Painting fire surround.

[maggie01]

I have asked this question before but I still haven't done it yet. We have a mahogony fire surround. It is a modern type so it is not old. (we bought it 4yrs ago). I want to paint it but don't know how to get a good finish on it. I would like to lighten it to a cream colour but I am afraid of ruining it. I assume a small roller would be better than a brush but I am not sure about the preparation. Any advice please.

[clever trev]

Sorry but the simple answer is dont bother, it is never successfull trying to panit a light colour over mahogony.First of all the surround i would think is made of very thin veneer on top of MDF or softwood, you would need to sand it down first the veneer would not stand up to this,also there would be a light coat of varnish to remove,paint will not adhere to varnish it will peel off in time.There are lots of paints on the market that manufactures claim they will cover this and that,they dont!! By the way you will never beat a brush for painting, rollers are very good for emulsion on walls and ceilings but thats it.save yourself time, money, and effort and look for a new surround. hope to have been some help anyway??

[steve.haywar]

I have painted several mahogony fire surrounds and as long as you do the right prep work will have no problems!

Give it a light sand to give it a key and use Zinsser cover stain/sealer, its oil based and will stick like sh***t to a blanket! (use a good quality brush)

[maggie01]

Many thanks. I will have a look for that product and give it a go.