How do I turn a matt black cast iron fireplace shiny/burnished?

Discussion in 'Other Trades Talk' started by Alister G, Dec 5, 2020.

  1. Alister G

    Alister G New Member

    I've got a small cast iron combination victorian fireplace (2ft x 3ft) being dipped. When I get it back, I want to 'burnish' or polish it to a grey/shiny finish rather than the normal black matt. I cannot find ANY videos or 'how to' guides on how to do this. So, does anyone know how to get the shiny/grey/burnished finish? Can any/every cast iron black matt fireplace be turned to a shiny grey colour or is there a special coating involved?
     
  2. Mr Rusty

    Mr Rusty Screwfix Select

    You can use this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stovax-Bla...eywords=fireplace+black&qid=1607357749&sr=8-6 It polishes up to a beautiful dark grey shiny finish - probably just what you want BUT, be warned you cannot ever totally remove the fact that it will rub off slightly for ever - it's a graphite based compound, so looks great, but don't plan to e.g. squeeze past it in a white shirt/dress if e.g. it's in a bedroom. Guess how I know :):p:p

    If it's for a front room fire which you won't rub up against, it should be just what you need.
     
    Alister G and WillyEckerslike like this.
  3. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    No that's grate black, use it on my fireplace, think the op is looking to polish the cast iron, may get a better finish with rotary wire brush in a drill which will burnish it to a degree.
     
  4. Mr Rusty

    Mr Rusty Screwfix Select

  5. Joe the Plumber

    Joe the Plumber Screwfix Select

    I've just stripped our previously painted cast iron fireplace and once back to bare cast iron, I used Liberon Iron Paste (it's still available but I can't post a link at present) to do exactly what you're looking for.

    It's brilliant, but as Mr Rusty says for his stuff, it does rub off on anything brushing against it.

    No offence to Astramax, but I wouldn't go anywhere near it with a wire wheel. I tried that and all it did was leave it looking scratched. Cast iron is fairly soft stuff.
     
    Alister G and koolpc like this.
  6. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    I stand corrected, used a product called Zeebrite and another called Zip, both black grate polishes.;)
     
    Joe the Plumber likes this.
  7. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Would a clear wax seal it to prevent it rubbing off?
     
  8. Alister G

    Alister G New Member

    Thanks guys - that's the clearest advice I've had on this issue! It's weird that there are no vids of people polishing thier fireplaces to a grey or a high shine. I'll give that polish a go once the fireplace is back. Assume I just have to get stuck in buffing it once the polish had gone on. So smear it on, rub it in, then use a new clean cloth to buff it? Better have my weetabix that morning! ;-)
     
  9. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Used a paint brush on mine to apply the paste and a shoe brush to buff it off, a rotary brush in a drill also works well.
     
    Alister G likes this.
  10. Joe the Plumber

    Joe the Plumber Screwfix Select

    I put mine on with a toothbrush (made sure to clean it well afterwards - I didn't want grey, shiny teeth...) and buffed it with a microfibre cloth. Very little effort involved.

    I don't know about a clear wax seal incidentally. It's certainly an idea. But our fireplace is near a corner, so we're very unlikely to brush against it anyway.
     
    Alister G likes this.
  11. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    I wondered why they call you .'Jaws'.:p
     
    Joe the Plumber likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice