Inglenook fireplace restoration

[Hannah]

We have an inglenook fireplace which has been painted red - to cover a multiple of sins! We wish to restore this to it's original condition but do not know where to start. Any ideas?

 

[Moreteyne]

Would suggest removing the paint in the first instance and assessing the brick/ stone work. You can use numerous products to do this, you may fine the brick/ stone work in good nick ?

 

[middi]

It is a real shame that someone should have painted this.

Irrelevant if it is brick or stone, and depending very much on what type of paint has been used, will determine how harsh the measures you have to
take to remove it.

 

[Hannah]

You can see through the paint that there are areas of the inglenook which have been plastered, other areas which seem to be new brick and other areas which appear to be good original brick (I believe someone has obviously had a go at a restoration before and failed - so painted it all red to cover all trace!). The wooden lintle is original and in good condition.

 

[middi]

Going on your description it may be worth condidering the possibility, albeit a lot of work, to rebuilt the offending sight by reusing the original bricks transposed, get more similar used bricks, if required, using lime mortar in the process and try to install some sanity into the restoration.

 

[Moreteyne]

I was not suggesting that brick or stone made a differnce , just pointing out that it could be either.

You really need to remove the paint work before assesing if you want to restore/ clean the original fabric, or feel that it would be better covered in a finish such as lime render.

May I suggest http://www.stripperspaintremovers.com

 

[Hannah]

Thanks Middi - I think we're going to try some kling-strip (thanks Moreteyne) and get an idea of exactly what's hiding behind the paint. Although I think the harder option may turn out to be reality.

 

[andrew gayton]

bear it in mind that nearly all firpleaces would have been plastered out originally, usually with either a plaster or a parge type daub similar to that used to line out the stack. you can sometimes find traces of this is you look carefully. this may also explain haphazard masonary construction (which was always covered rather than being built to be seen)