They used to seal the tricks in front of the fireplace with Tung oil.
It kept the grease drippings from the pot or kettle from staining the
bricks. This was several hundered years ago. Back when I was just a
mere lad. At least I think this was what they told us at Williamsburg.

On Thu, 6 Nov 2003 08:20:29 -0500, "Mike G"
wrote:

Ahh, how to be delicate about it. Years of cooking grease and smoke in the
air will muck up any finish if it isn't cleaned once and awhile.

Sorry, best I could do.

Take care
Mike