hava 2x 12 hickory mantle going over a gas fireplace. What clear coat finish would you put on it? does it even matter? I am using the coded set backs ( or ups) but I imagine it’ll still get warm.
thanks in advance
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
In certain scenarios, flat roofs make more sense than pitched roofs (and vice versa).
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
I'd say go with a water based poly because if you ever want to re-finish in place it's no big deal in term of fumes.
I used an oil finish on my cherry mantle.
thanks for the reply. hope I don't have to refinish anytime soon. have never heard of any concern in regards to finish over a fireplace, but it never hurts to ask. Going to do the rub on finish, and hopefully mount it on sunday.
thank you for your reply
second question upon rereading your post. what should a decent 3 coat oilbased finish last for?
I mean, If I have to refinish. How soon, and how long will I have to put the family in a hotel???? :)
Don't know your finishing skill, but I sometimes reccommend Minwax Wipe-On Poly to clients. Takes many coats, but is really easy to apply and hard to get bad results if you're patient and do some careful sanding between coats.
It's oil base, so it stinks. Also it has an amber cast like most oil base finishes, imparts a nice tone to many woods. If you want water clear, water borne is you best bet.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
sounds like the water finish is the way to go since it will never catch on fire..... :) I picked up some rub on on the way home, will lay it on tomorrow, and sand between coats. Has a chisled face so hope it doesn't need a heavy sanding. Was thinking of a water base, but want a slightly more "yellowed" look.
Just wanted to make sure there was no concern of finishes over heat.
Thanks again
Try this or close. Sand raw wood to 180 or so
2 coats poly
light sand 220 to shave nubs and flatten goobers
2- 5 more coats, medium scotchbrite between, see how that looks to you. If you want a thicker buildup just keep going with that regimen. The patience comes because of dry time between coats, at least overnight and a day or more wouldn't hurt.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.