DIY Metal Fireplace Trim
In this post, I will show you a quick tip to DIY Metal Fireplace Trim makeover. So you can get rid of that dated brass trim! We have a gas fireplace in our family room. The mantel is a classic white wooden mantle, with a creamy marble insert. The style of it is simple, but it suits our home. The one thing that I’ve never liked about it though… are those glaring ugly brass stripes, going across the front of the glass. Those things have driven me crazy for years! I just think they cheapen the look of the whole fireplace. And trust me I get that brass is in again, but this is not that kind of brass. It’s very dated looking and not modern at all. Anyway, I’ve always planned on painting them, but for some reason I never gave it a priority. I’ve been on a mission lately to get rid of all the remaining brass “builder touches” in our home, and this was one of the last remaining hold outs. Its time had come! I thought I would have to paint them, but as you will see below I found a much easier way to deal with the ugliness!
The first thing I did was remove the metal sections that had the brass on them. They actually just lifted right out, and go back in just as easily. Hopefully yours are the same, if you want to try this. I had already purchased my spray paint and was ready to go, only after I removed these sections …
surprise! I realized that the brass was just a covering over the metal grill thingy! I didn’t even need to paint them, they just pry right off! So that’s what I did, I grabbed a screw driver, and slipped it under the brass and pried it right up and out of there! It took all of 5 minutes, I can’t believe I lived with this for that long, when it was that easy of a fix! Not that painting is that hard mind you, but really now. So silly!
Here you can see the brass pieces, laying next to the grill thingy, after I removed them.
I have to admit I did get a few scratches on the grill thingy. So I grabbed a black Sharpie and filled them in. I also went over that “heatilator” sign with the Sharpie (who wants to see that thing?!) and it’s barely noticeable now.
Much better, don’t you think?!! I can’t tell you how much happier I am every time I walk into this room.
Some times tiny little changes, can make a big difference in your home. Do you have a small project that you’ve been putting off, at your house? I would love to hear about it!
I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy DIY Metal Fireplace Trim makeover.
Karla Dennard says
What is the spray paint you used?
graphicsfairy says
Hi Karla, I didn’t need to use spray paint as I found the brass sections just lifted right off, it was a pleasant surprise!
Erin says
I’m so happy I can across this post on Pinterest! Thank you thank you thank you.
Allson Hodgdon says
Miss Karen… I first ound Graphics Fairy nearly 3 years ago. I love love the variation of images that you make available. It is fun and rewarding to transfer images and make “ordinary” pieces jump out! The latest thing I’ve done is amazing! I took an old(er) glass top table that I picked up, threw the graphic on the glass and wallah! It’s gorgeous! Can’t decide if it’ll stay here or get sold. Probably the latter but oh so.. Rewarding! Thank you for continuing to make these available!
leigh says
hi, i have brass in my fireplace as well and i hate it!! what kind of paint is best to use to cover it?
thanks : )
jusaweecatnap says
The before and after photos really prove your point. Looks great. I’ve got a jillion projects. Don’t think I’ll ever get them done, but thanks for the nudge.
Karen Watson says
I’m glad you liked it. I have quite a list too!
Kimberly Clements says
A lot of appliances are like that too especially dishwashers, they have panels ‘inside’ the cover panel for different colors, check out all your appliances if you’re unhappy with the current color.
Karen Watson says
Great point Kimberly!!
Karen Watson says
Thanks everyone! I’m glad you all approve!
Katy says
Very nice! I always love it when something turns out easier than you were expecting :).
Charm Bracelet Diva says
I’m with you, we also have brass that I’d never pick out myself. As far as the fireplace, though, the entire doors are brass! Aaarrrgh!
Adrianne says
I didn’t think it was so bad with the brass 😉 It does look really nice now though. And I have to know…where did you get that clock?!? Love it!
Karen Watson says
Thanks Adrianne! I’ve had it for a couple of years, but it was from http://www.luckettstore.com/
Adrianne says
Thanks for the reply and link! I didn’t find the clock, but they have some other fantastic items.
DownTheLaneWithDaisy says
Isn’t it fun to have a project turn out to be such an easy fix?? It looks so nice now.
Sirpa says
Thank you lovely craft!
Where i found text/picture GRAND PRIX PARIS 1889 Exposition Universelle!
Thank you!
Karen Watson says
Thank you! You can find it here http://www.graphicsfairy-diy.com/2012/09/french-transfer-printable-paris-1889.html