Grade II Listed Townhouse Lime Paint Restoration

The Challenge

Coordinating with the Westminster conservation officer was essential at every stage, as the listed status of the property placed strict limitations on materials and methods. The existing modern masonry paint had bonded tenaciously to the render in places, and aggressive removal risked damaging the soft lime substrate beneath. Access was further complicated by the proximity of neighbouring properties on this narrow Westminster street.

Our Approach

We began with a detailed condition survey alongside the conservation officer to document all areas of concern and agree a specification. Inappropriate modern coatings were removed using a combination of gentle steam stripping and specialist poultice techniques that softened the paint film without disturbing the lime render. Where the render had deteriorated, we carried out localised repairs using a lime putty mortar matched to the original composition. The facade was then finished with three coats of breathable lime wash, tinted with natural earth pigments to match the approved heritage colour. Internally, reception rooms received lime-based distemper on walls and traditional linseed oil paint on timber joinery, restoring the authentic material palette of the period.

The Result

The completed restoration has returned the townhouse to its authentic Georgian appearance, with the soft, chalky texture of lime wash replacing the flat sheen of modern masonry paint. The conservation officer praised the quality of the render repairs and the sympathetic colour matching, noting the project as an exemplar of best practice for listed building maintenance in the Westminster conservation area.