Things You'll Need
Heat-resistant spray paint
Rag
Sandpaper
Cardboard
Sheets/blankets/plastic
Fireplace inserts are great and an economical way to heat your home. These sit right on hearth and have a pipe that goes right up the chimney. Many times you can find free wood offered in the paper or from friends who have trees down and want them removed. When you remove the wood for free, you both get a bargain. Most fireplace inserts are cast iron. Heat and time are not necessarily kind to cast iron wood stoves. Add some paint to spruce them up a little bit.
Step 1
Plan to paint your fireplace insert in the spring after all the cool weather. Allow your fireplace insert several months for the paint to cure before starting a fire again.
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Step 2
Clean your fireplace insert really well with a rag and warm water.
Step 3
Scrape off any rusting or flaking spots with sandpaper. Wipe off the fireplace insert after sanding to remove any debris that might mess up the paint job.
Step 4
Cover all the areas around the fireplace insert if it is too heavy to move outside. Use pieces of cardboard to protect the actual fireplace and mantel. Make a cardboard tent to go over the top of the fireplace insert, so the paint does not float too far upward. Cover all the furniture in the room with sheets, blankets or plastic. Cover the floor with a layer of plastic.
Step 5
Hold the spray paint can about 12 to 18 inches away from the stove. Work on a section of the insert at a time and completely, but lightly cover with the paint. Allow the paint to dry according to the paint manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6
Apply at least one more coat of paint for thorough and even coverage.
Tip
If you are having trouble finding heat-resistant spray paint, look in hardware stores or fireplace shops that sell wood-burning equipment.
Buy two or three cans of the spray paint to make sure you have enough for good coverage. Store any leftover cans in a cool dry place, and save for when you need to make a few touch-ups.
Sometimes you can find heat-resistant paint in a brush-on form. This is sometimes easier and less messy to use when you cannot remove the fireplace insert from the house.
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