Restoring a 1930s mock Tudor house exterior

What did the customer need?

The customer needed the whole outside of their mock Tudor home repainted, because the black and cream finish had started to fail. The job covered the front and rear gables, the dormer, the porch and the bay window surrounds. It also covered the render, the window frames, the doors, and the fascias, gutters and downpipes. The rear extension and side passage were included too. The aim was to bring the house back to its former glory, with a finish that matched on every side.

What condition was it in?

The black timber boards were flaking badly across the front of the house, with bare patches showing through. The worst areas were the front gable, the dormer and the porch pillars. The bargeboards and the dentil moulding under the gables had peeled too. The cream panels between the boards were chipped and stained. The house also has original features that needed protecting. These included leaded stained-glass windows, a round porthole window beside the door, an octagonal stained-glass window at the side, and a tiled porch step.

What preparation was needed?

The preparation involved scraping back every loose area and priming the bare wood before any new paint went on. This was a full redecoration, not a refresh, because the old paint had failed on every elevation and needed bringing back to a sound base.

Which paints and materials were used?

I used Johnstones Gloss Paint in black on the timber boards, and Johnstones masonry paint in buttermilk on the render. A gloss finish suits mock Tudor boards because it is hard-wearing and sheds rainwater, which protects the timber underneath. It also gives the deep black look these houses are known for. Masonry paint is made for render. It lets moisture escape from the wall while keeping rain out. The fascias, gutters and downpipes were painted in Johnstones Gloss Paint in black.

What was the result?

The house now has a crisp black and cream finish that looks the way it would have when it was first built. The gloss on the boards is deep and even, and the cream render looks fresh on every side, from the front drive to the back patio. The stained glass, porthole window and tiled step all came through untouched. The red and blue brick plinth and the clay-tiled bay roofs now stand out against the new paintwork.

Questions about this job