Removing old paint from marble fireplace

[Mazbute]

Hi everyone this is my first post here and hopefully you can help

Hubby and I are about to move into an old Victorian 2 - storey cottage which was my family home for over 50 years.

Just discovered that there are two fireplaces which appear to be painted marble and confirmed this with my mother. They were painted many years ago so it will just be oil-based gloss, and it's only one or maybe two coats. Before we do too much to them can anyone suggest any Dos or Don'ts?

Photos attached of the small amounts that we have carefully scraped.

Are these definitely marble?

Any input gratefully received.


Marion

 

[Cubist]

It looks like marble to me. A hot air gun and some bluntish wide blade paint scrapers will remove most/all of that paint for you - just don't let the gun linger too long over one spot above the marble if you can. You're lucky insofar that there seems to be no fancy carving you may need to navigate as all the surfaces appear to be flat and regular. Nevertheless you need to be cautious not to incur deep scratches in the stone. Very light marks/scratches can be polished away with a metal or stone polish.

 

[Flyfisher]

Depending on what 'many years ago' actually means, I'd be mindful of the possibility of the paint being lead-based. It's easy and cheap enough to test for and then take appropriate precautions if using a hot air gun or fine sanding, especially if there are young children in the house.