Mahogany fireplace.

[maggie01]

We have a mahogany fireplace which I don't like anymore. Can't really afford to replace it. The fireplace design itself is nice, it is just the colour. Can I paint it and how would I prepare it. Also what paint would be best to use?

[sunflower71]

I was just looking at fireplaces on my other window!
not an expert but you must be able to rub it down to wood and then go from there????
be a long pain staking task but worth it in the end.

[maggie01]

I thought about that, but was hoping there was an easier option. It is a very nice fireplace but as I said before, the mahogony is just a bit old fashioned.

[buildersmate]

I guess it depends what the surface finish on the mahogany is. There's two problems - having a finish that new paint will stick to, and covering over a very deep colour (especially if you wanted a pastel shade). To satisfy the first one, the surface needs to be clean, dry and free from flaking under-surface. The tradtional way of achieving this is sandpaper but if the fireplace has lots of nice carvings / shapes its a lot of work. What about paint stripper, painted on then washed off and dried?
The second problem can be solved by using an aluminium primer paint on the dark wood, which then more easily covers with white odr other pastel shade.

[maggie01]

That's what I was worried about. I don't want the paint to scratch or chip off. It has got some nice carving at each end. Don't want to ruin it.

[derekpara]

Mahogany is such a beautiful timber and it would be a shame to paint it in my opinion.
If it is an old fireplace there are many people who would pay enough money for you to buy another one more to your liking.
If you MUST paint it then I agree with buildersmate that preparation is the key. Make sure that the surface has been cleaned with white spirit to remove any wax polish, then sand thoroughly, remove all dust and apply a good quality oil primer (white) before undercoating and finishing, rubbing down between coats.

[jake-the-peg]

Before you do this check with a local salvage yard.

Carved mahogany fire surrounds retail at anything from �500-�1000.

http://www.salvoweb.com/forsale.html?key=mahog any+fire+surround

If it's a nice one you may be able to get them to take it out and give you enough cash for someone to come and fit something more to your taste.