Transforming an Oak Fireplace with Fusion Mineral Paint
As the owner of Regained Relics, a furniture revival and DIY supply shop, I'm always excited to help my clients breathe new life into their furniture and home decor. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a client, Shirley, who wanted to give her oak fireplace a fresh, modern look.
Shirley was given this fireplace by her mom, and she loved it, but the orange-toned oak fireplace that just didn't fit the aesthetic she was going for.
Assessing the Fireplace
I took a close look at the fireplace, assessing the condition of the wood and the overall design. The fireplace was in good shape, with no major cracks or damage, just a small area on the top right that needed a little wood filler. I knew that a simple paint job could make a world of difference on this piece and I couldn't wait to get started.
Choosing the Perfect Color
When Shirley brought the fireplace in, she picked two colors that were used on a previous cabinet that I had painted for her. The fireplace was going in an opposite corner from a cabinet painted in Cathedral Taupe and Elmwood so she decided on Elmwood for the top and the two front columns and the rest of the body in Cathedral Taupe.
Cathedral Taupe is a beautiful, neutral taupe that has just the right amount of warmth to it. It's a versatile color that can work in a variety of design styles, from modern to traditional. It pairs beautifully with Elmwood.
Preparing the Surface
Before I could start painting, I needed to properly prepare the surface of the fireplace. I cleaned it with TSP Alternative, removing any dirt, dust, or debris that might interfere with the paint's adhesion.
I worked on the area on the top right that needed a little wood filler, let it dry and sanded it smooth.
Because the orange toned wood was going to be painted a lighter color, I decided to prime the piece with BIN with Shellac to seal in the wood and prevent any bleed through down the line.
Painting the Fireplace
Once the fireplace was cleaned and primed, it was time to start painting. I applied two coats of the paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next.
The Fusion Mineral Paint goes on like a dream, providing excellent coverage and a beautiful, velvety matte finish. Generally, two light coats is all that is needed for full coverage.
Finishing Touches
After the final coat of paint had dried, I added a few finishing touches to the fireplace and then it was time to seal the paint for extra durability. I used Fusion Mineral Paint's Ultra Guard in Flat to seal and protect the surface, giving it a subtle sheen. I also touched up any areas that needed a little extra attention, ensuring that the fireplace looked flawless.
The final result was stunning. The once-dated oak fireplace had been transformed into a stunning, modern focal point for the living room. The Cathedral Taupe and Elmwood colors perfectly complemented the cooler tones in the space, while still adding a warm and inviting element.
The Reveal
When Shirley saw the finished fireplace, she was absolutely thrilled. She actually got goosebumps! The transformation was beyond her wildest dreams, and she couldn't believe the difference a simple paint job could make. She and her husband were so impressed with the transformation, they couldn't wait to get it home and put it in their space.
As the owner of Regained Relics, it's always a joy to see the impact that furniture painting has on people. Fusion Mineral Paint is truly a game-changer when it comes to furniture and home decor upcycling, and this oak fireplace makeover is just one example of the incredible results it can achieve.
If you're looking to breathe new life into your home, I highly recommend giving Fusion Mineral Paint a try. With its exceptional coverage, durable finish, and wide range of beautiful colors, it's the perfect solution for any furniture or home decor project. Stop by Regained Relics to explore our full line of Fusion Mineral Paint and other upcycling supplies, and let's get started on your next transformation!