What are andirons fireplace?
Andirons, a pair of horizontal iron bars on short legs and placed parallel to the sides of the fireplace to support burning logs, were used from the Iron Age. A vertical guard bar at the front, placed to prevent logs from rolling into the rooms, is often decorated ornately.
How do you clean andirons on a fireplace?
Remove the andirons from the fireplace and take them outside to clean them. Wipe them down with an old cloth to remove the soot and then use a wire brush to scrub the andirons. This will complete the cleaning of the andirons. Don’t use water.
Why are andirons so expensive?
Some of the more valuable andirons were fashioned in the East, such as in Pennsylvania. Other factors that will affect price include the unusual shape of the andirons, who designed them and the materials from which they are made. Generally, andirons made of brass or copper will bring more cash than iron.
Do you need andirons?
Prevent the wood from rolling out of the fire All andirons have an elevation at the front. This prevents the wood from rolling out of the fireplace. This keeps the fire together better, which makes it burn better. In addition, it is safer if burning wood cannot roll out of the fireplace.
Should you polish brass andirons?
Repeat polishing with brass cleaner if needed for heavily tarnished items. Keep in mind that one expects vintage brass to have an aged patina and while you can likely bring back the original yellow shiny color, maintaining this finish can be a lot of work. Clean, in my opinion, is perfectly acceptable!
Can you paint andirons?
Before you apply the anti-corrosive paint, you’ll want to apply a high temperature primer. They offer high temperature paint, good for use with fireplace accessories that have high heat exposure such as the andirons, poker tools, and screens. Spray the primer on evenly, holding the can 5 to 8 inches from the surface.
Are andirons worth anything?
Answer: Depending on condition and rarity, andirons have sold in a wide price range, from a few hundred dollars a pair to well in excess of $1,000 a set, according to information provided by dealer catalogues and collectors. Some of the more valuable andirons were fashioned in the East, such as in Pennsylvania.
Do andirons help heat a room?
Andirons, once an absolute necessity to heat dinner and hold logs in the cold winter months of yesteryear, are now a decorative and functional option to help warm your home, luxuriously.
How do I place my andirons in my fireplace?
How To Use Andirons
- Place the andirons parallel to each other with the horizontal pieces facing in toward the fire and the vertical pieces at the front.
- Pile tinder and kindling on the floor of the fireplace between the andirons.
What are andirons made of?
Andirons and fire dogs are devices made of metal and (rarely) ceramic which support the firewood. They normally stand upon short legs and are usually connected with an upright guard. The guard keeps the logs in the fireplace as they burn and settle.