Heritage surfaces • Traditional paint • Practical site advice

Independent consultancy for historic decorative finishes.

I help owners, architects, and contractors make sound decisions about traditional paint systems and historic interiors — with clear, practical guidance that works on site.

Based in North Norfolk • Working across the UK • Site visits, reports, and project support

Services

Clear advice and deliverables that help projects move forward — without guesswork.

Site assessment

On-site investigation

Condition surveys, failure analysis, and practical recommendations that respect historic fabric.

Specification support

Paint & finishes strategy

Compatible systems for breathability, durability, and future redecoration — with clear product choices.

Reports

Written advice

Concise, client-friendly reports with priorities, options, and method notes for contractors.

Historic interiors

Paint analysis & interpretation

Understanding sequences, original colour intent, and appropriate reinstatement approaches.

Problem solving

Moisture & coating failures

Unpicking why finishes fail — salts, trapped moisture, incompatible coatings, or substrate issues.

Delivery

Contractor liaison

On-call technical support, site visits during works, and sign-off guidance when needed.

Approach

Balanced, pragmatic advice — respecting both conservation principles and real-world constraints.

Compatibility first

Historic substrates are rarely forgiving. I focus on adhesion, vapour permeability, salt behaviour, and future maintenance — so you’re not locked into a coating that can’t be repainted.

Clarity for site teams

Good projects depend on clear instructions. I translate technical requirements into steps that decorators can follow — without ambiguity.

Traditional materials, sensibly used

Limewash and distemper can be brilliant, but not everywhere. Where modern systems are justified, I’ll explain why — and what to watch for long-term.

Independent and straightforward

No brand allegiance, no sales. Just honest assessment, options, and recommendations tailored to the building and the brief.

How it works

A simple process that keeps decisions moving and reduces risk.

01

Brief & context

Quick call or email to understand the building, current issues, and what you need the outcome to be.

02

Site visit

Inspection, targeted tests, and discussion with the team. Practical advice there and then, where possible.

03

Options & recommendations

Clear priorities, compatible systems, and a route forward — including “do nothing” where that’s best.

04

Written output

Notes or a short report with method guidance, materials, and decision points for procurement/spec.

Typical briefs

Examples of where clients bring me in (project details kept confidential).

Redecoration strategy

Choosing systems that are breathable and maintainable in period properties, including listed buildings.

Paint failure investigations

Peeling, blistering, staining, powdering, or poor adhesion — establishing cause and remedy.

Historic colour & finish intent

Interpreting earlier schemes and advising on historically appropriate reinstatement.

Moisture and salts

Understanding what’s driving deterioration and how to avoid trapping moisture behind coatings.

Material trials

Small test areas, sample panels, and monitored trials to reduce uncertainty before commitment.

Contractor support

Method notes, sequencing, and site troubleshooting during works to keep quality high.

Contact

Send a few details and I’ll come back to you with next steps.

Get in touch

For enquiries, availability, and fees — email or call, or use the form to draft a message.

If you’d like, include: address/postcode, photos, what’s been tried so far, and your target timescales.

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