Vintage Caravan Renovation - Exterior Undercoat Painting.

It's been a slow start to the renovation and I can't help but think about all the lovely sunny warm days that I have missed during the Summer and early Autumn months.

I've applied one coat of Dulux Weathershield Undercoat (white) to the front of the caravan and I feel as though this renovation project has officially started!

The preparation of the body work took much longer than the painting itself. Cif, Scotch Brite, sanding, sanding and more sanding (wet and dry) and degreasing was necessary. IT'S HARD WORK!

I'm sure there are many ways in which you can prep but this worked for me.

The manufacturers paint application advice was to use a brush which I used for cutting in but I have to admit to failing to conform and using a smooth foam roller. There are pros and cons to this I'm sure. The brush application seemed to sit much better on the metal with brush lines. The roller applied the paint smoothly and went a long way. The roller is prone to holding too much paint with spray. I guess you can find your own technique on this. Time will tell of the roller finish vs. brush.

Marlborough College Bed. Fit for a Princess?

Locally sourced, with all proceeds of sale going to charity, my newly purchased beds have come from one of the most famous public schools in the world...

HRH Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) is perhaps one of the most well-known pupils to have attended Marlborough College in Wiltshire, as did her sister Pippa Middleton and HRH Princess Eugenie of York. 

The solid iron beds with original spring bases are brimming with character. Having several coats of old chipped paint they come a very colourful history. They have been dated to around 1905 and are in great need of a sympathetic restoration.

Bespoke Bed Design.

I've experimented and used a shot blaster to strip the old chipped layers of paint finishing with a powder coat for a strong evenly coated surface.

It was important in the design brief that the beds continued to display their character of age and history and I couldn't be anymore pleased with the results...

Original Cast Iron.

Remarkable Detail.

Waxed bun feet restored.

The Final Result.

I've restored two of these beds for my two daughters. My interior design brief was to create a very english modern country bedroom. The walls would be a chalky pink... Farrow & Ball 'Middleton Pink' was an obvious choice, Laura Ashley pink gingham and country patchwork quilts.