Progress on 547

This picture was taken a couple of workdays ago. It shows the latest and so far most successful method of removing the paint on the mouldings of 547. Stephen is using a lpg torch and scraper. The paint bubbles when the heat is applied and with a little practice there is little or no scorching of the timber.

After sanding the finish is ready for paint. As can be seen the timber was originally lacquered and later (many) coats of paint were added. We will repaint it when all the old paint is removed.

Originally we were just going to clean up the existing paint and touch it up where necessary. However closer inspection revealed that it was in poorer condition than first thought. Also the mouldings were so full of paint their shape was being lost.

The ceiling above Stephen has been sanded with a belt sander which works well but is hard work. No one can hold the sander above their head for too long without a break and it creates an awful lot of dust.