How to Refinish a Torn Cast Mantel

Cast mantels are formed in molds using concrete. They imitate the look and feel of natural stone. Like natural stone, cast stone expands and contracts when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. This repetitive action sometimes causes small fissures in the mantel. Patching these tears will help keep them from becoming larger and more difficult or expensive to repair later. Refinish torn areas as soon as you find them to make your cast-stone mantel like new again.

Chisel
Water
Sand
Masonry or Portland cement
Concrete acrylic fortifier
Trowel
Cloth
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Use a chisel to remove cast-stone material on either side of the tear, and flush with water to remove loosened debris and to leave the surface wet for patching.
- 2
  Combine 2 cups of sand and ½ cup of masonry or Portland cement. Make larger or smaller amounts as needed, but keep the proportions the same.
- 3
  Combine a mixture of half water and half concrete acrylic fortifier, and then use this liquid to wet down the dry mix. Use the amount it takes to dampen the material until it has a grainy, dough-like consistency.
- 4
  Using a trowel, press the patch material into the dampened excavated area. Ensure you press it fully into any nooks and crannies. Smooth the top of the patch.
- 5
  Remove any patching material that accidentally gets on adjacent areas, using a moist cloth.
- 6
  Wet the patch with water using a spray bottle. Allow the patch to dry slowly, continuing to spray it with water occasionally for the first 24 hours, so it dries slowly.
- 7
  Refinish the surface once it's fully dried by adding sand to a small amount of paint that matches the original stone color. Use an amount of sand that matches the texture of the original finish. Allow the paint to dry completely by painting over the patching material.

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