Wood Painting in Richmond

Hardwood interior joinery — including oak floors, hardwood window boards, and hardwood door frames — requires a different approach from softwood. Hardwood is denser and less porous, taking paint differently and often benefiting from an oil or varnish finish rather than a conventional paint system.

We assess the species and condition of hardwood joinery before recommending a finish. Some hardwoods contain natural oils that prevent standard primers from adhering without a specialised preparation step.

Exterior timber on Richmond upon Thames properties faces significant moisture exposure, particularly on west-facing elevations and properties close to the Thames. We use microporous paint systems for all exterior timber, allowing the wood to breathe whilst resisting liquid water penetration.

For exterior painting programmes, exterior timber joinery is scheduled alongside masonry and window frames to give the elevation a cohesive and consistent finish.

Staining and varnishing are alternatives to paint for both interior and exterior timber. Interior hardwood floors, stair treads, and feature shelving in period conversions across Kew and Richmond benefit from a durable varnish system that protects the timber whilst preserving its natural character.

Exterior timber that clients prefer to leave in a natural tone is treated with a penetrating oil or pigmented exterior stain. These products feed into the grain rather than forming a surface film and do not peel.

Where paint build-up has reached the point where it is obscuring moulded profiles or causing functional problems, strip-back is the right approach. We carry out chemical stripping, heat-gun stripping, or sanding depending on the timber species, paint type, and proximity of surrounding surfaces.

Stripping original Victorian and Edwardian joinery in Petersham and Ham period cottages requires patience. Multiple layers of lead-based paint may be present in pre-1970 properties — we follow safe working practices throughout.

Bespoke joinery — including fitted library shelving, alcove cupboards, and under-stair storage in high-value period properties across Richmond Hill and Barnes — is finished to a higher standard than standard painted woodwork. We use appropriate primer and topcoat systems for each joinery material and use.

Colour matching and finish specification for bespoke joinery is discussed at the quote stage. We supply samples where clients want to see the finish against the existing room before committing.