How do I pick the right stain for my mantle?

Hi Ann, you would use a polyurethane coat over the stain to keep it heat resistant. Check out this tutorial:

https://www.ehow.com/how_5892538_stain-fireplace-mantel.html

Hi Ann,

You could spend quite a bit of time on on the Internet and I’m sure you would come up with many different answers to your question. I however, have always found it helpful to go to an actual paint store and consult with experts. This could be an independent paint store, or a big box home-improvement store’s paint department. Often times, there are customers around that may also offer advice and recommend products that they have had success with.

You may also want to consult with a fireplace store.

Best of luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggEEgxNAWVk

what kind of paint should i use to repaint mantle? I has a very ...

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Semi-gloss acrylic paints are a good choice for painting wooden mantels. Using a similar technique, apply a single coat of paint, moving in the direction of the wood grain, with a paintbrush. Allow the first coat to dry.

A Guide to Painting Wood Fireplace Mantels | DoItYourself.com

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/painting-wood-fireplace-mantels-a-guide

Ann,. Go to Home Depot or Lowe's paint department, they can help you there. Aloha!

You'll be hard pressed to find a stain or sealer that will be heat resistant so your best bet is to swing by a paint store or your local hardware store's paint department and discuss the project with someone.