How to fix the paintwork on a fireplace surround?

[DavidBrent]

Hi guys

Have an electric fireplace which had some marks on it

Thought I would use my leftover dulux vivid white to paint over the marks

Now it looks terrible though and a totally different texture

Any idea how I fix this to just strip off the dulux paint please and go back to what was underneath and seems to be shiny and smooth? It's only on this top shelf part on the top layer and is super obvious in certain lights / angles

Thanks 

   

[Jason]

Hi @DavidBrent,

Do you own a sander? My recommendation would be to sand away all the paint off your mantelpiece. Once you get back to the bare timber, you'll be in a much better position to reapply paint and get a consistent result.

Do you know what was originally used to paint the fireplace surround? You will still want to ensure a good match. I suspect it might have been an oil-based gloss and you have used a matt better suited to walls. 

Please provide a little more information and I'm sure our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be happy to add his thoughts. 

Jason

[DavidBrent]

Hi mate thanks for your reply

I think you're right I painted with matte wall paint and it appears to be oil that was originally on

Any way of removing purely the matte paint leaving the oil underneath do you think?

[Jason]

Perhaps some experts are able to achieve it, but I find patching paintwork always ends in a poor result. I would recommend sanding until you have an flat, stable and consistent base. I expect that means you need to get back to the raw timber @DavidBrent. 

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @DavidBrent 

I'm in agreement with the recommendations made by Jason. It's better to start off fresh rather than having a patch work of paint which is very noticeable. I suggest taping off the sides and corners of the top surface of your fire mantle. I also propose covering your TV and the other surrounding areas with drop sheets and masking tape. This is to protect your appliances from sanding dust, and it will also make it easier for you to clean up afterwards. 

I recommend having a look at this guide - How to restore wooden furniture. The sanding method used is applicable for the repainting of the top of your fireplace surround. Instead of using clear varnish, I propose using a gloss white paint. If you wish to get a colour match for your fire mantle, I suggest getting a small chip of paint from the surface not smaller than a 10c coin. Bring this to the stores paint specialist and ask them for a white high gloss colour match. 

I propose using Dulux 500ml Vivid White Aquanamel Gloss Interior Exterior Paint. 

Please remember to use a primer for the timber top surface before applying the topcoat.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to paint a door (the technique used is applicable to your project)

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric