Comments on: {DIY} mantle progress, take 3

By: {DIY} project FAIL « {in the tweeds}

{DIY} project FAIL « {in the tweeds} — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:14:12 +0000

[...] embarrassed. Then the end of…OCTOBER…I embarked upon the first of one…two…three…four rounds of paint stripping (or maybe five? I stopped posting about it because it got [...]

By: Debbie Kerwin

Debbie Kerwin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:29:03 +0000

I think you need to finish the sanding and then put it up in the site you have planned for it and leave it there a few days then decide if it needs to be stained, painted or waxed. It would be a shame to paint over all your hard work, but if the finished product doesn’t fit in the room then paint away.

By: Maria Killam

Maria Killam — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:20:16 +0000

Now that is probably something Martha has not done yet!!
So Fun!

By: Shannon at Old World Charm

Shannon at Old World Charm — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:55:18 +0000

It’s a lot of work, but it’s going to be beautiful, Leila. I can’t wait to see the finished product!

Shannon

By: Trish

Trish — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:17:14 +0000

Bleach it? After all that work I wouldn’t paint it. Years ago (when I had no idea what I was doing) I bleached a big wood-framed mirror…managed to even leave a little whitish “bloom” on it so it didn’t look brand new. The bloom might have been me trying to add cream paint to get a limed look in between bleach attempts. My sister just had floors rough sanded, then bleached, then sealed with oil. Gorgeous. Good luck. Trish

By: Kristin

Kristin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:12:16 +0000

Lookin’ good Leila! I agree with most of the people above – DON’T paint it.

I looked back at the photos of your home from your interview with me and I think staining it would work really well with your existing aesthetic. Once you’ve finished removing all of the paint, though, #1 could potentially be better. Kinda hard to tell right now!

By: blair

blair — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:40:51 +0000

Oh wow!!! Fabulous work. what a lovely mantle–can’t wait to see it when you are all done.

By: MrsLimestone

MrsLimestone — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:40:24 +0000

I think it needs one more round. I like a little paint but I think this has too much.

PS: I can’t tell from the post but did you let the Peel Away sit for at least 24 hours? Overnight is not enough. You really want it on there for as long as possible.

By: lovetobeginagain

lovetobeginagain — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:24:08 +0000

oh keep it just as is!! the wood is simply beautiful, and i love how the darkened nooks and crannies show how much it has been loved over time – great work, friend!

By: carlee

carlee — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:13:30 +0000

Looks like you’ve put a lot of work into this project! But it’s looking really good. I vote for #1 too! Keep it rustic.