by Isobel McGowan, Innkeeper
Un-painting the mantel in the master suite of the mansion is a challenging undertaking. The complex mantel architecture includes detailed ledges, hand-carved panels, ridged columns, and a large over-mantel arched mirror, all original to the 1885 construction of the house. The mantel also features a frieze of hand-painted tiles that depict a Shakespearian scene, and a hearth set of aesthetic tiles by J.G. and J.F. Low Company of Chelsea, Massachusetts.
Over the years, the mantel has suffered some water damage and some shifting due to settling, as well as invasive procedures such as installing up-lighting at the ledge above the pillars and installing an adjacent shelf that encroaches on the right side of the mantel. During renovations in the 1990s, sections of the already-painted mantel received heavy-handed applications of caulking and putty filler prior to re-painting, and some trim pieces were lost or damaged.
As the paint is removed, the beautiful hand-carved details emerge crisp and clean, no longer blurred by multiple coats of paint. But extreme care must be taken to protect the original tiles and the original mirror from collateral damage from either the heat gun or chemicals.
The stripping process involves 3 steps: heat removal of the layers of paint, detail scraping and wire-brushing to clean crevices and details, and finally a wash with denatured alcohol to remove remnants of old varnish and paint. The pictures depict results after just the first 2 steps are completed.
Stripped section on left side of mantel
Full view of mantel with right and left side sections and lower right pillar stripped
Lower right pillar after stripping; the white area below the top carved panel is where a trim piece is missing
Lower left pillar before stripping
Do you want to see this amazing fireplace in person? You can! Go to shakespearechateau.com and book a stay!
