A Journey Back to Finish What I Started
Every project has its own story, but this one holds a special place in my heart. It marks the beginning of 2025 and the opportunity to work again for a remarkable client. Two years ago, when I run in my first business, Agrofy Painting and Decorating, this client was among the last I worked with before unforeseen circumstances forced me to step away. It was particularly challenging to leave the project just hours away from completion, knowing a employe had to step in to finish it.
Fast forward to today, I’m proud to say that this is now the fourth project I’ve completed for the same client—three time under the Butterfly Decorating banner. The project took place in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, in a charming terraced house over 100 years old. Let me walk you through the journey of this transformation.
Revisiting a Timeless Property
This particular project focused on revitalising the stairway and landing areas, including the spindles, parts of the skirting boards, four door frames, and three doors. The walls needed to complement the existing wallpaper in the hallway, while the wooden elements required careful attention to achieve a flawless gloss finish.
The challenges started to emerge early on. The walls had visible cracks, and the wooden surfaces showed signs of wear—peeling paint, cracks, and uneven surfaces due to poor preparation during previous works. However, having encountered similar challenges in the past, I knew these hurdles could be overcome with the right preparation and techniques.
Attention to Detail in Every Step
1. Preparation and Protection
I began by protecting the carpeted areas with a durable carpet protection foil to prevent dust or paint stains. The staircase’s skirting boards, banisters, and wallpaper were carefully masked with high-quality tapes to ensure clean lines and avoid damage.
2. Repairing Walls and Woodwork
- Wall cracks were treated using a multi-step process: opening the cracks, applying a primer to improve adhesion, using flexible filler for flexibility, and finishing with a fine filler for smoothness.
- For wooden surfaces, I sanded down peeling paint and smoothed over imperfections. The skirting boards where they met the walls also needed careful repairs to ensure seamless joints.
3. Priming and Painting
- The wooden elements received two coats of Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat. Between coats, any overlooked imperfections were filled, sanded, and smoothed to perfection. The final finish involved two coats of Dulux Trade Quick Dry Gloss in Pure Brilliant White, leaving a smooth, reflective surface.
- Ceilings and walls were carefully prepped, sanded, and painted using Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt for the ceilings (Pure Brilliant White) and Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt – Vanilla Sundae for the walls. The latter added a warm, inviting touch that matched the wallpaper’s tones beautifully.
4. Stairway Challenges
The narrow stairwell with high walls required careful manoeuvring to avoid damaging the opposite walls during painting. Achieving even, streak-free coverage was critical, and precision with rollers and brushes ensured the perfect result.
Practical Tips for DIY Enthusiasts
- Always Prioritise Prep Work: Whether repairing cracks or sanding surfaces, proper preparation is the foundation of a long-lasting finish.
- Invest in Quality Materials: High-quality paints, fillers, and tapes can make a significant difference in both the process and the final look.
- Take Your Time with Taping: Carefully applying painter’s tape, especially around delicate areas like wallpaper or woodwork, will save you time and stress later.
- Flexible Fillers for Cracks: For areas prone to movement, like staircases, a flexible filler will prevent cracks from reappearing.
The Reward of Happy Clients
After 40 hours of work spread across five days, the stairway and landing were transformed. The client’s feedback? A humorous remark about their home looking too polished, joking that it might raise their council tax! Their satisfaction and promise of future outdoor work when the weather improves were the ultimate rewards.
If you’re dreaming of giving your home a fresh start, I’d be delighted to help. Get in touch with Butterfly Decorating today for a free quote.
📞 Phone: 07436401296
📧 Email: office@butterflydecorating.co.uk
🌐 Website: www.butterflydecorating.co.uk
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Let’s create something beautiful together!