How to Restore Antique Marble Fireplaces

Posted by Wilsons Conservation Building Products on October 8th, 2015

Were you lucky enough to move into a home with an antique marble fireplace? With some elbow grease and the willingness to spend a weekend or two on your DIY project, you can restore its shine and opulence. Here are some tips: 

1. If the antique marble fireplace is just a little grubby, you might be able to clean it using a warm water and detergent solution. Making sure to use a non-abrasive pad to gently remove dirt. This simple technique can be very effective. 

2. Is the antique fireplace looking dull? Many old fireplaces are on slate hearths; after some time, they start looking dull and show scratches (this is because slate is a soft material). You can solve the problem by washing the hearth using any household detergent, then waiting for it to dry and applyingeither boiled linseed oil orWD40. Rub the surface, making sure to wipe off the excess oil when you are done. The hearth should look as good as new. 

3. Do you have a cast iron register grate that looks like it has been painted many times? Paint can obscure the beautifully fine decoration—what a shame. If you are up to the task, you can strip the paint off using Nitromors or a similar product. Before you start, ensure that the adjacent areas are protected. Once the paint is off, why not give the grate a thin coat of prime? This can inhibit rust from developing. Applying graphite paste like Zebrite will produce alustrously attractive gun metal finish. The whole process can be a time consuming but satisfying solution.

If you are short on time, you can choose to leave the paint on and simply apply black lead on the paint. While this won’t reveal the cast detail, it might significantly improve thegrate’sappearance. 

Buying Restored Antique Marble Fireplaces 

If your home can use old world elegance, perhaps it’s time to buy for it an antique marble fireplace that has already been restored professionally. Online you will find choices such as ItalianCarrara marble fireplaces from the 1870s complete with centre frieze and panelled legs. You might also find a Victorian carved antique corbel fireplace with beautiful carvings and fluted panels in top quality Italian white marble. You will even find a petite19th-century chimney piece for your neo classical home.  Architectural salvage companies often stock beautiful antique marble fireplaces that have been lovingly restored, ready for installation. 

About the author: 

Nigel Wilson, owner of Wilsons Conservation Building Products writes this article. They are widely recognized as one of the United Kingdom and Ireland’s premier architectural salvage and design businesses. They supply a multitude of quality, individual, spectacular products worldwide.