French Polished Staircase
This Arts & Crafts staircase in Alderley Edge was completely restored and repolished.
The start of the restoration process.
As the staircase was on three floors, work began on the top floor, stripping years of dirt and dark stain away from the handrail and spindles. Scaffolding was used to access awkward areas.
Using special techniques to remove water stains, sanding out nasty scratches, ironing out severe knocks and dents.
Discovery of the natural beauty of the wood.
After consulation with the client at each stage and discovery of the lovely natural colour of the Parana Pine, it was decided to work with natural colour and enhance it.
The stair treads and skirtings were covered in dark brown scumble. Stripping one as a sample I found they too were lovely quality Pitch Pine and the client asked for them to be completely restored and enhanced.
The Finished effect
The handrails and spindles were lovingly French polished, smoothing down in between each coat in order to give a beautiful velvet touch.
The stair treads and skirting were treated with a suitable heard wearing lacquer to match.
