Mantel Shelf Repair

Mantel shelves come in a variety of sizes and colors. Many are made of stone or cement while others are fabricated from wood. Wooden mantels that undergo stress cracks from heat emanating from the firebox can often be rehabilitated with heat-resistant wood putty or filler, finished with a heat-resistant wood coating. Stone or cement mantel shelves that crack require a different approach to repair. These repairs can be made with hand tools.

Safety glasses
Gloves
Soft-bristled brush
Vacuum
Vinyl cement patch
Bucket
Trowel
Sander
Medium-fine sandpaper
Rags
Microfiber cloth
Stone polish

Instructions

- 1
  Move all furniture and home decor off and away from the mantel shelf. Put on safety glasses and gloves.
- 2
  Brush off any loose particles, dirt and dust from the mantel shelf with a soft-bristled brush. Vacuum the entire shelf to remove any particles that may have fallen into the cracked area.
- 3
  Combine one part vinyl cement patch with seven parts water in a bucket. Mix thoroughly with a trowel --the consistency should be jelly- or jam-like.
- 4
  Spread the mixture onto the cracked mantel, scraping away excess with the trowel and flinging it back into the bucket.
- 5
  Let the cement dry for 48 hours after applying and sand gently to even and smooth with a sander using medium-fine sandpaper. Wipe down with a damp rag and polish with a microfiber cloth and stone polish thereafter.

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