Easy DIY Fireplace Mantel & Brass Door Makeover

August 22, 2022

Photo of a painted fireplace with vintage decor.

This was the fireplace in my 1950's ranch style house until recently.

I haven't changed a lot about the fireplace since moving in back in 1990. The mantel was already painted white by previous owners, and I painted the yellow brick surrounding the doors with white paint.

I have contemplated changing out the dated brass fireplace doors for a long time, but recently got a little more serious about it. I looked online for black replacement fireplace doors.

The doors ran from about $265 to $400 at the big box stores. I then watched several YouTube videos about painting the fireplace doors and settled on this cheaper route.

(When you click on the bold Amazon, Old Sign Stencils or Dixie Belle Paint Company affiliate links you will be taken to the products I used for this project. If you order it does not change the price or service at all. As an Amazon Affiliate, Old Sign Stencils Affiliate or Dixie Belle Paint Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Photo of a fireplace mantel painted in a grayish white with black doors.

This fireplace is at my daughter's house. She has an older home that has been renovated. Her mantel is a little darker than the walls, and the fireplace doors are black. This was my inspiration.

Photo of a beadboard wall shelf with ironstone dishes and drawer salvage hung above it.

I liked this shelf that I had recently painted with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Drop Cloth. It was a little darker and grayer than my dover white wall paint.

Photo of furniture salvage for hanging decor.

This piece of dresser or furniture salvage was included in my June finds post last year HERE.

I paid $3 for it.

Photo of a furniture salvage piece waxed with Big Mamas Butta.

I washed it up and then waxed it with Dixie Belle's Big Mamas Butta. I then hung it above the painted shelf with ironstone plates.

It has such a great vintage patina.

Photo of a fireplace mantel painted with Dixie Belle Drop Cloth Chalk Paint.

I then painted my mantel and brick with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Drop Cloth.

Photo of brass fireplace doors being prepared for spray paint.

I taped around the brass edge of the doors with blue painter's tape. I further protected the glass with newspaper.

Photo of fireplace doors removed from a brick fireplace.

Then for the tough part. I unscrewed the doors from the inside of the fireplace.

The screws were a bit rusty, but with a wrench and a screwdriver, I was eventually able to remove the screws and nuts.

Some of the YouTubers did not remove the doors. They just taped the walls, floor, etc. and spray painted the doors in place. I was not that brave.

Photo of brass fireplace doors spray painted with high heat grill paint.

I then sanded the brass with 0000 steel wool to rough the finish a bit, and then wiped the doors down with a damp cloth.

I sprayed several coats of Rustoleum High Heat Spray Paint in barbecue black onto the brass.

Photo of newly painted brass and glass fireplace doors.

Putting the doors back in place was a little bit tricky too. I used both hands to work the wrench and screwdriver again, and my forehead and knee to hold the doors tightly in place.

All in all, I am happy with the makeover!

I don't miss the old brass at all.

Photo of a vintage home with painted mantel, brick and brass fireplace doors.

I haven't tired of my dresser salvage mirror frame yet, or my sconce wall book shelves, drawer plant stand, and French Suitcase projects on display near the fireplace.

I hope I haven't scared you away from painting your brass fireplace doors because it's definitely doable. Thanks for visiting.

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Comments

AnonymousAugust 22, 2022 at 6:30 PM
Great job! I love it!
AnonymousAugust 24, 2022 at 10:29 AM
Amazing transformation Carlene! Love the neutrals against the black. Very pretty.

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Easy DIY Fireplace Mantel & Brass Door Makeover

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