Project Overview
Envirodec carried out an exterior woodwork refresh at The White Hart in Sherborne, a Grade II listed building with plenty of character. The project involved restoring and repainting the external joinery, bringing it back up to a high standard while working sympathetically with the age and detail of the property.
The Brief
Some of the existing woodwork had deteriorated over time and was beyond saving. Before any decorative work could begin, the defective sections needed to be identified and replaced. Working on a listed building meant taking a careful, considered approach throughout, respecting the original character of the property rather than covering it up.
Our Approach
Once the defective woodwork was replaced, every surface was thoroughly prepared. This meant sanding back, removing old and failing putty, and applying new putty where needed to create a sound, even base to work from. Where the timber had suffered more general damage, we used Toupret filler to level things out properly rather than painting over imperfections.
Once the surfaces were prepped, everything was primed with Zinsser Cover Stain. It’s a primer we rely on for older timber in particular, as it does a good job of blocking stains and tannins from bleeding through into the new finish over time.
For the topcoats, we used the Crown Paints UK Exterior Stronghold system. It’s built to withstand exposure to the elements and hold its finish well over the years, which matters on a building like this that needs to look right for a long time to come.
The Result
The finished woodwork now has a clean, durable finish that respects the character of the building rather than fighting against it. Replacing the defective sections first meant the rest of the work went on to a solid, reliable base, and the combination of proper preparation and the Stronghold system should keep it looking sharp for years.
It was a lovely project to work on. Buildings with this much history don’t come along every day, and getting the chance to help preserve one properly is always satisfying.
I’ve used Envirodec for multiple commercial projects and I can safely say the results they achieve are always top notch. Looking forward to the future projects we have coming up.
Why It Matters
Projects like The White Hart are a good example of what we’re about at Envirodec. Taking the time to prepare surfaces properly, choosing the right products for the job, and replacing what needs replacing rather than papering over it all comes down to the same thing: doing the work properly, the first time. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to on every project, whether it’s a listed building or a family home.
