PAINTING A VINTAGE MANTEL TO A BLACK DISTRESSED FINISH & TUTORIAL

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)