The Library Mantle
Before. Note the hearth. See the light gray “tile”, center?
That was just concrete. I chipped this out, only to discover…WTF?
AN OPENING TO NARNIA! It is also possible…possible…that this was for a gas line to service a heater placed on the hearth.
I cannibalized tiles from under the side wings of the mantle. Better! But, their near-pristine condition highlights the dreadful condition of the surrounding tiles. The border is, obviously, all replacement tiles. I am looking into ordering custom replacement tiles and redoing the hearth.
The cast-iron grating was originally copper-plated. Heat from the coal fires mostly burned this away though. The metal was then painted and painted and painted. I stripped some of this off a while back, leaving the above mess.
Ta-Da! The surround tiles have been reset and the 25-year-old duct tape removed. Ross happy. I stripped the rest of the metal grate, and then used Rub n’ Buff for a finish. I mixed gold and copper together overall, and then gently (using my finger) highlighted the relief in copper. The effect is subtle but just stunning in person. I got a near-perfect match to the original plating color. Ross ecstatic. The color here is accurate.
The exquisite detail, which had been long obscured, is now glorious. I will finish tomorrow.
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Oh wow, looks beautiful, Ross!
Wowee!
Super fantastic job outta you! Looks SO nice.
spectacular job! The tiles look amazing, I especially like the figural fireplace tiles. The grate is gorgeous. The copper and gold combination match the circles in the wallpaper. It is exquisite. I’m sure you’ll find some nice replacement tiles for the trim on the hearth. The hearth infill tiles don’t look bad, or are they worse in person?
Good use of your time on a cold Kansas day, great progress on a beautiful room!
BH
Thank you, Mr. Far Far Away!
WOW!!
Rub n Buff is amazing stuff. I used to use it a lot. So pleased it’s still around.
The results are amazing. Short of having then entire thing stripped and replated $$$$ this is a great solution.
The cherry mantle came out great. ( I *LOVE* shellac.)
The tiles are stunning now that their goo is removed and they are replaced properly. You are so lucky none were lost or broken. As for the hearth, I am confident something will come up. It always seems to. Will not be surprised if you find or luck into enough tiles to redo it properly.
One room at a time.
Baby steps. As you go it will seem like things are accellerating because you will have more done than waiting for attention.
Thank you, Mary!
Oh my god. You’re literally turning back the clock on that mantel… it’s really becoming the showpiece of that library! The tiles being back makes more of a difference than I expected it to, and that summer cover is coming along so nicely!
Thank you, JP.
The ‘surround’ tiles will soon have dark brown grouting, and will look even better.
I cannot believe how beautiful those tiles are…they look stunning. Congrats!
Stunning!
Sooo well done. Looks amazing.
A M A Z I N G transformation! Bravo Ross!
I will have to look into that Rub n’ Buff. Way cool.
The library looks fantabulous!