Professional Building Conservator
Polishing and General Restoration
A lot of the techniques that I use in building restoration stem from my knowledge of furniture restoration.
A client once expressed a specific requirement for new doors in their residence, presenting a challenge as the desired dimensions exceeded the standard specifications. To meet this unique need, a meticulous process of widening and lengthening the doors was undertaken. Remarkably, the solution was found in repurposing reclaimed timber, specifically aged Douglas Fir of approximately a century in age. This approach not only provided a cost-effective alternative to purchasing custom-made doors but also imbued the project with a sense of authenticity and character. The images above and to the left show what the door looked like whilst it was being crafted.
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Following the completion of the door widening and lengthening process, meticulous attention was given to the painting of the doors, ensuring a seamless integration with the newly added sections. Once the painting was finalized, the doors
were expertly hung, poised for the skilled touch of a professional painter. Remarkably, even after 8 years since their installation, the doors exhibit no discernible indications of the added timber, maintaining their structural integrity and aesthetic coherence. This successful outcome can be attributed to the meticulous selection of timber that closely matches the age and species of the original material, thereby ensuring a harmonious blend and long-lasting durability. The below images showcase one door in its pre-painted state and the other door after it has been beautifully painted.
Above: a door before polishing.
Right: the same door after polishing.
Throughout my years of experience, I have undertaken numerous polishing assignments, each one leaving me exhilarated as I witness the remarkable transformations unfold before my eyes.
The adjacent images depict the process of repairing a broken escargot and the subsequent impeccable outcome achieved through skilful gluing and restoration techniques.
A worn and weathered handrail, previously sanded by the painters, underwent a remarkable revitalization through the meticulous process of French polishing. The result is a restored handrail that exhibits a renewed sense of elegance and refinement.
