Do you have an outdated fireplace that is more of an eyesore than a fabulous focal point? I'm going to show you step by step how to revive that old fireplace on a budget!
Let me first start out by sharing a before picture so you can understand why I took on this project. The sand colored facade got lost against the gray wall and coloring of the floor. A fireplace should always be a focal point in your home and this one was in desperate need of a makeover!
Have you tried Dixie Belle's White Lightning cleaner? If so you know just how deep it really cleans! That is exactly what this filthy fireplace needed. I scrubbed once, then twice over the entire brick facade, mantel, and hearth. Next I grabbed a clean rag and water only to wipe away any of the excess cleaner then allowed to dry.
Using my Dixie Belle Premium Chip Brush I dry brushed 2 layers of Dixie Belle Cotton over the bricks starting very light handed and adding more as desired.
I painted the hearth with my Mini Synthetic in a mix of Dixie Belle Dried Sage, Putty, and Spanish Moss. Allowed to dry then dry brushed Dixie Belle Sandbar over to create a 2 toned look.
Once the hearth was completely dry I used a chip brush to brush on Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain in Walnut and baby wipes to wipe it back to create a faux concrete look. Though on wood the gel stain dries very quickly, I allowed this step to dry overnight since it did not have anything to soak into to help the dry time.
I wanted to guarentee lasting protection since this is a working wood burning fireplace so I topcoated everything with clear coat in flat.
DIY Mantel
1. I purchased 2 1"x6"x6' boards from Lowes.
2. I distressed the boards by using a hatchet, a hammer, and a wire brush.
3. I lightly sanded to smooth out any splintered areas.
4. I stained in Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain In Walnut (stain all sides and ends to avoid warping).
5. Allow to dry.
6. Make 2 small cuts on your wood approximately 5" off the end of each board.
7. Create an L shape out of your 2 boards.
8. Attach the two 5" pieces to each end to create half a box (shown in the picture above).
9. Attach all pieces together with small panel nails, a nail gun, or a screwdriver.
10. Slide your mantel over the top of the existing mantel.
*You can find the video tutorials here*
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-Emily
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