Host Renai Ellison explains how to give a face-lift to an ordinary fireplace surround
(see photo at right).
Materials:
measuring tape
1/4-inch piece of plywood
cast-resin decorative pieces
molding in design of choice
pencil
construction adhesive
paint in colors of choice
chip paintbrush
smaller paintbrush
Steps:
- Measure the mantel.
- This treatment can be applied directly to the mantel, but Ellison suggests doing it on a piece of plywood that has been cut to fit on the mantel.
- Pre-position the decorative pieces so that the molding fits on the board. Trace around the pieces with a pencil. Don't worry about the pencil marks because the panel will be painted.
- Apply a generous amount of the adhesive to the back of each decorative piece, then attach them to the board.
- Paint over the cast-resin pieces as well as the board. Be sure the paint matches the mantel. Apply two to three coats to avoid chipping. Allow to dry.
- Using the smaller brush, gently paint over the raised areas of the pieces with a slightly lighter shade of the original color. This creates depth.
- With a third small brush, go over the highlighted areas from the previous step with a medium shade of the two colors.
* Note: Be sure to coordinate the mantel embellishment with the furniture in the room. You can get ideas from magazines or off the Internet to ensure a good match.
)
