To paint or not to paint? That is the question.

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/51b2124a456b8-.jpg

So I’m almost done renovating this awesome 4 story brownstone in Bed-Stuy close to Clinton Hill and I am having trouble deciding whether I should strip the paint off of these fireplaces OR have a local artist paint over them to make the detailed lines POP [the previous owner painted all the mantels white]. Also, do you think they’re marble or slate? I’m not sure. Any comments are appreciated =)  If you suggest I have a local artist paint over the white mantels. Could you please recommend someone for me to hire?  Thanks for your help,  Justin Homapour, CROWN Investments. www.CrownNY.com

justinhomes

in Chimney and Fireplace 12 years ago

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BobMarvin | 12 years ago

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It looks like there are many coats of paint. If you were to strip it the gray slate would look attractive and the crisp Eastlake style incised details could be picked out in a contrasting color

Bond | 12 years ago

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I’d say that they’re slate and had a faux finish at one time.  Unfortunately stripping the paint will destroy whatever is left of the original faux finish.  Of course it might have been shot anyway hence the paint job.  I’m not sure I’d pick out the details against the white background, it might come out a bit garish.