How To Paint A Wood Fireplace Mantel White
My dated fireplace mantel needed a quick and easy makeover. I knew painting just one thing in the room could make a big impact, and that’s exactly what we did. Use these simple tips to learn how to paint a wood fireplace mantel white and instantly update your room.
We recently added a wonderful new screened-in porch to our house off of our family room. From our living room, you would look out at this new construction. It definitely made our old oak mantel look even more dated compared to the fresh white and gray built-in porch.
This painting tutorial was originally published in 2019. I recently updated it with a clearer format in March 2026. Our painted mantel still looks great 7+ years later!
Updating Our Fireplace Mantel
Now was my time to figure out some good DIY projects to help update our space so the indoor and outdoor spaces worked together! One of the first projects we knew we had to do was to do a small DIY fireplace makeover.
The “Before” Oak Mantel
When we moved into this house, everything was 90s oak, and it just wasn’t our style. Many of our DIY projects have been all about updating the wood to fit our style without tearing it all out.
We have used this same painting method on all the wood trim in our home, so I felt confident using these steps to paint our oak mantel, too.
Supplies You’ll Need
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Notes About Your Paint
- A high-quality paint will make this simple painting project easier.
- Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel are our favorites.
- No matter what brand, make sure you are buying cabinet and trim paint.
How To Paint An Oak Fireplace Mantel White
BEFORE YOU BEGIN – Cover surrounding areas with a drop cloth.
Step 1: Lightly Sand The Wood
Lightly sand with the grain of the wood with 220-grit paper. This is to clean up any debris and will help the primer stick. Your goal is to just scuff up the surface to help your primer adhere.
Step 2: Wipe With A Deglosser
Using a soft cloth or paper towel, apply some deglosser and rub it all over the oak. We use this product all the time to prep surfaces before painting.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Carefully apply the bonding primer to the clean & dry wood. The most important part is making sure you cover everything without letting it drip.
It will not be super pretty yet, but it will be covered with the primer.
Step 4: Let The Primer Fully Dry
I ended up painting this mantel during my kids’ naps on three different days. You can probably paint your mantel in one day. Just make sure each layer of primer or paint has dried before moving on to the next.
Step 5: Apply 2-3 Coats Of Paint
Paint 2-3 coats of white paint with a foam roller and brush. Allow proper drying time in between layers.
Mantel Painting Tips
- USE CAULK or WOOD FILLER IF NEEDED – Fill any gaps in the mantel with caulk before priming. My mantel did not need much caulk, but fixing small gaps can help it look more finished.
- STORE YOUR BRUSH IN A ZIPLOC BAG – Place your brush in a sealed, large Ziploc bag between coats, so you only have to wash it once. Just do not forget about it, as I did, or it can be harder to use later.
- USE A SMALL FOAM ROLLER ON FLAT AREAS – A small foam roller works well on the larger flat parts of the mantel and can help you get a smoother finish.
How-To FAQs
In the past, we have used Sherwin Williams Proclassic White Enamel Paint in semi-gloss.
However, after repainting our kitchen cabinets, I would recommend Sherwin-Williams Urethane Trim Enamel for painting your oak mantel. The Proclassic line worked really well, but this newer Emerald paint has such an amazing finish.
Yes, Benjamin Moore Advance is a similar product to SW Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.
If you are concerned about grain, we recommend Aquacoat Grain Filler. You apply it in thin layers before you begin priming and sand it to a smooth finish.
Yes, you will get wonderful results if you know what you are doing. Since our mantel wasn’t that big, we were very happy to use a quality paintbrush and a small foam roller.
Before and After
I love how our finished mantel and updated fireplace cover look. This was just enough to help refresh our living room cheaply. However, I am still not sold on the brown-colored stone that makes up our fireplace. One day soon, we may whitewash, paint or limewash the stone.
For now, we are happy with our more modern-looking and white fireplace mantel.
Follow us on Pinterest, YouTube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!
How To Paint An Oak Fireplace Mantel White
Equipment
- Paintbrush
- Small Foam Roller
Supplies
- Deglosser
- 220 Fine sandpaper
- Painter’s Tape
- Bonding Primer
- White Latex Enamel Paint Our Current Favorite is SW Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
Instructions
- Lightly sand mantel.
- Wipe down surface with deglosser on rag. Make sure mantel is dust free.
- Use bonding primer with a brush and small foam roller to apply primer.
- Let primer fully dry.
- Apply two coats of latex enamel paint using a brush and small foam roller.
- Let fully dry and cure before decorating your white mantel.
Notes
- Use a small foam roller for a smooth finish. You will only need to use a brush in areas the roller cannot reach.
- Make sure to let each layer of primer and paint fully dry before moving on to the next step.
- Paint with the wood grain for a nice and smooth look.
Great job! It really brightens it up. I love the mantle what a perfect place for decor. I might just need to install a fake fireplace hahaha
Thanks, Jenn. A mantel is a perfect place for DIY home decor items. Maybe it will be a new post sometime in the near future!
This is soooo beautiful!!
Thanks, Breanna! I am glad you like our DIY fireplace/mantel makeover!
I love a good fireplace DIY. A small project like this can make such a big difference!
Hi Kamry! Yes this simple and easy fireplace update really made a difference in our living room!
You did a fabulous job! Well done! And great step by step instructions!
Hi Jaimi! Thanks for the kind words. I love when easy DIY projects can really help transform a space. Paint really works wonders!
Hi Jaimi! Thanks for the kind words. I love when easy DIY projects can really help transform a space. The paint really works wonders!
I absolutely love DIYs and this one is simply good.
Thanks, Supriya! I love when DIY projects can update a space while staying on budget!
Looks great! I love painting over that old oak style. It totally transforms the room.
Hi Derek. Thanks for the kind comment. We are slowly getting rid of all the OAK in our house! Oak has got to go!
I absolutely love what you did! Keeper!
Hi, Anges. Thanks. We love when a simple DIY paint technique can help update a space.
Hi, Anges. Thanks. We love it when a simple DIY paint technique can help update a space.
Looks great! You did a great job.
Thank you. We love when a little paint can really update a space.