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« PAINT STRIPPING MARBLE MANTLES stairs »
February 21, 2008
stripping follow up...
I also forgot to mention that I am in Fort Greene, and the mantles are Marble. So if anyone knows anyone who does this please let me know.
very flexible on timing.
Comments
Hey there--
Are you sure the mantel is marble? Looks more like a wood one, or maybe even slate. And frame around opening is definitely cast iron.
I would also bet that the frame around the mirror is wood, not marble.
That said, I would use methylene chloride stripper, like Rock Miracle, on all of this. I stripped to marble mantels and the main thing is to use gentle tools so as not to gouge the stone. When you get down to the stone, you can use fine steel wool and tootbrushes to get the remaining paint off.
I've used DeGamba stripping in the past for other projects but I would not recommend them. I would check the archives for recos paint strippers--there's nothing inherently different about stripping stone other than being careful about what tools you use. Also, strippers that need to be neutralized with an acid, like Peel-away, may not be the best choice for stone.
Posted by: tinarina at February 21, 2008 2:27 PM
Please check the Forum archive. This question is asked several times a month.
Posted by: guest at February 21, 2008 2:48 PM
Really?
I stripped my own mantles - and it was a real mess. Still need to go back and do the finishing touches. Heat guns didn't work for me - I think the marble serves as heat sink. I just used strippers (rock miracle), scrapers, and lots of steel wool.
Posted by: Putnamdenizen at February 21, 2008 3:32 PM
we'd charge $1,200 to strip this mantel. And , yes, the overmantel ( mirror frame) is mostly likely wood.
Park Slope Paint Strippers 718 783 4112
www.WeStripWood.com
Posted by: guest at February 21, 2008 3:40 PM
Is that how much it cost? $1200? I stripped 4 in my house, so I saved myself $4800. Woo-hoo...I rock!
Posted by: rh at February 21, 2008 4:37 PM
I had joe salem from salem woodzone strip 3 mantles for me. They were wood and it doesn't really matter wood or marble, marble might be easier though. He charged $850.00 His # 718-755-6527. his work good, quick and clean.
Posted by: guest at February 21, 2008 5:37 PM
Did you get that place with Brenton realty? I so wanted that house. Congrats.
Posted by: guest at February 21, 2008 7:33 PM
How much did you get off the ask price?
Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 11:05 AM
Hey, I have SparClean cleaning all my mantels and marble sills in my house (also Ft Greene). Alex (owner) is terrific, reasonable, seasoned. Just a great company. He fixed a bunch of marble stuff too, and reinstalled an old loose one. HIGHLY recommended (and I actually found him on this forum, tons of great recommendations for him here).
Alex cell: 917 681 9844
Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 11:53 AM
I stripped a marble mantle with exactly the same decorative design. It was a bear to strip-don't remember the products I used. I did discover that under the 20 some layers of paint there were significant stains all over the marble. Looks like it could be candle wax stain or drinks-something. I don't mind the "patina" but to make it look really fresh and clean would require a professional cleaning and polish.
Posted by: Jane at February 22, 2008 11:56 AM
I had to do this before and despite the expense, I understand hiring someone else to do it. The chemicals are very harsh. Not everyone should breathe it in, which they'll do even if they wear a mask. People with allergies should not go anywhere near these chemicals. Or people who are trying to get pregnant.
Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 12:17 PM
Be forewarned! Paint stripping is addictive. You will not be able to stop at just this fireplace.
Posted by: guest at February 22, 2008 7:09 PM
Just one caveat: Sometimes the slate surrounds and mantels are faux finished to look like marble. This historic faux finish could get removed with stripper. Our surround had this finish with faux veining (plaster applied on top of the slate with lines carved in to look like veins in stone). When I stripped it, thinking it was real marble, I went down to the slate. I do not know if one can successfully only strip the top layers of paint and leave the faux finish (maybe art restorers could), but something to think about. Try stripping on a hidden area to see what is underneath before you undertake the whole project.
Posted by: ohiise at February 23, 2008 3:58 PM
Thanks everyone for the responses, we love the house.
$1200 is a bit steep but we will consider it.
I took off a section of paint, the stone underneath was white, most likley marble. Slate would be dark gray' right?
Posted by: oldbaby at February 24, 2008 12:48 AM
I wood have done that mantle for less then $1200.00 ,and a better job then anyone in the brooklyn area.Iam also epa certifyed to remove lead paint.Degambastripping iam in parkslope (718-499-5788)
Posted by: guest at May 28, 2008 2:48 PM
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