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- How I updated the grout and stained the barn beam mantel
- DIY Coffered Ceiling Tutorial
DIY HISTORY
After ripping up the archaic carpeting, we had to build a floating subfloor that needed to come up about 6 inches in order to achieve level status in this room. Yeah...it was that bad. More to come on how we did that. We are about ready to install our hardwoods, build our built-ins, and call this puppy done. Since we are up to our eyeballs in finishing this off, I couldn't let the fireplace insert go without a much-needed update. I typically repaint it every couple of years as it's our main source of heat and works like a beast for us. I've created a video tutorial for those of you that prefer to see it in action. You can view that down below.

HEAT
While we clean the chimney and insert every year before burning season, it's been more than a few years since I've painted the insert. However, this time around I'd doing it proper-like and changing it up. Big surprise, eh?

*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
As you can see, the paint has faded and flaked. Also, there's a bit of rust showing up too. By giving this painted fireplace a refresh, it will not only update its visual appeal, but also keep it running top notch.STEP 1
First, I can't say enough how cleaning your surfaces is key to a good finish. Any job is all about the prep work. Having the right tools to make it easier is a bonus. After I use my shop vacuum to suck up the debris, it's time to really clean. For a job like this, I pull out my handy steam machine. It has all the tools on board for easy access, comes with a tool caddy, and gives me a chemical-free clean like none other. You can see how I've used it to clean my kitchen appliances HERE, my car cleaning in these posts, and also my bathroom and floors in this post.
STEP 2
Attach the appropriate brush or tip to the nozzle. For my project, I used the large black nylon brush. It will help me removed caked-on soot and not scratch my surfaces. Time to blast away the bluck!




STEP 3
Next, it's time to paint. Normally, I would have used my paint sprayer to knock out the painting in a jiffy. You can see how I've used it for my past projects here. However, the color I wanted for my painted fireplace insert in a special stove paint was only available in a spray can. I chose to use Bark Brown. I've had black for over 15 years and wanted to change. I almost went with a pretty blue. tee hee. To prep the area, I used a piece of cardboard underneath, hung a tarp to block off the rest of the fireplace, and use painter's tape to cover the places I didn't want painted (glass and tile). Also, since the paint is nasty stuff, I opened all the doors and windows, and hung plastic to keep this space separate from the rest of the house. I don't want the fumes getting pulled into my furnace return ducts and possible causing a BAD hazard. Taking the insert outside would be optimal, but not happening for me at this point. In addition, you must wear a respirator to protect yourself. I use this one for my DIY projects.

THE REVEAL
Fireplace is done and I'm one happy mama. Not only did I get my fireplace clean without chemicals, but now it is refreshed and ready to go. SCORE!!







While you're at it, here are more remodeling projects like this painted fireplace tutorial:

