I Still Can't Believe Someone Painted This Mantel - Victorian Home Restoration EP 42
Quite a few tasks this week. Finished what will have to be the end of the stripping on the front of the building as the weather is getting too cold for the stripper to work. Ripped a lot of the old electrical out of the way for my new lines. Removed all of the chandeliers from the first floor to make room for new wires. Lastly I stripped the rest of the fireplace mantle in the library with a heat gun. Which ended up being a real stunner. Enjoy!
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Completed Projects (2021): New Roof, New Water Service, New Windows (Partial), Boiler Work, Sewer Lateral, Tuckpointing, Plaster Repair (Partial), Wood Floors (Partial), Electric Service (Partial)
Projects to Complete in 2022: Limestone Restoration of Front Elevation, Rebuild Mansard, New Windows (Partial), Complete Plaster Work (2nd Floor and Back Hallway 1st Floor, Kitchen and Dining Room), Plumbing Stacks and Rough in Plumbing, Complete Electric, HVAC (Basement and 1st Floor), High Velocity AC and Heat (2nd Floor), Mini Splits (3rd Floor), Framing on 3rd Floor, Rebuild of Front Cornice Work and Copper Gutter System, Rebuilding of Dormers
Projects to Complete in 2023: Hallways and Stairwells (Plaster Repair, Floors, Stringers of Stairwell Reinforment), Completion of Windows (1st and 3rd Floors), Parlors (Including Fireplace Mantels, and Pocket Doors, and Decorative Fretwork, Completion of 3 Floor Bathroom and Main Suite
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I suspect that the material is limestone. You can easily start making that stone more stable and less prone to weathering. In a five gallon bucket put 6 inches of lime. Add three gallons of water. Mix. Allow the kime to settle out for a day. Put the strained water in a garden sprayer and spray down the stones. The material in the water will form new micro crystals that you cannot see. These will strengthen the stone and make it more water resistant without altering the appearance at all. Do this a couple if times over two years. And don’t forget to repoint the joints. Retired architect specializing in historic preservation.
Thanks for the info.
That’s actually a bit mind-blowing and at the same time really cool!
Hooray! Actual advice from a pro!!! What happens if you do that with bits of old paint or spots where there may still be a thin layer possibly still adhered?
@@Lucinda_Jackson it doesn’t affect the paint. It soaks into the stone, even when a paint chip is still there it comes in from the sides since it is essentially water. It is best to always remove old paint. The chips will still pop off eventually but the stone below will at least be better than it was.
@@larrysorenson4789 Oh, of course you’d want to remove paint. I was just wondering if this is something that Kaleb could perhaps do to help preserve it for this winter (the portion he’s worked on and will be nearly 100% stripped). Sounds like it’s possible?
Faster is NOT better. You're an artist, I so admire what you are doing.
I could not have sed it better myself.
I'm the one who suggested water jet blasting that blasts away paint and dirt. I apologise. I wrote that comment before you showed the water damage on the bottom of the front windows. I agree with you. Faster isn't always better. Being carefull is.
Preservation is what it's all about, not further destruction, I agree with you. Nothing is ever going to be perfect but you're working hard to do the best you can and that's all you can do. It's wonderful to see!
I am so glad to hear you say you are going the slow gentle route and taking care to authenticly restore this beautiful lady. She deserves it.
Even though you get tons of 'advice ', I always appreciate your choices and I actually like it when you explain why you do what you do. You have a vision, don't let anyone take you off it!
Unless, of course, they’re right... I appreciate Kaleb’s ability to stay flexible and weigh the suggestions he receives.
@@Lucinda_Jackson what's "right" for one isn't right for another. It's all relative
@@terrioestreich4007 Yep. Reread my comment.
@@Lucinda_Jackson Oops! I apologize! I did read it funny
@@terrioestreich4007 No problem! I figured either I wasn’t clear or I was so long-winded that I lost you halfway through. Or both! 😂😂🌻🌻
It's nice to see you're restoring this house in a way that preserves the integrity of this historic building. Well done!!
You are not renovating, you are restoring, and restoration takes time
You can always try "hidden" outlets. Have them behind a bit of slotted panel. My Grandpa did them in the cabin up in the woods that he had built for my Grandmother all by hand back in the 40's when he was updating the small cabin in the late 80's. My Grandmother wanted to hide anything not original to the cabin. She loved that cabin.
Modern pop up outlet bars are available with 4, 6 or 8 outlets and USB ports. Very popular in Europe because they can be hidden inside of a cabinet so not to intrude on older building eras.
@@l.m.2404 Don't get me started on why Europe has around 10 different outlet styles; despite that continent using only 220V 50H, if discussing typical residential voltage.
@@piercehawke8021 I agree that the Euro and UK systems are ludicrous not to mention expensive and dangerous. I spend a lot of time over there and I liked the modcon without it clashing with the rustic charm of the cottage I lease. I have never seen them used in Canada.
Stephanie, It's very sweet that your Grandpa built his lady a cabin. I love cabins, and knotty pine walls, etc, and I bet it was a beauty - just like her!!
@@piercehawke8021 Odd to hear that as I've lived all over Europe and in modern buildings only seen one type, only difference being some older ones being "ungrounded" ( two holes, for two round bolts ) and grounded (three round holes). What other types you've seen?
I just cringe when I see people painting vintage and antique furniture. It's a crime. I am so thrilled you are doing everything the right way. Glad you found the original paint on that fireplace, it will be gorgeous when it is restored. It doesn't matter how long it takes, every step gets you closer. And really, this is a lifetime project of infusing this house with life again, the life it was meant to have.
There’s a sort of family style channel I used to follow and I occasionally pop on to see what she’s up to. Her newest obsession is with what she calls flipping furniture. (Except she’s not flipping it at all - she plans to put it all in her house. I don’t think she understands what “flipping” actually means...it seems to be a thing where some YTers saw actual flippers and misunderstood the term) Anyway, she keeps showing all these pieces - some hideous and of questionable value and some nice - and declaring them all “beautiful antiques” then states her intentions to paint them. Makes me crazy as she’s just so mainstream in that, sadly. The only saving grace there is that most of the pieces she has are NOT antique and not of good quality so she won’t be ruining valuable pieces. I’m old enough to remember the “antiquing” craze back in the 70s where all kinds of furniture was recklessly painted with hideous paints that left a streaky light and dark brush marked effect. This was followed by the crackle paint craze of the 80s... It never ends.
@@Lucinda_Jackson Totalmente de acuerdo contigo.
@@rosapellerey Gracias!
@@Lucinda_Jackson Emocionada al leer tu respuesta en Español.
@@rosapellerey Eso es casi todo el español que conozco! 😉 🌻
I had to redo a wall in my frontroom and found a beautiful stained glass window behind the plaster..I have it in its original wood frame hanging in a bay window.. love your progress..👍this place is going to be amazing
That’s amazing I would love to see that. It’s strange (and annoying) what some people destroy when doing up these historic homes we had a sliding door in the kitchen of our first Victorian home it was incredibly heavy to open and shut (slide back and forth on the rail). After inspecting it we found hardboard nailed to each side to hide the original panels 🙄. Needless to say we removed them and waxed the beautiful door underneath 🙂🌺
What a serendipitous find! It must look beautiful hanging in your window and throw lovely colors all around your room!
@@Lucinda_Jackson the house was built in 1910 and I think there is another one in the wall further down.I just didn't go that far..😊
@@laurelstieg9375 Ah! A future project!
Kaleb, when comes time to paint the fireplace mantle, don`t just paint it in. First you`ll have to infill the divits with an artist grade infill putty- the same as they use when restoring a painting. That brings it up to the surface so when you paint, it will blend with the rest without being bumpy. I had a mantle from this same period that was covered in white paint. I spent about three months carefully chipping away the white with a scalpel. It turned out great but what a job it was!!
I love that you take a long term view of the house, and are thinking of preserving the house for future generations. Another great episode!
Hey Kaleb, thank you for standing your ground to lovingly restore this house and not succumbing to pressure to take short cuts. Your integrity and artistic skills and respect for history is really appreciated! You're doing a fine job and you always do your research! Bravo!
I have just spent a lot of time reading the comments. It is refreshing that they are all positive and well meaning, unlike many blogs where the commentary can sink into abusive slanging matches. It reflects well on Caleb and the people his blog attracts. I have the impression that I shall be watching 2nd Empire for several years to come as Caleb painstakingly restores his beautiful old house.
My wife and I can certainly relate to the amount of research and considerations it takes to restore a house. We are restoring a one story Eastlake Cottage in Southern Virginia.
Wonderful! Do you have a channel or blog?
@@Lucinda_Jackson No. We're an older couple and as such, are hiring out some of the work. If we were younger, we'd probably be filming, and doing the work ourselves.
@@danrothenhoefer4634 I completely understand. I was just hoping to give you some support (not that I can do much of anything but subscribes, likes and comments). I’m sure it’s beautiful!!
@@Lucinda_Jackson I immediately had the same question, so I was glad you already asked it. I saw the comment showing someone asked, and then I saw it was you, lol, which I know happened to you once! These renovations are just really exciting to see, and very addicting. Good times.
@@danrothenhoefer4634 Oh, bummer. I was raised in Northern Virginia (or NOVA, as they say), and was immediately intrigued by your cottage renovation in Southern Virginia. A concept and a locale that are each interesting. Best of luck to you!!
Just started the 4th year of my renovation...smh. it seems like there's no end to it lol. But I couldn't be happier.
I’m sure it will be lovely and you’re doing it to the best if your abilities! 🌻
Love your dedication and passion for taking baby steps to restore your home. Follow your path and heart.
Can't wait to see this Fireplace restored! looks awesome already but once a real artist like you are touched it it should look as good as 1889 :)
You should make your first documentary on the process of restoring your mantle. I would watch it for sure. 🤔
Yes! Do Not sandblast the brick. We attended church for many years in a brick building constructed in 1898. In the 1960’s they sandblasted the exterior brick, why I was never able to find out. The result, plaster on the interior walls would begin to fail every few years as a result of moisture seeping in through the brick. We’d have the plaster repaired and the brick sealed. That worked for about three years and we’d have to do it again. We couldn’t paint the brick because the building was on the National Register of Historic Buildings. So, you are absolutely correct, do not sandblast the brick. Stone is looking very nice. 👍🏻
You are restoring the house not just renovating or updating. It involves a lot. Don't let anyone deter you from doing it correctly. When this house was built quality was paramount. Speed did not matter like it does today , at the expense of quality. I can't wait to see it start to come together bringing this grand lady back!
That's a great idea doing the dimmer controlled lights for the gas on the double fixture! Nice one David! Love the fireplace! It will look amazing when done!
I learnt from experience when estimating the number of socket outlets in a room. Whatever number you come up with double it. When its time to plug in all your fittings you'll be glad you did.
You are great teacher. I appreciate your patience with us viewers as we try to understand.
Omg that floor! Thank you, Kim!
I’m doing an internship in Amsterdam at a non profit organization that is restoring old buildings and its such a good feeling when working there, you inspired me alot!
What a satisfying work!
That is so cool! Thanks for helping keep the past alive. 😊
So nice to see the stone getting restored!!
There was a drive in the 1970's and 80's to modernize everything and get rid of the " Old " look! Painted woodwork and trim and painted tiles and fireplaces! Drop ceilings covering tin or carved panels and crown moldings! Paint it all white for that clean modern look! Now we know better! Luckily a lot of what was painted can be restored!
More 60s and 70s. I looked at a lot of houses starting in the early 80s and there was a huge movement to fix/undo those things at the time. At least in my city. It was actually a trendy thing to buy in certain neighborhoods with homes like these to return them to their former glory.
Thank you for sharing. Over the pandemic I found a KZhead on detailing a car. I know not a house. What surprised me the most is how often to get the worst stains out they recommended the gentilist options. Like when cleaning seats get it wet enough to wet to the foam, but not the foam itself. When cleaning the dashboard use very soft microfiber clothes and don't scrub the dust in. In curiosity and since I was home I bought the suggested materials and detailed my car. It got super clean. I've since experminted with my household cleaning. It's amazing what a dry brush can reach. My stair cracks that were black with dust I thought I could not reach came clean with one brush stroke. Sometimes magic still exists. I know what you are doing is a LOT of work. Thanks for taking us on the journey.
Thanks for sharing your restoration progress. Love seeing your and Kim's updates.
I bet Mr. Brown is so happy with all the work and effort you’re putting into his home and probably so proud that you’re the new owner
I love that corner shot with clouds blowing over! 💜💜💜
We had a fire in our 1890 home in the "attic" crawl space. It was caused by some pervious owner wiring new with the knob and tube. We lost the whole upstairs of lath and plaster walls. As well as cool studs that still had bark on them. And not one was the same size. A part of history is gone. It was so very sad, still is.
I’m sorry. I can hear you’re still grieving. I would be, too.
You're absolutely correct in your approach. This restoration is more of a conservation. In conservation work you always research first, use the mildest solvents, and work your way up, until you find something that works without doing any damage. There is loads of information with object conservation from museums and other similar institutions that can be great resources on how to better conserve this building. As far as the fireplace is concerned. I suppose you might classify the tri-tip design as a trefoil design, at least in the technical sense, since it has three points. Insofar as electrical is concerned, I'd highly recommend checking out the 2018 International Residential Code or IRC. The section on electrical is easy to understand and should be immensely useful. Missouri complies with the IRC but St. Louis and/or the State of Missouri may have additional requirements.
Patience is a virtue ......... Presevationist
Kaleb, I love to watch how you do things historically correct, it’s the way I like to do things. It’s far more fun and far more challenging, which I enjoy. Have you considered volunteers helping you get things done, like from the local college or historical society or even folks like myself? It might help you get things done quicker. LOVE the light switch & the fireplace!
We don’t want you to be “fast” we want to enjoy the the care and skill you are applying to your beautiful house and…….you have got loads done!!!! 😊❤️🌸
It doesn't make sense for someone to have painted the fireplace. This home is so lucky to have you. So many beautiful historic homes are purchased by people that strip the inside charm and history from them and make them modern inside, which I have always thought was stupid. Want a modern house, they should buy one. You are doing a terrific job. It's wonderful to watch this beauty come back to life.
if you are interested: i can make the retouches on the fireplace in advance via photoshop. as a media designer it wont take long and can be helpful as guidance. just make a good photo of the front and ill send you back the editied image in the same day.
I'm glad you have the building too, as I'm sure she is! Restoration takes time, love, and care, and I thank you for sharing your journey!
I love the design of the fireplace, and I'm glad to see your trying to restore the house while following current building code. That's why I'm enjoying your channel.
Man on a mission. Sooo proud!!!
Restoration at its best love seeing this old girl come alive
You're gaining so much valuable experience that you could work for, and be extremely helpful to, the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
I'm so glad to hear that you are doing a proper restoration on this beautiful building. Awesome.
I think the oriental look was in fashion in the 1910s. It wasn’t just for clothes, it was interiors too. I think it’s so lucky for that fireplace that it’s you who is restoring it as you a such a talented artist!
I'm so enjoying your renovation - truly a labour of love!!! Can't wait for the next video!
So few people in the US want to take the time or have the patience to do restoration! So much different than renovation! So happy to have discovered your channel. Most restoration I’ve found is done in Europe! They do have the oldest buildings to restore there. I’m absolutely obsessed with watching restoration! I can’t wait to see your progress each episode.
They do have a lot of buildings to choose from in Europe! I have such a hard time seeing old buildings abandoned or torn down
That house is Beautiful and the Woodwork is magnificent. Thank you for taking us on tour of the remodeling.
Wow great idea with the lampwiring Kudows to David who had the idea of mimicing the Gas Lights with a dimmer!
Thank you for explaining about the pressure washer it’s very informative now I understand so thank you you’re doing a fantastic job everything looks beautiful that you’ve done so far 👍👍 Angela from 🇬🇧 UK 🇬🇧
Great work all around ! So many projects, so little time is right...what an undertaking, I admire your patience
I hugely respect you DIY work ethic.
It’s your house. Everyone has an opinion. Your restoration is beautiful.
You are making really great progress on your house. I know it’s a pain but I’m glad a previous owner painted the fireplace. Paint is reversible. Removing all that beautiful stone and putting something else there is not. You are uncovering a beautiful treasure. With your skill as an artist, I have no doubt you will be able to replicate whatever has been lost of the design.🌸
I was going to say the same!!
So true! Some things are definitely less reversible!
The fireplace surround kind of reminds me of old mantel clocks that had an imitation stone look with geometric and floral patterns painted on them.
My 1884 cottage is a combo of modern & knob & tube. The really bad part is my husband is an electrician! He hates rewiring old houses, lol, and of course that is what we bought. I'm really enjoying watching tge restoration of your house. Much love from western Ky.
In archeology there is vast experience on the preservation of stone, ceramics, wood. You can search for information there. Perhaps that course will be about the products used in archeology and museums.
Please tell your bride that she did a great job on the lovely floor. Having to work with a limited supply of water? Well, I am IMPRESSED! I'm so very glad that you got that house. A house needs to be loved to become a home. Blessings on you and your family and all your viewers.
I agree they are doing such a fabulous job! Can't wait to see where they take it. So inspiring!
Stay away from the pressure washer! I worked in a historical building in NYC. When they clean the stone and brick exterior the water got between the pointing of the brick and caused the plaster was walls inside to collapse. They lost lots of ornate plaster work.
😢😢
Caleb you and Kim have a wealth of knowledge and even if you are learning more and more as you work on the house, you two are just the perfect people to have this house! This home is so lucky to have you taking care of it and making things right again. I love all the respect and how you research everything you do for the house and all the history behind it and the man who built it as well as the craftsman of that era. Every episode is so interesting and it will be a beautiful gem when you're done. I think you and Kim should have a photographer take a picture of yourselves ín period clothes in the main room when it's done. Much love and all good wishes for you both on this wonderful journey! A fan in Ohio ❤️
The house is looking great. It is a great idea to wire up the gas jets separately. You might also get some LED or light bulbs that flicker and mimic the flickering the gas lighting would have displayed back in the old days. Remember that the non gas mantel gas lamps did not burn really bright (hence why in a lot of old Victorian pics, there are also candles or oil lamps present) so you want a low wattage flickering light. Also make sure the gas cocks are all the way open and glued open so the cocks cannot be turned or moved. If those gas cocks are closed it will cut the wiring so it is always best to make sure they don't work anymore. Do yourself a favor and send that gas light and the other ones you have to a place that does wiring for them. It is such a pain trying to run wires through gas tubes. As for using gas, I know a few folks that have a couple of gas lights in their old house running on gas. They use propane. These are more for show then anything else (usually at Christmas time). They have the lines running to the basement where a small propane cylinder is attached. The lines have an off valve and the propane is not left attached when not in use. They also have it inspected with the other gas lines (natural gas) once a year. As for the painted mantel, yes folks scratch their head about it today and wonder what were folks thinking but by the 1920's ornate wood was going out of fashion. Folks wanting to freshen up an older house repainted the interiors and also painted the mantels. Be happy they painted them, they could have done what a lot of folks did which was to remove the mantels and brick and plaster over the fireplace as maintaining one even if never used was a pain in the butt.
It would be so cool to see you and Christine McConell collab on a project, you two have a lot in common and Im sure that whatever you two decide to work on it will turn out AMAZING!
Sorry for late reply but been busy with rl so I'm behind but getting thru the vids and getting caught up. Been here since the beginning and dont intend to miss a thing. Whatever you do PLEASE do not give in to the pressure to cut corners and do fast, sloppy work. The best thing about this series IMO that you DON'T do that and that you care enough to do things right and be historically accurate.
I agree with your approach. Everyone should do their home the way they like to. You will never find 100% agreement on doing a house a certain way! Love that fireplace, its gonna take a lot of work but its gonna look so amazing when its done!
Sad that someone would paint over the beauty of a mantel... It's like painting over are. Excited to see how the mantel turns out when finished.
I can't believe someone painted over that fireplace! All that beautiful hand painting and the different colors of marble or stone, and they covered it with flat brown paint. I'm sure glad you got this place, because I would hate to see what someone else would have done. I think most people would just contract it all out and strip it down to bare bones and rebuild. I just can't wait to see your home when it is all done. It's going to be amazing.
If a house could smile, I just know she is. When the sun was shining on the masonry, it looked a lovely yellow colour, so the house was talking to you! Slow & steady means long lived & beautiful. 👍
Well said!
Looking forward to seeing the fireplace restored. So sad it was slathered over with that brown paint.
You do such splendid work. The facade and the mantle are wonderful. Thank you for the update and tour. I love the ceiling medallions and can scarcely wait to see them after your tender mercies. I have a simpler but similar chandelier in my study that was gas and is now electric. I paid to have the brass polished and it has amber-colored prisms. It looks beautiful, yours will too.
I think one of the biggest reasons to not get into blasting the paint off... is the fact that you likely have lead based paint on that surface. Blasting it would likely require a special hazardous material license and/or a licensed crew for the removal. Similar to abatement of asbestos.
Maybe not because it’s outdoors?
Around where I'm from, the historical society helps you know the colors and materials used on historic houses. When people get grants and have to be accurate, that is what is suggested.
That’s certainly the case for homes with a designation. Then you are generally either told your colors outright or given a choice of two or three color plans to choose from. But I don’t think that’s the case here.
The door is not made from oak, it's some variety of spruce or pine.
Love the details being revealed. Thanks to the viewer who sent the step stool and the tiny fire extinguisher. Safety is always of paramount importance.
They were from my grandpa Tom!
These are my favorite things in a Victorian House!!
You do your restoration the way you want. Unless they are paying and or doing the work they have no say in what you do. I love that you are not ripping the plaster out. My house is over 100 and we are trying to take the 80's remodel out 😢
OH wow Caleb that fireplace looks nice. You have uncovered a gem.
I just love yours and Kim's attention to detail with your home
keep doing what your doing the whole purpose is to keep it in its original condition 👍
Wow! Massive amount of work you have done! You guys need to start booking reservations now! I know Ed and I are definitely coming to stay when everything is ready.
YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB and I love it that people are helping along the way with information here!
Love your passion for trying to keep your house original as possible, it's sad that these beautiful home are just left to people's inability to see the beauty of a Victorian house,
There are so many things in that beautiful home that I can’t believe someone painted.
You're doing amazing work and you've been rather inspirational. After watching you working on this, I've been looking at Victorian era homes in my own area.
I love your can do attitude. That’s why you are a success!
The fireplace is beautiful….reminiscent of Art Deco…
I really admire you in wanting to keep the integrity of this beautiful house. You’ve put so much time n of yourself in this house that you want it right. I’m with you , why would you paint that mantle. Who knows why people do what they do. Try to get some sleep as you need rest n stay in good health so you can continue to finish all that you can. God bless ♥️♥️😊👍👍👍
by the time you are done, you will be in demand for other restorers doing their Vic's
I love to see how much you care about every aspect of your house and its restoration.
What a labor of love! I can't believe some of the things people have done to these old buildings in the name of "improvements".
I’m always so I impressed by your meticulous details and how you try to stick to the houses original look and your awesome follow through. It’s going to be your greatest achievement and work of art
Curious as to when your mansard roof contractor will make his presence known. Nice to see old wiring gone.
He's still working on a few other projects before he can start ours. My guess is that he will be ready in early spring.
The love, care, and passion you have put into this home is truly inspiring, keep up the fantastic work!
Love house is coming along ,it may be a slow process but we all enjoying watching you every week .Thank kaleb for sharing your process of making this house great again.
Kaleb, this is a labour of true love… so many different projects to keep track of must be a challenge in itself. Is there a behind the scenes version of yourself that has an itinerary of what’s getting done when in a big book of planning or do you have to be a lot more flexible and go with whatever comes up at the time? You must be such a patient person! I love your attention to detail and integrity but done in a uniquely creative way. This house will be so beautiful once you get a chance to live in her and get a real feel for her personality…
Hi Kaleb, How nice that you are such a creative person. It is nice that you are taking the time to fix up the house the way it should be. No need to apologize for anything. It is enjoyable to watch "how" a house should be restored to the prior glory that it will have again. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍
The meticulous approach you take to everything is the reason your project is so fascinating. Too many 'restoration ' projects take all the original character and soul out of buildings. So keep on doing it your way ! Your patience and dedication are admirable.
Kaleb, I’m sure there is so much that you do and research behind the scenes. It’s wonderful to see how your viewers offer advice, suggestions and their knowledge to assist you to do your projects.what a great idea including the dimmer feature in the chandelier to create the gas light shade of that period.