Our Process
Our process isn't just a process, it's a passion; a formula that's tried, tested and gives exceptional results.
Protection
Before starting any work, we take care to protect flooring and surfaces to prevent damage from paint, dust and tools. All flooring is protected with either durable dust sheets, heavy duty card or specialist carpet protection film. Skirting boards, windowsills and furniture are masked or covered to avoid accidental spills and scratches.
Hard surfaces like countertops or tiles are shielded with cardboard sheeting or durable dust sheets and delicate fixtures are wrapped securely.
These precautions not only maintain a tidy workspace but also ensure your finished project is clean and damage free.
Preparation
We pride ourselves on our diligent preparation. We will first assess the condition of any walls to be painted or decorated. Cracks in walls and ceilings are first raked out. Large cracks and holes are first filled with an expanding foam or flex fill. Once dry, a suitable filler is applied before being sanded back to a smooth finish.
All walls are fully sanded before we start any application. This removes any imperfections that will only be visible once we've started painting or wallpapering.
We rub down all woodwork, removing nibs and imperfections. This also provides a perfect key for paint adherence. Any misaligned joins or holes are filled with a suitable filler and sanded back.
A small bead of fast drying, flexible caulk is applied to all corners. This is left to dry to avoid shrinkage before painting.
This preparation can take a few days for larger projects, but offers a perfect surface for an outstanding finish.
Application
For painting wall and ceiling surfaces, we always apply two coats to ensure correct and consistent coverage. For mineral based paints such as those from F&B, we use a primer and undercoat as instructed by the manufacturer.
For woodwork an undercoat or primer is used before the topcoat. This is especially important when using a water-based paint over an existing oil-based one.
When wallpapering, an industry standard adhesive is used although we will always follow manufacturer instructions for correct installation.
Curing & Aftercare
After painting, it's important to allow adequate time for the paint to cure properly to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish. While paint may feel dry to the touch within a few hours, full curing can take several days or even weeks, depending on the type of paint, temperature, and humidity levels. During this period, we advise clients to avoid washing or scrubbing newly painted surfaces and to keep the area well-ventilated to help the paint harden evenly.
Once fully cured, the surface will reach its maximum strength and washability (dependent on paint type), ensuring a smooth, resilient coating that maintains its colour and appearance over time.
Newly installed wallpaper should be given adequate time for the adhesive to cure properly, and should be well ventilated. Excessive temperatures should be avoided to protect against seam shrinkage. With gentle maintenance, wallpaper will stay smooth and vibrant for years.
