Property: Large residential property in Surrey
Scope: Full external redecoration
Project Overview
This substantial residential property in Surrey required a full external redecoration after more than seven years without maintenance. The previous decoration had been completed using an oil-based paint system, which over time had become brittle and inflexible.
As a result, widespread flaking, cracking, and paint failure had occurred across timber, metalwork, and previously repaired areas. Hallmark was appointed to restore the exterior, address defective substrates, and implement a long-lasting, flexible coating system.
Initial Condition & Key Issues
- Oil-based paint breakdown causing extensive cracking and peeling
- Fungal growth present on several elevations
- Defective timber requiring repair and selective replacement
- Poorly prepared garage door with adhesion failure
- Multiple layers of paint on cast iron downpipes
- Deteriorated glazing putty to several windows
- Areas of ineffective previous repairs
The property required not just decoration, but a comprehensive preparation and repair strategy to ensure durability.
Preparation Process
Proper preparation was the foundation of this project. The following steps were carried out:
1. Surface Cleaning
- Full wash down using an anti-fungal solution to remove contaminants and organic growth.
- Surfaces allowed to dry thoroughly prior to mechanical preparation.
2. Removal of Failed Coatings
- All loose, flaking, and unstable paint was completely removed.
- Cast iron downpipes, which had been painted multiple times, were carefully prepared back to a stable surface.
3. Timber Repairs
- Minor surface defects repaired using Toupret exterior wood filler.
- Deeper, structural repairs completed with the Repair Care Dry Flex 4-hour system.
- New timber spliced in where deterioration was beyond repair.
- Defective wood fully replaced where necessary.
- Replacement glazing putty applied to windows as required.
This ensured all substrates were structurally sound before priming.
Priming & Coating System
A high-performance Zinsser system was specified to provide durability and flexibility.
Timber & Masonry
- Zinsser Cover Stain primer applied to prepared surfaces.
- Primed with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3
- Two full coats of Zinsser AllCoat Exterior applied for a durable, flexible finish.
Cast Iron Downpipes
- Thorough preparation completed.
- Zinsser Peel Stop applied to stabilise existing coatings.
- Finished with Johnstones Smooth Metal Paint for long-term protection.
Garage Door
- All failed paint removed.
- Primed with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 to ensure adhesion.
- Two coats of Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin applied for a smooth, durable finish.
Results
The property was fully restored with:
- A flexible, breathable coating system
- Long-term weather protection
- Repaired and strengthened timber elements
- Stabilised metalwork and cast iron features
- Clean, crisp finish enhancing overall kerb appeal
The upgraded system prevents the brittleness associated with previous oil-based coatings, significantly extending the maintenance cycle.
Conclusion
This Surrey project demonstrates Hallmark’s structured, repair-led approach to exterior redecoration. Rather than simply overcoating, the team implemented a complete preparation and repair programme, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic excellence.
This project is representative of the high-specification external works Hallmark typically undertakes, combining specialist repair systems with premium coating technology to deliver durable, professional results.
Customer Review
“We live in a large 3 storey Victorian property that has been converted into 5 flats and have engaged Hallmark Bespoke Services to carry out the full external decoration and associated remedial works.
We are currently 3 weeks in to the works and are very pleased with the progress so far, Simon and his team are very punctual and professional at all times.
Simon has a lot of project management experience and has been keeping us up-to-date with the progress and the challenges of such a substantial property.
The house has previously been painted using oil based products which has resulted in some areas of paint failure, ultimately trapping moisture and subsequently caused some damage to areas of the woodwork.
Simon is very knowledgeable and experienced at dealing with these kind of issues and has been able to advise on the correct products / techniques to remedy these problems.
We have great confidence in Simon and his team, and we are absolutely pleased with the quality of their workmanship.”
