This home in Herongate, near Brentwood, has exposed timber beams across its ceilings, an oak staircase and tall stairwell walls, which meant working with ladders. We decorated all of it. Danny, who has worked in the trade for more than 25 years, treats preparation as the most important part of any decorating job. This one shows why.
What we were working with
Dark timber beams sit close to the ceiling paint, and the oak staircase had to keep its natural look. Our aim was to freshen the walls, ceilings and woodwork and leave the character of the timber as it was. That meant a different treatment for each surface: white ceilings, light walls, painted woodwork, stained beams and a varnished oak staircase.
Covering the house first
The carpets in the hall, stairs and landing went under protection film. Dust sheets covered the rest of the area.
Filling and sanding
With the floors covered, we went over the walls, ceilings and woodwork and looked for damage. Cracks and damaged areas were filled, and the surfaces were sanded smooth. The painted woodwork was prepared so the new paint system would bond properly.
Caulking and masking around the beams
Each beam meets a painted ceiling, so every join needed attention. We caulked the gaps around the timber, the skirting boards and the adjoining surfaces, then masked the edges before any stain or paint went on. Nobody sees this work once the job is finished, yet it decides how the finish looks and how long it lasts.
Staining the beams
The beams were stained with Jakka beam stain once the preparation was done. Dark timber against fresh white ceilings leaves no room for a wobbly line, so we took our time along every masked edge.
Reaching the top of the stairwell
The stairwell walls are high and the angles are awkward, so ladders were needed to reach the top. We gave the top of the walls the same attention as the skirting boards at floor level, because a hard-to-reach area shows as much as an easy one.
Sanding and varnishing the oak
The staircase stayed oak. We sanded the handrails, banisters and other accessible timber, taking extra time around the spindles, newel posts and corners. An oil-based polyurethane varnish then protected the wood for everyday use.
What went on each surface
Jakka beam stain on the exposed beams.
Oil-based polyurethane varnish on the oak staircase.
Johnstone's Ultra Flat Matt on the ceilings, a low-sheen finish that helps hide small imperfections.
Johnstone's Cleanable Matt on the walls, which resists everyday marks and scuffs.
Primer, undercoat and two coats of Johnstone's Aqua Guard Satin on the doors, frames and skirting boards.
How it looks now
The beams read as dark lines against clean white ceilings, and the oak still shows its grain. Walls, ceilings and woodwork are finished throughout the stair area.
Need a painter and decorator in Brentwood?
Describe the job to us: the size, the work needed and the state of the surfaces. Large or small, inside or out, we will review what is involved and send you a free, no-obligation quote.
Prefer to talk? Call +44 7980 142212 or message us on WhatsApp.
Our base is Billericay. We take on jobs in Brentwood, Shenfield, Upminster and Hornchurch too. You can read more about this kind of work on our Interior Painting & Decorating page.