I have bought a second hand slate firesurround, the cross piece still has the embedded gold line and reddish marbling in the centre, with polished black around it, the remainder of the fireplace has been stripped back to brownish slate, how can I restore it to its former glory, what paints do I use, and how do I appply it. Thanks

Joyce MCCamley, July 2004

THE BEST WAY TO RESTORE SLATE FOR THIS SORT OFAPLICATION IS TO GIVE IT AT LEAST 2 COATS OF CLEAR YAUGHT VARNISH,YOU CAN OBTAIN THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF SHEEN YOU REQUIRE BY SELECTING DIFFERENT FINISHES IE-GLOSS FOR A VERY GOOD SHINE,MATT FOR A DULL FINISH,SEMI SHEEN FOR AN INBETWEEN.
ASK AT YOUR LOCAL DIY STORE FOR ADVCE ON WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR REQUIRED FINISH

K.MASSEY, December 2004