One of the most exciting and challenging projects we’ve undertaken was our work for the 100 Princes Street Hotel in Edinburgh. The hotel’s interiors were being completed by specialist contractors from Italy, who were unable to supply the doors for the project. Due to UK regulations requiring British certification – and complications following Brexit – the Italian contractors could not deliver fully compliant doors.
Fortunately, J&D Sprayers & Makeovers were able to step in and meet the challenge, producing over 150 bespoke doors that perfectly matched the original design. Every one of these doors – along with all the other woodwork throughout the hotel – was painted with a meticulous seven-layer process, using a combination of different paints and finishes.
It was an incredible experience to be part of such a prestigious project
This task was far from simple. We spent several weeks refining our technique through trial and error, creating the first templates under the supervision of the Italian craftsmen. Together, we perfected a complex process to recreate the special aged effect with gold mouldings, from start to finish.
The process involved applying seven different layers to achieve the stunning final look. First, we applied a primer – sometimes two layers – followed by a custom black-brown colour chosen by the client. After that, all mouldings on the doors were carefully masked off and sprayed with a silver finish.
Next, the entire surface was hand-aged using special grade sandpaper and Scotch pads to give the doors a weathered, authentic appearance. On these prepared surfaces, we then applied a liquid patina, enhancing the brown tones across the doors and creating a subtle golden hue on the silver mouldings. Finally, the doors were finished with a spray application of a specialised acrylic lacquer with a 45% sheen level. The end result was simply breathtaking.
As with all large, bespoke projects, not everything went smoothly. While the work itself was rewarding, there were some difficult moments too. The main contractor who was responsible for the entire project was unable to properly protect the completed Italian finishes and the doors we supplied. As a result, we were asked to assist with on-site repairs.
This part of the project was quite demanding due to site conditions and the intense pressure of tight deadlines. However, over the course of several weeks, we managed to repair all of the damaged surfaces back to their original, beautiful state.
Today, the hotel looks truly stunning, beautifully reflecting the spirit of Edinburgh’s culture, and we are proud to have played a part in bringing this project to life.
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J&D Sprayers & Makeovers stands for exceptional and professional spray painting service, and we make our service accessible to all by offering budget-friendly prices.
