Junk Revolution Community » Rescue

Topic: Old Mantle. What to do?

 (28 posts)
  • Started 3 years ago by Blossom Lane
  • Latest reply from redneckChic
  1. Blossom Lane

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    Found this mantle for five dollars. It is not cleaned up yet. My FIL replaced the two bottom (lighter) pieces of trim. One was missing.

    The piece has significant termite damage on the back.

    My question for you junksters:

    1)Do I sell it "as is" for a thrifty, DIY type of person?
    2)Do I stain the two lighter replacement pieces and sell?
    3)Do I paint it? And if so, what is your color opinion.
    4)What is a reasonable price for such an item.

    Attachments

    1. rsz_dsc01910.jpg (79.6 KB, 25 downloads) 3 years old
    Posted 3 years ago #
  2. Greta if it were me I'd fix it. And paint it some kind of off white. But that's me...As far as price some of the experts can tell you more...Love to see apic...

    Posted 3 years ago #
  3. Blossom Lane

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    Oops...having problems...hope this comes through

    Attachments

    1. rsz_dsc01911.jpg (75.4 KB, 3 downloads) 3 years old
    Posted 3 years ago #
  4. Blossom Lane

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    Here's the back...I hope

    Posted 3 years ago #
  5. Blossom Lane

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    Trying again.

    Attachments

    1. rsz_3dsc01913.jpg (150.4 KB, 1 downloads) 3 years old
    Posted 3 years ago #
  6. Greta - not to steal any of Leveta's credit - but I like the idea of a creamy white paint, probably with a primer first. I usually like mantel's stained, but some timeworn ones need a little boost with paint. I have no idea of how much to ask. I guess if I look at it like how much might I pay for it painted white - (I'm extremely cheap) - I might pay $50. If I were buying it as is, I'd probably give $25. Please don't be offended, I'm in Michigan where I can get some pretty nifty stuff for a song, so that helps me look at things cheaply...cheap cheap or chirp chirp!

    I would imagine that you could get more for it in another part of the country other than the depressed state of MI!

    Sue

    Posted 3 years ago #
  7. User has not uploaded an avatar

    gigi
    Member

    i think that it may go quicker if painted.
    don't know if i'd worry too much about the back but if it's bothersome maybe do a quick splash of brown to even it out?
    i like leveta off white, like a neutral tan as well..was thinking it would look beautiful with mosaic down the sides, maybe even some across the larger top portion....but i'd be tempted to do a paint job like textured or old world (like the new shop on another post by...a vie Renouvele)

    Posted 3 years ago #
  8. If it were mine, Id work quick and get it ready for November sales.
    I would also shabby it up like mentioned above, then I would make it so that it was free standing. Then decorate it as a portable fire place scene decoration for the person that collects vintage Christmas items. Find some old light bulb boxes and place them around the base, with some old streams of Christmas lights scattered around. Hang 3 old socks with fake candy canes hanging over the ends from the front, create a warm glowing fire in the back ground, or even find one of the fake log burning things. Adhere some vintage toys here and there at the bottom, Christmas it up. Then some one else can store it in their walk in attic, and pull it out for the holidays...Insty Christmas fireplace for those who want one but cant have a real one.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  9. Oh, then I'd throw a price tag on it of 450.00
    Cha Ching!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  10. OH I love all the ideals you guys...Gigi i like the mosaic(sp) ideal...

    Posted 3 years ago #
  11. Lisa - your imagination far exceeds mine today. How super is your ideas?!?!?!?!? Fantasic - and would certainly fetch some big money that way!!

    Keep your ideas flowing for us!

    Sue

    Posted 3 years ago #
  12. morninglori

    morninglori
    Member

    I agree it should be an off white, but I would add some decorative wood detail on the top part for more interest. Then sand it down and shabby it up!
    The mosaic idea would be great, but you won't want to part with it after you do that much work....

    Sandy

    Posted 3 years ago #
  13. User has not uploaded an avatar

    dianeinthevalley
    Member

    I'm sorry ladies (head down) I sort of like it the way it is but I do like the Christmas theme. Diane

    Posted 3 years ago #
  14. Blossom Lane

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    Wow! So many great ideas! I even like varying ideas. No heads down amongst us junkers...there is no right answer and I defintely want varying opinions.

    Some extra info.--the mantle is heavy, good solid wood, but is brittle on the back due to extensive termite damage.

    I bought it with the damage because, during my Realtor days, I actually saw such mantles in homes. People like the imperfect.

    As far as my own thoughts go...I agree with Sue...because I, too, am cheap. In fact, I think I am so cheap of a "pricer" that most of my items are being purchased by vendors with other booth locations.

    Diane--Don't get yourself down in a valley. (chuckle chuckle) I actually like the wood color. Very warm.

    Leveta and gang--I see the probable necessity of painting the piece...after I buy enough wood filler to put "humpty dumpster item back together again".

    Lisa, I like your take. Freestanding Christmas decor. I see mantles used this way in store windows a lot. They look beautiful.

    Another valuable piece of information for you gals is that I live in Primitive Alley. Primitive is not my decor choice...but I am learning to purchase what appeals to buyers. Hit some sales this weekend and bought as many primitive items as I could....have sold 50 dollars worth of items since Sunday. Most of my primitive items are sold.

    So....what primitive type of colors would you recommend...or techniques...or additions ....or scenarios....

    Any great primitive ideas out there?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  15. I will probably be sole on this one:?
    Shabby'd up Burnt Mustard!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  16. For primitive, I'd go with a black top coat over a mustard base. Distress so the mustard shows. Mustard over black would be good, too, but I'd bet it would sell quicker in black.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  17. black is the best seller here.... for sure....we do black and rub off to show some wood...ann
    www.greenoakantiques.com

    Posted 3 years ago #
  18. User has not uploaded an avatar

    gigi
    Member

    i vote for black on mustard!!
    but, still like mosaic ; ) lol

    Posted 3 years ago #
  19. That sounds good too...Never thought of those colors...

    Posted 3 years ago #
  20. paintwife

    paintwife
    Member

    Oh how nice, I think all the suggestions are good. It would be hard for me to decide. I've seen a lot of prim and mustard,brick red, black and green seem to be the colors of choice.
    But then again there's always HOT PINK!! LOLOLOL
    I'm sure whatever you choose it will be fabulous, be sure to post pix when you've finished.

    Linda

    Posted 3 years ago #
  21. I think you ladies have something right... it would look great antique white and decorated for Christmas... but don't make anything permanent, then the buyer can't redecorate after the holidays.

    I do like the black and mustard color, but it does seem like white shabby chic is most popular.

    I'm a bit of a cheapo took... I'm with Sue on the price.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  22. User has not uploaded an avatar

    fortheloveofprim
    Member

    I like the burnt mustard idea myself... But if you don't find anything to do with it you can always send it my way!!! You got a really good bargain!!!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  23. Blossom Lane

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    Prim,

    Just read your profile. Your job is amazing! You are in paradise, my friend. You don't have to sneak around in the cloak of night like a common criminal (or like me, for that matter) for great trash-treasure. It comes custom delivered to you!!!

    I bet you have oodles of interesting stories to tell!!!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  24. User has not uploaded an avatar

    fortheloveofprim
    Member

    It is hit and miss right now!!! They are strict about tarping all loads so I can't see to many treasures any more!! My husband tells everyone our house is decorated in Early American Landfill!!! But yes I have hit the mother load a time or two and when Ebay was hot I made a some extra spending money!!! My favorite is my cabinet in the living room. One of the guys come bringing to my house in pieces and my best friend and I spent 2 yrs stripping it and putting it all back together again. I'll take some pictures and post them today!!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  25. Blossom Lane

    Blossom Lane
    Member

    Can't wait for the cabinet pics!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  26. User has not uploaded an avatar

    huggybear
    Member

    Man I am going to have to travel to ann of green oaks.. that place looks soooo cool. love the garden stuff..

    Posted 3 years ago #
  27. User has not uploaded an avatar

    huggybear
    Member

    The Mantel, I would add a piece decorated wood to the face of the mantel something that is scroll work or etc. you could add other items of wood scroll work to it also.. just to dress up some then paint it a cream color.. I would seal the back to keep from any more damage.. you could paint it black, but I would think that if someone wanted it and it was paint white. and they wanted black it would be easier to paint over the white than paint over the black.. I would at least ask a couple of hundred for it.. Mantels are expensive and if you put work and $$ in it .. you need to get it back. just my thoughts..

    Posted 3 years ago #
  28. Hi! Late chiming in...but - here's my two cents worth ('cause i'm cheap cheap AND cheep cheep!!!) but...i love the shabby cream - LOVE LOVE the beat up black! in my living room i painted some bookshelves then whipped out the bicycle chain, some sand paper and a metal file - beat the heck out of them then put a paste wax on! Ofcourse, I also like the looks of it now - totally like you found it! LOLOL But the decorating of it for the seasons? FANTASTIC idea and so fun!!! You could also put an old mirror in it and build a brace out of some old crown across the bottom...that would be gorgeous!!!

    Posted 3 years ago #

RSS feed for this topic

Reply

You must log in to post.