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Posted: 4/29/2025 5:33:09 PM EDT
| Im replacing the slate trim around my fireplace with African padauk wood. This is a very exotic and expensive wood that I have never experimented with. I would like a glossy glass like finish. Would you recommend shellac, varnish or poly? Any other suggestions I'm open to also. Thanks |
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Originally Posted By 300WinMagGuy: I had thought about that. It looks so classy though. Lol. Plus the fire area is recessed and has the chain links plus glass doors. I think it will be ok for the limited use it sees. My mom's had the metal chain link mesh curtain and glass doors in a metal frame. The heat transferred through the metal frame to the wood. Eventually the wood got dry and hot enough to start smoldering. |
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Joined:
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GA, USA
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Originally Posted By giantpune: My mom's had the metal chain link mesh curtain and glass doors in a metal frame. The heat transferred through the metal frame to the wood. Eventually the wood got dry and hot enough to start smoldering. Dang. I did buy some fire retardant foam to seal around the crack of the insert so maybe that will prevent the wood from getting too hot. |
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Originally Posted By 300WinMagGuy: It looks like an insert with concrete blocks inside. It's a prefab zero clearance fireplace then. Usually don't put off a ton of heat most goes up the chimney. Most install manuals will say on the sides from firebox 12" clearance, above the fire box 12 to 16". If you look in the btm of the fireplace or lower left/right side there should be a metal tag with the make and mdl. You can usually find a PDF manual for it online. Majestic, Superior, FMI maybe. 36" or 42" Good, luck. |
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Originally Posted By MongooseKY: Padauk is an interesting wood, but be ready for it not to stay the same color over time. It will turn from that cool orangey look to more of a brown as it ages. Yeah I read that. I'm not bummed though I've seen it aged and it doesn't look bad. |
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