Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 03, 2000 04:50am | #1

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   New bricks usually work great.

   There is also the alternative of enclosing the firplace with a wood fireplace mantel as described in FHB # 126 (November 1999).

   Stripping the paint from the brick is gonna be a toughie. Is the brick smooth or rough faced? If it appears to be smooth brick, was it glazed? It may be so horrible a glazed color that you'll be asking later how to get the paint back on.

   I personally think the wood mantel is the best idea for this situation.

   Pete Draganic

1. 
   Guest_ | May 03, 2000 09:52pm | #3

   *If you want to strip paint from brick, you need to use a paste type remover. Peel-Away works ok, but be sure to neutralize it afterwards. I think on brick you can use the cheap formulation. In fact, you might be able to make your own. I saw a formula published once, but I don't remember the details. Basically, it is just lye and corn starch. One of the nice things it that Peel-Away will take several coats away at once, and it will contain any lead that might be present. I think it is available at Sherwin-Williams dealers. But regardless of what the label says, it is still messy, so you will have to use plastic and drip pans.Good luck!

2. 
   Bob_McLaughlin | May 03, 2000 09:52pm | #2

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   I want to strip the white paint from my bedroom fireplace. I do not what type of paint was used. Are there any products on the market that are known to work for this?