Anyone have "original" fireplaces in a period property?

[chicagomum]

We have several fireplaces in our edwardian property and as part of an overhual I want to smarten them up (to sell the place). What do you use on the black part to make it look good?

isn't there something called fire brite or something, blacking...

Can't find anything called fire brite any other ideas. Does baby oil really work?

Yes it does work but be careful if you ever want to actually use the fire!!

\link{http://www.gdparker.co.uk/catalog.php?category=Hotspot%20Products\ grate polish}

Thanks zippitippitoes.

hm - I have some Zebo black grate polish and I must have a duff batch because mine does not "Leave lustrous black finish that does not rub off when dry" - it rubs off on you if you go anywhere near it, months afterwards.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong...

You can get \link{https://sslrelay.com/s87584725.oneandoneshop.co.uk/sess/utn;jsessionid=15440f17d916332/shopdata/0150_Cleaning+=26amp=3B+Restoration=3CBR=3E=28click+here=29/product_details.shopscript?article=0020_Grate%2BPaint%2B%3D28silk%2Bfinish%3D29%2B%3D28Grate%2BPaint-silk%3D29\grate paint} - more work though probably.

Does anyone know of a high street store or diy place that seels it rather than buying online?

seels = sells.

Have a look in \link{http://search.yell.com/ucs/HomePageAction.do\Yellow Pages} online for a fireplace retailer or a hardware store, cm.

WD40 for the hearth (slate) and cast iron fireplace. that's what the specialist fireplace restorer we got them from told us to use.

Really, dinny? That sounds nice and easy! Do you just spray it on or give it a rub after it's dry?

yup, WD40 is the stuff

Zebo restores the blackness. I've always bought it in a tube to rub on but you can get spray versions. I think if you buff it enough then you get a shine but I prefer the matt look myself. If the "blackness" looks good and you just want a shine then I suspect any of the other things recommended will work. I am presuming you will not be lighting the fires so by the tine anyone does any flammable fumes etc will have long gone.

i always lol at " original featiures" snobs

like you want gas lamps and a mangle too

" yes we arent gettign a washing machine - we prefer to mangle and cook on a range"

While you're overhauling, you might want to get the flues checked too by a chimney sweep. Doesn't cost too much (about £30 a flue in London, each fireplace will have its own).I speak from experience when I say every bloody potential buyer who comes round will ask you if the fireplaces are usable!

...I just used black Hammerite on my grate as a quick fix - not sure what'll happen if and when a fire is next lit,

dh did it, JanH - can't ask him as am at work but am pretty sure you spray it on and then rub a bit.