Painting a wooden mantlepiece/ fire surround

[heresjonny30]

I have a wooden kit fire surround currently in a light maple varnish finish. the fire itself is in a dark brush steel and the fixed surround and hearth are black marble, I want the mantle to blend nicely with this.

I intend to change this to a solid black finish.

What is the best way to do this?

I can remove the surround from the wall though am concious that refitting it may not produce such a flsuh finish however it would allow me to possibly spray the piece.

My other option was to prepare the surface for a black gloss and leave it in place.

Please can someone shed some light on this dilema and possibly advise the best method for achieving my desired effect. Any suggestions as to the best type of paint would be most beneficial.

Many thanks in advance

[DUDE DIY]

Hi you may find this useful, definatley use a heat resistant paint. It may sound obvious but I would see what colours are available in heat resistant paint before you decide on what colours and finishes to go for. Spraying sounds a lot of trouble when you surround could be painted. Let me know how you get on.