Debbie's Paint Projects > Projects > Antiqued Fireplace Surround

Tools And Materials Needed

• Primer
• Foam rollers, paint tray
• Light golden yellow latex paint, satin
• Burnt-umber water-based stain
• Lint-free cotton rags
• Water-based satin finish varnish

Getting Started

The fireplace surround was custom-made to fit around the drab brick fireplace, using 1/2" MDF, some pieces of baseboard, and some bits of stock moulding for decorative detail.

1. Prime the fireplace surround.
2. Basecoat with 2 coats of the light golden yellow latex paint. Let dry thoroughly.
3. Scrunch up a piece of lint-free cotton rag so that it fits comfortably in your hand. Dip it into the brown stain, and wipe it over the surface of the fireplace. Go over it to lose any rag marks and leave behind a slightly textured, antiqued quality to the painted MDF.
4. Collect more stain in the corners and crevices than in the center of the boards, to give it the look of collected stains from over a long period of time.
5. Let dry thoroughly, then protect the finish with 2-3 coats of satin water-based varnish.

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