Correcting a Mantel's Finish—Without Taking It Down—in Under Three Hours

The mantel was installed. The wrong stain was applied. Terrence helped give it a fresh start—in under three hours. When a contractor needed to correct the finish on this wooden fireplace mantel, they called Terrence Ondatje of Advanced Laser Restoration in Springfield, Missouri. This wasn't a loose piece of lumber that could be taken back to the shop. The mantel was already mounted against the stone fireplace, and its rustic texture, natural grain, and distinctive edges were part of its appeal. Terrence brought laser cleaning directly to the home, removing the unwanted stain with the mantel still in place. In under three hours, it was ready for the contractor to apply the intended finish. For contractors, painters, and homeowners, projects like this show another practical use for laser cleaning: correcting a finishing mistake while preserving the wood's character. An Advanced Laser Restoration franchisee since 2023, Terrence continues to build his business through persistence, hands-on skill, and a willingness to introduce a new solution to familiar problems. We're proud to have him in the ALR franchise family, helping pioneer the industry one project at a time.