PAINTING A VINTAGE MANTEL TO A BLACK DISTRESSED FINISH & TUTORIAL
Recently, I found this vintage mantel. It was from the 1960's and still in good shape.
It was stained brown, only a few scratches and perfect for a new paint finish.
I always start with an oil based bonding primer.
I painted a brown undercoat so when I distressed the black it would look like wood.
Painted a coat of black paint.
Then, two coats of a low sheen sealer.
This could be a fireplace mantel,
a nice headboard or
a fancy shelf.
(this picture is before I sealed it with the clear coat low sheen)