images courtesy of www.nostalgia-uk.comRestoring a cast iron fireplace is not difficult, but does require time and patience, by following these few simple steps you can restore your tired looking antique fireplace back to it's former glory! Alternaivly NOSTALGIA will happily do all the dirty work for you
Before you start is is worth mentioning that cast iron is a hard wearing material but it is brittle and does not take to being twisted or bent, it can also be very heavy, so consider asking a friend or family member to help when you need it moving.
- If your cast iron fireplace has tiles in it (see image), these must be remove first. They are fixed into cast iron tile racks, often with plaster of Paris. The cast iron racks are attached to the rear of the fireplace by 3-4 nuts. Apply lubricant (WD40) to these nuts and gently remove or loosen them using an adjustable wrench or spanner until such a point that the tiles can safely be removed.
- Now with the tiles removed your antique fireplace is ready to be shot blasted, (search your local phone book for a local shot blaster). This is the quickest and often the cheapest way of removing all the years of paint and/or rust.
- With your reclaimed fireplaces now stripped back to the bear cast iron they need to be wire brushed. Using a cup wire brush (available at most DIY stores) attached to a drill or angle grinder work all over the cast iron fireplace. NOTE- EYE PROTECTION, DUST MASK AND EAR PROTECTION SHOULD BE WORN DURING THIS PROCESS. Time spent now will be rewarded come the finished result.
- If you have any cracks, broken or missing parts it is worth employing a professional to restore your fireplace. see http://www.nostalgia-uk.com/.
- Once the fireplace has been wire brushed and is smooth to the touch, apply Graphite paste, also know as black grate polish. Apply this with a brush working it all over the fireplace, ensuring that is does not get clogged up in the fine detail. Allow to dry for 2-4hrs.
- Once dry buff up with a stiff nylon brush (floor scrubbing brush is ideal) and finish with a cloth. The more elbow grease used the higher the shine can be achieved.
- You now have a beautifully restored antique cast iron fireplace.
- Now the tiles, If the tiles are painted then use paint stripper to remove this paint. NOTE- GLOVES AND EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE WORN. If they are not painted they may still benefit from being rubbed down with fine wire wool, and a scrub with Cif.
- Slide the now shining antique tiles down the cast iron tile rack that are attached to the rear of the fireplace. Ensure they are straight and line up where necessary. Hold them in this place with small folded bits of cardboard. (don't worry once your fireplace is fitted these will not pose a fire hazard!)
- Using plaster of Paris or bonding plaster cover the tile racks, ensuring it is worked between the tiles and tile racks. Allow 1-6hrs to set depending on which plaster you use (see label).
- Sit back and admire your handy work.
