How to Glaze a Painted Mantle

With a dazzling fire burning brightly inside, a fireplace easily becomes a focal point of the room. However, a dull, lifeless mantle can prevent a fireplace from reaching its full aesthetic potential. Rather than letting a boring mantle blend into the background, make a statement by transforming a plain painted mantle into an elegant decorative piece with a layer of glaze. Glazing a painted mantle is an easy and inexpensive way to add a personal touch and make a space even more beautiful.

Bucket
Glaze mixture
Dark paint
Paint stirrer
Paintbrush
Rag or cheesecloth
Polyurethane

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the glaze. In a bucket, add one part dark-colored paint with three parts glaze. Mix thoroughly with a paint stirrer.
- 2
  Use a paintbrush to spread a layer of glaze onto the mantle.
- 3
  Bunch up a handful of cheesecloth or a rag. Wipe away the glaze immediately after you've applied it, to give the mantle a textured, aged appearance.
- 4
  Draw attention to the mantle's intricate details by focusing on them. Again, apply some glaze with the paintbrush and wipe off the excess.
- 5
  Allow the glaze to dry for 24 hours. Then, apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the glazed finish.

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