Restoring the handrail and staircase in a period home
Generally done as part of a larger project. Another great thing that the Impressions team do is the restoration and period handrails and staircases in period homes and also French polishing of period handrails.
So often people with period houses, get their entire house painted, but neglect the restoration of the handrail on their staircase. When this is the first thing that you see on entering their home. Some of these hand rails may not have been restored in 150 years. The over all effect of restoring the handrail in a period house is the completion of the entire look and feel of the decoration of the hall stairs and landing.
I am glad to say that this trend is changing. People are realising the importance of the visual finish that the restoration of the handrail in their period hallway will achieve.
French polish restoration on handrails
“Where can I get my handrail on my staircase restored?” they ask. Look no further! Whether one chooses to get the handrail French polished, a truly spectacular finish, or the more reasonable option of getting your handrail stripped and treated. Using some of the latest acrylic finishes, in gloss or satin, we the Impressions team have it covered.
The first thing we do to the handrail is to strip it back to the raw, natural wood, using specialist tools for stripping and restoration. Next, we rub down the wooden surface with fine wire wool, and clean the wood with a lint-free cloth and white spirits. It is now you can see the beauty of the natural wood coming through. If you choose to get your hand rail French polished, our French polisher will have done something similar as just described. After that, it’s all top secret. Established in the early 1900’s it’s a family secret as to how they get their incredible finish.
On the other hand, if you go with the varnish option, these new, acrylic, water-based varnishes penetrate deep into the grain of the wood, so they will not crack or flake over time.
One simply paints a coat on to the hand rail allowing it to absorb as you go.
When dry, we repeat the process of rubbing down with fine wire wool and clean off this time with a damp cloth.
Then paint another coat on, we repeat the process three times, and now your handrail will look fantastic.
So think period home handrail restoration for your staircase and never look back!
Do you need the handrail and staircase restored in your period home?
If you need your handrail or staircase restored then call Paul at Impressions Painting and Decorating on 087 270 4879 or fill in the contact form and we’ll call you back.
