Restoration Painting

Restoration of damaged surfaces and failed coatings requires a higher level of skill, experience, knowledge, and equipment than typical repainting. That is why Masterwork Painting & Restoration has embraced this niche of the painting field. By definition this type of work involves substantial or complete coating removal and/or substrate repair. A combination of scraping by hand, power sanding, and multiple coating removal methods are integrated for this. We employ unique systems and equipment for the critical containment of paint chips and dust. Our specialized power sander/HEPA vacuum systems not only serve to contain dust, but also to minimize dust generation at the source. As a result, the restoration work performed by Masterwork is clean and safe.

Masterwork is a “Certified Renovator” as required by the EPA’s “Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair, and Painting” regulation enacted April 2010.

The restoration services we perform include:

• Removal/stripping of paint - In most cases where paint stripping is warranted, old paint is thick and is not flexible enough to move with the substrate and therefore peels and cracks extensively. In other cases there is an adhesion problem between paint coats which can be the result of dirt, mildew, incompatible paints, insufficient preparation, etc. This adhesion problem is surprisingly common not just on older surfaces but on newer structures as well. Properly stripped and painted wood will provide a long-term, durable, and cost-effective solution to paint peeling problems.
• Removal of stain/varnish finishes - Masterwork frequently performs partial or complete removal of stained/clear finishes for improved appearance as well as for wood protection. We custom stain and clear coat the surfaces for years of beautiful protection.
• Wood repair - Peeling paint, extensive exposure to sun or moisture, and water infiltration can lead to wood damage. There are a variety of epoxy wood repair systems that can provide a permanent solid solution at a fraction of the cost of replacement
• Plaster repair - This work is typically required due to water damage or problems associated with old horse-hair plaster cracking or loosening from the backing lath. Masterwork applies a variety of restoration and repair techniques depending on the specifics of each situation.

Why restore instead of replace?

• Cost Savings – we have done calculations on multiple occasions comparing the cost to replace wood with the cost of stripping paint as well as for repairing plaster as opposed to demolition and replacement. The cost of replacement is typically 200% - 400+% more than the cost of restoration.
• Wood quality – The old growth forests for logging are a thing of the past and they aren’t making any more slow growth trees. The new wood available is typically farmed to grow fast but not dense and strong. Solid older wood will outlast and outperform new wood because it is denser, more stable, more rot resistant, and when prepared properly paint adheres to it very well.
• Enhanced Appearance – Some older surfaces, moldings, doors, materials, etc. just look better than new alternatives.
• Better quality – The quality and craftsmanship of some older architectural elements, doors, cabinets, etc. are extremely difficult to match.
• Historical significance – Some materials must be maintained to ensure historical accuracy and correct appearance.
• Less disruption – Typically surfaces can be restored in less time, with less mess, and with less disruption than when replaced.