Buying a restored antique cast-iron fireplace can be costly. If you wish to purchase an antique cast iron fireplace but have a limited budget, why not consider doing the restoring yourself? Cast iron fireplaces in various conditions can be found in architectural salvage yards, and these can be restored relatively easily* and cheaply – be sure to check that a fireplace is not warped before you purchase. Here is a quick guide to restoration:
Strip any paint from the cast iron fireplace with a chemical paint stripper such as Nitromors; even better is a poultice stripper. Apply with a paint scraper or filing knife and old paintbrush, to ensure that the stripper gets into every crevice. Make sure you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Wash off the stripper after the recommended time and dry the cast iron fireplace thoroughly. Use wire wool or a wire brush to remove any rust – alternatively, use rust remover.
When this is done, polish the cast iron grate with grate polish applied with an old rag. Alternatively, if you want a burnished effect on the grate, use a spray such as WD-40.
If any part of a cast-iron fireplace is to be repainted, add a coat of red oxide prior to painting in order to prevent further rusting. Areas of the fireplace exposed to cold air and therefore prone to rusting should have an iron paste or black lead applied for protection. Another problem with the cast-iron fireplace is the accumulation of soot and ash – this can be removed by regularly scouring with a wire brush.
Regular paint should never be used on a cast-iron fireplace – use special paints designed for the purpose, available at all good DIY stores or fireplace specialists. Cast iron fireplaces may also be finished with wax polish or black lead instead of paint, and these can be polished to a burnished steel effect.
* It is difficult to repair a broken cast iron surround or grate, as most professional iron-founders may only be able to supply you with a missing piece if it is worthwhile for them to produce hundreds from the same mould. If you do fall in love with a broken cast-iron surround, it is worth paying a visit to a small iron founder who specializes in decorative domestic ironwork. He may be able to recast such pieces to the original design.
If all this sounds like hard work and you are stuck with a cast iron fireplace in its original condition, don’t despair! Enlist the help of one of the companies who specialise in fireplace restoration.
