So………remember that 1800s fireplace mantle I bought at Lucketts back in, oh, August?
mantle project!
No, I haven’t forgotten about it! (You probably thought I did, didn’t you?!) And no, I hadn’t made any progress on it…until last night! This very large, soot covered, unfinished project sitting in the the basement has been a point of contention with Husband since my many “I’ll work on it this weekend!” promises have passed by without any work done on it!
Why’s that? Well…
- I’m assuming the thing is covered in lead-based paint.
- I must not have googled the right sites because every lead-based paint removal process seemed to involve full body chemical suits, latex gloves, goggles, ventilation masks, and space outside to strip it. Not so much appealing…
- I have been insanely busy!!!
But last night on a whim, I decided to stop by Home Depot and pick up a product highly recommended by a woodworking co-worker called Peel Away 7. It touts that it can remove up to 30 layers of paint in one coating, it has no odor, it’s biodegradable, non-toxic, perfect for removing lead-based paint, and seemingly easy as pie! Unfortunately, they only had it in a gallon size for a whopping $68…seeing that I bought the mantle for $75, I opted to try out another product, Citristrip. (The name rang a bell – Layla and Kevin over at The Lettered Cottage used it to remove paint from an old door!) If it doesn’t work, I’ll just order a quart of Peel Away 7 online!
Armed with the jug of Citristrip, some latex gloves, and a cheap-o paintbrush, I spent a half hour slathering the citrus-scented goop on my little mantle…
ready to rock
After just a few minutes of the product being on the mantle, the paint started bubbling and separating from the wood in places – it kind of looks like my little mantle has warts!
the citristrip getting down to work
more bubbling
the paint already separating from the wood!
I am SO CURIOUS to see the condition of the wood underneath! Tomorrow night I’ll take a scraper to the paint and see what I can get off. It may require a few coats, but I’m pumped to make some much-needed progress on this project!
What projects do you have sitting un-done? I hope this is a little bit of inspiration to make baby steps toward completing it!
{Disclaimer: I was in no way paid to endorse Citristrip, just citing what I’m using on this project!}
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a suggestion. I have used that product before, and the downside is it dries out, and you have to re-apply, sometimes, so what i tried that works great, is to liberally apply the product, then put plastic (wrap, trash bag, etc) on top of it to keep it wet, then it’s a breeze to remove. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, regardless. wear a ‘gas mask’ if you have one, although this product is less noxious than most.
good job, yeeda!! one more project undertaken!!
mum
This looks like a project way over my head, but glad you making progress! I have the same problem – I’ll buy something with great expectations for re-doing it but then sometimes time sort of gets away from me! I have a great chair I got off CL that has been begging for a new paint job for about 3 weeks now…
What an awesome mantle! I can’t wait to see how it turns out. After a long hiatus, I’m finally back to working on my house (or should I say, my husband is…). We’ve been painting some. It’s so hard to find the time for all the projects that need attention.
I’m so excited to see how this turns out. I remember when you found that mantle and thought it was such a great find.
Looking forward to seeing how new remover stuff works. Loved your table setting too.
Was surfing the web for black latex gloves (don’t ask) and came across this post. Anyway – interesting post. Am going to forward to my husband who. thanks
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