Repairing dents in wooden surrounds
If you accidentally dent your wooden surround, don't panic. Most dents can be repaired, so long as the wood hasn't split or splintered. Wood is a porous material. If it gets wet it will soak up the water like a sponge, causing it to expand. This characteristic can be used to invisibly repair dents.
A cup of hot water
Toilet paper or kitchen roll
Wax for finishing
Make sure the damaged area is free of dust or debris
Take a couple of sheets of toilet paper or kitchen roll and screw them up
Dip the paper into the hot water, taking care not to scald yourself
Hold the wet paper against the dented area for 20-30 seconds, depending how deep the dent is
Remove the paper and immediately dry the area
The dented area should have raised
Repeat if necessary
Allow the surround to dry for at least 24 hours
Once the timber is dry, you can wax the repaired area using the instructions in our waxing section
Waxing a wooden surround
Waxing a wooden surround will revive old finishes and give protection at the same time. It protects the materials underneath the wax while adding a sheen to the surface. It is normal to wax a wooden surround every 1-2 years, but you can do so more often if you like. Wax polishes are available in both tinted and clear finishes.
Wire wool (0000 grade)
Lint free duster
Gloves
Hand wax product such as Fiddies Supreme Wax
If the wood has been waxed before, you will need to remove the old wax so that you don't simply create a build up of wax on the surface
Wax can be cleaned off by applying turpentine to the wood with a soft rag, then lightly rubbing down the surface along the grain using 0000 grade wire wool (remember to wear gloves when using the wire wool)
Apply a small amount of wax to the surface of the wooden surround
Use the duster to rub the wax into the wood using light circular motions, going against the grain
Allow the wax to set (following the manufacturer's directions)
Use a soft, clean cloth to buff to a shine, using circular motions
You may need to use a furniture brush on carved areas
Repeat application of wax as necessary
Care of cast iron fireplaces
Cast iron is a beautiful material for fireplaces, but it needs a little TLC when first installed and from time to time to keep it looking its best. A protective coating is applied during manufacture which can give a dull appearance to the metal. Polishing a newly installed cast iron fireplace will bring the surface up to a shine ready to show it off to all your friends. The polished surfaces of your cast iron fireplace will become dull over time, so occasional polishing is necessary to restore the appearance
Cast iron will rust quickly if exposed to moisture. Direct contact with liquids, for example by spilling or by wiping with a damp cloth, will quickly cause formation of rust unless immediately dried. Cast iron can also be affected by moisture in the atmosphere. For this reason it is best not to install a cast iron fireplace in a room which gets damp, or in a freshly plastered room. If surface rust develops then polishing the fireplace will usually completely remove it, as well as protecting the surface.
Gloves
Lint free duster
Vacuum cleaner
Wire wool (0000 grade)
Metal polish (you can also use WD40 or 3 in 1)
Make sure you wear gloves
Apply a small amount of metal polish to some wire wool
Use the wire wool to firmly rub the polish into the metal
Repeat until all the polished areas are covered (you may need to rub hard to remove rust or other marks)
Use a clean piece of wire wool to rub down the surface of the polished area
Continue until you are satisfied with the level of shine.
Apply a small amount of polish to a new piece of wire wool
Work the polish in to build a protective coating