Lincrusta Re-paint

[Nigel_Cro]

Hi Guys,

When we had the house renovated a few years ago, we had Lincrusta put on the hall, stairs and landing walls up to dado level.

The Lincrusta was painted with a gloss paint and looked a million dollars. It is now starting to look a little tired and needs a re-paint.

Question - how should I prep the Lincrusta? A fine grit across the top will give a good key where it touches, but what about the surfaces 'below' the top level, in all the grooves and hollows?

I think a good sugar soaping would help, but would it be enough? Some kind of cup brush, but it would have to be really gentle, I don't want to lose the edges?

Over to the experts...

Thanks in advance,

Nigel

 

[Robbie uk]

There shouldnt be any need to sand the surface of the Lincrusta. A good sugar soaping and cleaning of the surface is all that is usually required.

 

[Nigel_Cro]

Thanks Robbie,

Looks like it will be an easier job than I thought then - which is always good news.

Just as an aside - what paint would you guys recommend? I don't want anything to 'gloopy' (technical term) as I want to keep as much definition to the Lincrusta as possible.

A good quality gloss - maybe thinned down by a few percent?

Or just un-thinned but well brushed?

Thanks again,

Nigel

 

[Robbie uk]

Lincrusta was usually painted with oil paints, or a scumble glaze to look like wood. Eggshell is a lovely finish but not as servicable to finger marks. Depends on what you want it to look like really.

 

[Nigel_Cro]

There is an oil-based gloss on there at the moment, and it has served really well. Three kids and several dogs growing up around it hasn't really touched it apart from a few scuffs.

I think I will re-paint with oil-based, but just be careful not to get it too thick in the recessed patterns.

I was thinking of two thinned coats? but maybe this will have the same effect as one un-thinned coat applied properly??

The colour will be very similar, if not the same, so it shouldn't need more than one coat (should it?).

I just don't want to stuff it up, it cost a fortune, was a b*tch to put up and looks really nice!

 

[Robbie uk]

Touch up the scuffed areas with a bit of undercoat and give it all a coat of satinwood, not as shiny as gloss but a nice finish.

 

[Nigel_Cro]

Thanks Robbie,

I think you are right about the satin rather than gloss, it doesn't need a high shine.

Sorted.

Nigel