When I was in Frome Reclamation Yard I noticed they were using Liberon Iron Paste on their fire inserts:
http://tinyurl.com/5fhaal
http://tinyurl.com/5fhaal
- Thread starter tamsin
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DaveBrigg
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I've used Liberon iron paste too - with good results, although I've nothing with which to compare it. The idea mentioned earlier in this thread, of using a polishing mop attachment on an electric drill would have certainly saved an hour or two.
plumbers mate
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>> The tiles slot in from the top so I guess if you could lift the mantle piece off the top of your fire then you may be able to slide them out without taking apart anything else.<<
Just take off mantlepiece to get at tiles? The mantlepiece hasn't been moved since it was put there.
It's a marble fireplace, the mantelpiece is a composite ie two layers, both are 6 foot long...... I have some that were taken out of houses near here which I use as seats in the backyard - I can't actually lift them, have to sort of walk them carefully (making sure I have work boots on first) if I want to move them.
I suspect that the 1950s people broke out the old tiles and put smaller ones in as on closer look the 'orrible dark cream things are not nice and even.
I'll see if I can find a pic. Every room has an original fireplace but, sadly this one, being in the front room, was "modernised", the others in the bedrooms weren't. The one in the dining room didn't have tiles.
Just take off mantlepiece to get at tiles? The mantlepiece hasn't been moved since it was put there.
It's a marble fireplace, the mantelpiece is a composite ie two layers, both are 6 foot long...... I have some that were taken out of houses near here which I use as seats in the backyard - I can't actually lift them, have to sort of walk them carefully (making sure I have work boots on first) if I want to move them.
I suspect that the 1950s people broke out the old tiles and put smaller ones in as on closer look the 'orrible dark cream things are not nice and even.
I'll see if I can find a pic. Every room has an original fireplace but, sadly this one, being in the front room, was "modernised", the others in the bedrooms weren't. The one in the dining room didn't have tiles.
plumbers mate
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This is the one in the front room with the mangled tiles. Sorry for all the junk around, pictures always make your/my house look a mess!
Oh, wow! I was imagining something a bit smaller 
I can see why you don't want to take it apart!
I guess you could do the same thing - take a hammer to those then fit narrower tiles in from the front. The slot they go in is deeper than the tile (at least on mine) so you could fit the tiles to a board first to make them sit more neatly than they've achieved.
Don't suppose there's any chance they just stuck the cream ones over the top?
I can see why you don't want to take it apart!I guess you could do the same thing - take a hammer to those then fit narrower tiles in from the front. The slot they go in is deeper than the tile (at least on mine) so you could fit the tiles to a board first to make them sit more neatly than they've achieved.
Don't suppose there's any chance they just stuck the cream ones over the top?
DaveBrigg
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What a beautiful fireplace. We can beat you on junk, but you have the poshest coal I've seen in a long time
My husband has just finished the fireplace in bedroom 4 (now his study) and it is of a very similar size but without tiles. He didn't have to contend with with rust, just several layers of gloss paint. He used Kling Strip to remove the paint, then a wire disc attachment on his drill, before using Hotspot. We've been told that Zebo, (which we had used before with excellent results) fell foul of EU regs and is no longer made. I don't think the Hotspot is as good and we had trouble finding even that
You've done a great job on those tiles btw they look wonderful !
What are you doing with the bottom bit where the coal sat ? Husband is contemplating painting it with black Hammerite, since the fire can't be used.
You've done a great job on those tiles btw they look wonderful !
What are you doing with the bottom bit where the coal sat ? Husband is contemplating painting it with black Hammerite, since the fire can't be used.
fjpdesigns
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I've just found this on an site from the U.S. suggesting using a 30% hydrogen peroxide solution to clean crazed tiles, though maybe the cure is worse than the disease .
http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:b7qB5VUj3lAJ:americanfoursquare.blogspot.com/2007/12/is-that-ladder-in-your-bathtub-or-are.html+%22crazed+tile%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=uk
http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:b7qB5VUj3lAJ:americanfoursquare.blogspot.com/2007/12/is-that-ladder-in-your-bathtub-or-are.html+%22crazed+tile%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=uk
Lime
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This may be a bit late but to remove the tiles in situ requires reaching up through the flue and clearing the area above the top tile on either side.
There is often a large void above the venturi (throat) formed by the iron fireplace front and firewall back.
The tiles usually just sit upon one another.
It is usually easy to remove old lime mortar but if cement has been used when the newer tiles were put in I think it may be much harder to do.
If it is cement it may break away in a big lump which won't then come down the chimney through the venturi.
It all depends on how it was done recently.
However, if this was mine and cement made it very difficult to do, I'd break out the tiles to give access to the cement and clear it out that way... not forgetting cast iron is weak if hit and can easily break.
There is often a large void above the venturi (throat) formed by the iron fireplace front and firewall back.
The tiles usually just sit upon one another.
It is usually easy to remove old lime mortar but if cement has been used when the newer tiles were put in I think it may be much harder to do.
If it is cement it may break away in a big lump which won't then come down the chimney through the venturi.
It all depends on how it was done recently.
However, if this was mine and cement made it very difficult to do, I'd break out the tiles to give access to the cement and clear it out that way... not forgetting cast iron is weak if hit and can easily break.
plumbers mate
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Lime,
Thanks for the info.
I think I will have to use an 'ammer to break out the 1950s tiles (before they become heritage) and try to get some of a pattern which can have a wee bit trimmed of the side so they can be slotted into place.
It looks better than the old gas fire did but it's chilly in here now. (couldn't find a shivering emoticon and NO, I don't want to really!)
Thanks for the info.
I think I will have to use an 'ammer to break out the 1950s tiles (before they become heritage) and try to get some of a pattern which can have a wee bit trimmed of the side so they can be slotted into place.
It looks better than the old gas fire did but it's chilly in here now. (couldn't find a shivering emoticon and NO, I don't want to really!)