A Renovation Bonus

(Some photos may not be in full focus. It's the dust in the air confusing the camera)

Back in October 2009 we had the fireplace in our salon replaced with a brand spanking new old recuperated fireplace. We were sad to see the dark red marble fireplace go - but less so when we discovered that it was painted concrete.

In our bedroom, which is currently being insulated, we have a red marble fireplace which we assumed was the same arrangement. When we were clearing the room so the builders could do their thing Gael said "oh! It's stone" and our plan of removing the fireplace was put on hold while we had a brief period of reflection.* We didn't know what stone, or if the whole construction was stone, but chips in the paintwork led to a suspicion on my behalf it was local tuffeau.

On Saturday I stopped thinking and grabbed my  sander to have a proper look see at what the fireplace is made of. I have no idea what the paint was, but I suspect it was lead based, over a black sealant/primer. It was very hard - harder than the stone it was applied to. It made an incredible amount of black dust - followed by even more white dust as I smoothed the stone.

You want dust? We have dust!

Seven hours of work, 29 sanding disks, 1 orbital sander and 3 vacuum cleaner bags later we have a 90 million year old late 19th century fireplace. The finish wouldn't please a stone mason, but I had to get it done before the workmen arrived on Monday.

Pleased? I should co-co!

*We're good at putting things on hold while we have a brief period of reflection. That's how come the house still isn't fully restored after 15 years.