attention? Give it a makeover and put it into good use during the colder months of the year.
Giving an ugly fireplace a modern or traditional update is a reasonably simple DIY project that you can do at little cost and with a few supplies and tools.
Whether the fireplace gets used annually or is just a hole in the wall that hasn't been used for ages, most become a focal point in a room.
Make it a 'stand out' feature with paint, tile or with a new DIY fireplace surround.
Here are a few ideas to make your fireplace a feature…
How to whitewash a brick wall
Whitewashing a face brick wall is a quick and easy painting project that will instantly brighten up a dark or dull room. Use Plascon Polvin and mix 1 part paint to 3 parts water for a light whitewashing. If you want a whiter look try 1 part paint to 2 parts water. Apply to the wall with a whitewashing brush.
Put down a plastic dropcloth to catch any spills, as the paint mixture is quite runny and can make a mess. Brush the paint onto the wall and then use a clean rag to rub the paint into the brick.
See more tips on whitewashing brick walls.
How to paint a brass or steel fireplace surround
If you want to change the look of a fireplace surround, whether it is brass or steel, you can use Rust-Oleum High Heat spray paint. The product is available in several colour options with matt or gloss finish and you will find the full range of Rust-Oleum products at your local Builders Warehouse.
Mask off the surrounding areas with newspaper and masking tape before you spray, and open windows and doors for ventilation.
How to build a decorative fireplace surround
Giving an ugly fireplace a modern or traditional update is a reasonably simple DIY project that you can do at little cost and with a few supplies and tools.
A plain brick fireplace is transformed using plywood and a couple of sheets of natural stone mosaic tiles that you can find at your local Builders Warehouse.
Whether the fireplace gets used annually or is just a hole in the wall that hasn't been used for ages, most become a focal point in a room.
A basic plywood box frame is built around the brick fireplace. Use plywood with a pine veneer that has few or no defects if you intend to apply paint to finish it off. The box frame can be assembled as a freestanding unit that fits around the fireplace or you can build the box frame around the existing fireplace.
Here are tips on building a fireplace surround.
Architectural detail is added to the basic frame with the addition of staircase balusters or turned wooden legs and some decorative moulding. Any detailing can be attached to the plywood box frame with Pattex No More Nails adhesive and a few panel pins here and there.
Use pine or supawood cornice or skirtings to build up a mantel shelf on top of the plywood box frame. Your local Builders Warehouse stocks a wide variety of designs that you can choose from. Use a compound mitre saw to cut the angled corners. If you're not sure of the angles to cut, have a couple of short pieces that can be cut for test fitting until you know the correct angle adjustment to use.
Sand the frame smooth with 240-grit sandpaper and wipe clean to remove all traces of dust.
When painting plywood apply wood primer before you start painting. The wood primer blocks the surface of the plywood and prevents it absorbing moisture from the paint. For best results, paint with 2 to 3 coats of Plascon Velvaglo waterbased enamel.
And you don't necessarily have to frame the entire fireplace. If you have a brick fireplace that just needs a bit of 'dressing up' think about adding a mantel shelf using pine or supawood cornice, skirtings and moulding.
Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za
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