![]() ![]() To prime your cast iron fireplace for its final finish, use fine wire wool, but avoid cleaning the surface with water. ‘To remove rust patches or stubborn marks, cut a pad of medium grade steel wool to rub away the rust and, wearing protective gloves, gently work away at it until it vanishes,’ says restoration expert Helaine Clare. You may need more than one application, and may need to use a stiff brush to get into the details. Do not use a blowtorch, as you could release lead from the paint or damage the fireplace.Ĭlosely follow the instructions to apply the paint stripper, leave it to work for the specified time, then scrape off the paint using a scraper. ![]() This is unpleasant work, and you need to be extremely careful when working with such harsh chemicals. If you are restoring a fireplace that has damaged or flaking paintwork, then this will need to be removed with paint stripper. Some can be purchased very cheaply however, damage is a crucial factor,’ says Allum.Ĭast iron fireplaces can either be finished with paint, or coated with protective iron paste or black grate polish – which gives them that iconic black finish. ‘The phenomenal demand for fireplaces in the Victorian period led to the production of many millions hence there are plenty to choose from in salvage yards and with dealers and auctioneers. Whether you have a tired cast iron fireplace in situ, or are planning to fit an antique design, it will likely need some restoration work. If the item is valuable or an important feature of your home that requires repairs, then it is best to hire an expert to restore cast iron. Unless repairs are required, you can usually restore cast iron through removing paint, sanding and refinishing, but certain items require more thought than others. 'Specialist firms can take moulds from cleaned originals and recast components.' This works particularly well for items with repeat sections, such as railings or balustrades. Kent advises that the best way to repair cast iron is through cold stitching. A proficient welder could, however, restore a detached section or a concealed structural element,’ says Allum. ![]() ‘Cast iron can be difficult and uneconomic to repair, so if a decorative section is completely missing, there is little hope of repairing it. 'Another potential problem is the fracturing of cast iron because of impact or casting flaws,' says Kent. Repairing broken or missing elements, however, may not be possible. Flaking paint or rusty patches on cast iron that's otherwise in good condition, can readily be restored. You must also assess the extent of the damage. When deciding how to restore old cast iron, you need to consider the item's value, purpose and finish – is it painted or exposed? ![]()
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