Selma Mansion We started by addressing the failing plaster. After carefully removing the deteriorated material, we applied new layers, beginning with a scratch coat, followed by a white finish coat. One of the most intricate aspects of this restoration was recreating the plaster cornice. Using a template derived from the original design, we installed rails…

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Refinishing the Mahogany Wainscoting The mahogany wainscoting was a centerpiece of the dining room’s character, but its condition told the story of decades of neglect. The blistered lacquer finish trapped years of dust and grime, masking the wood’s beauty. Restoring it was a labor-intensive but incredibly rewarding process. We began by stripping away the old…

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Faux Patina A year after completing work on Selma Mansion’s main house, I received a call from the owners. The pool house, which had been finished along with the main house, was causing some dissatisfaction. The metal roof, initially designed to resemble copper, had turned out to be a dark brown that lacked the vibrant…

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Leesburg, VA ad the incredible honor of being part of the restoration team for Selma Mansion in Leesburg, Virginia. As a fourth-generation decorative painter and finisher, I have worked on some amazing projects in my career, but Selma was something truly special. It’s not every day that you get to breathe new life into a…

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Charlestown, WV It started with a simple call from my business neighbor, Robert Aird of Robert Aird, Inc., a specialist in EIFS plastering and sealant work. “Would you be interested in a new casino project in Charles Town, WV?” he asked. Thirty minutes from my office and rich with potential, I didn’t hesitate to say…

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When the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., was built, its white Carrara marble façade, imported from Italy, was meant to symbolize elegance and timeless beauty. However, not everything matched the grandeur of the vision. The massive exterior doors, necessary for stage access and emergency exits, were left plain white, sticking out…

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I’ve always been captivated by the enduring charm of lime paint. This ancient artisanal creation has a fascinating history that traces its roots to antiquity and boasts an unmatched legacy of excellence, particularly in the hands of Italian craftsmen. Join me on this journey as we explore the origins, superior qualities, and versatile applications of…

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The Dream That Waited Decades When the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., was built, its white Carrara marble façade, imported from Italy, was meant to symbolize elegance and timeless beauty. However, not everything matched the grandeur of the vision. The massive exterior doors, necessary for stage access and emergency exits, were left plain…

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Ronald Layman is a fourth-generation decorator, hailing from a family with a long-standing legacy in craftsmanship that dates back to 1890 when his great grandfather founded their decorating company. Ronald’s journey as a decorative painter has been enriched by his training under some of the greatest artists of other generations, making him a true master…

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