What type of damage occurs on cornicing?<\/h2>\n
\u2018The most common source of damage to old cornice is moisture,\u2019 says Russell Brewis of cornice experts Artisan Plastercraft. \u2018This can be dampness over time or a water episode such as a flood or burst pipe. Old cornice can also be compromised by sustained vibrations and\/or damage caused by DIY or other building work.\u2019<\/p>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/19\/2022\/11\/Cornice-repair-by-Artisan-Plastercraft-7778264.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C348"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Can you repair cornicing yourself?<\/h2>\n
Water staining, cracks and thick layers of paint that obscure the detail of the plasterwork are visible signs that your cornicing needs attention, but which repairs should you tackle yourself and which should you leave to the experts? It largely depends on your own level of skill and confidence, but there are certainly some issues that can be tackled by DIY-savvy homeowners.<\/p>\n
\u2018Layers of paint can be removed by anyone with some dexterity and lots of time,\u2019 suggests John Gallacher of Halcyon Ornamental Plasterers Ltd. \u2018Though in 45 years I\u2019ve witnessed only two ornamental ceilings that the owners completely cleaned of paint. Both were excellent but took hundreds of man hours.\u2019 In both these cases small steam tools were used. Some people opt for paint stripping solutions but John isn\u2019t a fan: \u2018In my view they create more damage and aren\u2019t fit for purpose.\u2019<\/p>\n
Small cracks and chips can be worth a DIY effort too \u2013 carefully make the area smooth, chiselling away rough edges and sanding gently. Apply filler and smooth it over, ensuring you don\u2019t overload it. Then make sure the area is clean and fully dry before painting it.<\/p>\n
Which cornicing repairs require professionals?<\/h2>\n
Russell agrees that superficial decoration of cornicing is straightforward to tackle but recommends that any cracks should be investigated before repairs or redecoration are undertaken. \u2018If there is evidence of damp, water staining, cracks or detached cornice pieces it is advisable to seek the guidance of an expert,\u2019 he adds. \u2018It\u2019s especially important in the case of listed buildings<\/a>.\u2019<\/p>\n In situations of severe damage or where listed buildings are concerned, professionals will be able to help. Specialists in decorative plaster can ensure existing mouldings are faithfully replicated, and as enriched cornice mouldings are harder to work with than plain ones, these will benefit from expert care.<\/p>\n \u2018If a cornice is enriched we take samples of enrichments and ornament, then clean these samples back to their original unpainted state and form new silicone moulds to replicate and fit, so that the end result looks exactly as it did the day the original work was completed,\u2019 explains John.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Matthew Rose undertook DIY cornice repairs while working on his period home renovation.<\/strong><\/p>\n The cornicing in our house is original Victorian, but a previous owner had covered the entire end walls of several bedrooms in huge fitted wardrobes. Thankfully they hadn\u2019t removed the cornicing, but it had been damaged in several places, with small cracks and dinks where it had been bashed around over the years, and some was covered in thick paint that was flaking away and had to be removed.<\/p>\n We tackled the prep work and repaired the cracking and smaller areas of damage ourselves: once we\u2019d removed the wardrobes, old layers of paint on the cornicing had to be painstakingly chipped away by hand to minimise damage to the original plasterwork underneath.<\/p>\n Once we were back to the original plaster, we carefully raked out and cleaned up the cracks and damaged areas before lightly sanding the entire cornicing. We then used a lightweight filler to make the necessary repairs. Once the lengthy prep process was finished, we used a distemper paint to topcoat and allow the 120-year-old plasterwork to breathe after years of emulsion, gloss and eggshell.<\/p>\n Essential tools included a small leaf trowel to apply filler in hard-to-reach areas and Gyproc Easifill 60 for the repairs: probably not a \u2018traditional\u2019 fix, but it\u2019s super-lightweight, easy to apply and sand, and gives an excellent smooth finish.<\/p>\n Some of the cornicing did require professionals \u2013 areas of more significant damage were beyond our DIY skill level, and a local company did a fantastic job.<\/p>\n If you take on DIY cornice repairs you\u2019ll need lots of patience. Good prep work, taking it back to bare plaster and starting from scratch are essential to ensure the cornicing will last another 100-plus years! It took a lot of time, but the results are worth it.<\/p>\n See more of Matthew\u2019s renovation on Instagram @thedetachedvictorian<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Ornamental plasterwork, restoration and conservation firm based in Glasgow. halcyoncornice.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n Decorative plaster, mouldings and lime plastering specialists based in Kent. artisanplastercraft.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/19\/2022\/11\/Cornice-by-Artisan-Plastercraft-9178846.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C348"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> How to repair cornicing at home<\/h2>\n
Cornicing repair contacts<\/h2>\n
Halcyon Ornamental Plasterers Ltd<\/h3>\n
Artisan Plastercraft<\/h3>\n
Building Conservation Directory<\/h3>\n