Paint stripping services in London and Hertfordshire
Paint stripping services London and Hertfordshire for timber windows, doors and period joinery. Careful removal that prepares sound timber for restoration.
At Barnsbury Joinery we provide paint stripping services London and Hertfordshire homeowners rely on when older windows, doors and joinery have been buried under years of paint. Layers built up over decades can trap moisture against the timber, hide splits and rot, and stop the wood breathing as it was meant to. Removing them carefully is often the first step towards a sound, well finished result.
We treat paint stripping as preparation rather than an end in itself. The aim is to take the timber back to a clean, stable surface without scorching, gouging or damaging the profiles that give period joinery its character. Our studio is based in London and we work across the capital and the South East, with supply only available across the rest of the UK.
Our paint stripping services
We strip paint from timber sash and casement windows, front and internal doors, and period joinery such as mouldings, panelling, staircases and shutters. Each job starts with a look at the existing finish so we can judge how many layers are present, whether any earlier coatings are likely to contain lead, and how sound the timber underneath is.
For window and door work we remove the old paint gradually, working with the grain and taking care around glazing bars, beading and delicate detail. Where profiles are intricate we work by hand so the crisp lines of the original joinery are kept rather than rounded off. On larger flat areas we can work more quickly while still protecting the surrounding surface.
We favour methods that are gentle on both the timber and the surrounding fabric of the building. That means avoiding aggressive techniques that can burn the wood or spread dust and fumes through a home. Older paint is handled carefully and cleared away responsibly, and we protect floors, cills and adjacent surfaces before any work begins.
Paint stripping frequently reveals what the timber actually needs next, from filling and splicing to a fresh coat. We can prepare stripped joinery so it is ready for redecoration or for more involved repair, and hand it over clean, dry and ready for the following stage.
Why homeowners choose us
Homeowners come to us because paint stripping on period timber rewards patience and a steady hand. Rushed removal can leave scorch marks, torn grain or lost detail that is difficult and costly to put right, so we take the time to do it properly and to keep the original joinery intact wherever we can.
We work regularly on older and listed properties, so we understand how to approach original windows and doors without stripping away the qualities that make them worth keeping. Sensitive detail is respected, and where a feature is too far gone to save we will say so plainly rather than paper over it.
We are clear about what a job involves before we start. If stripping uncovers rot, movement or previous poor repairs, we explain what we have found and set out the options, so there are no surprises once the paint is off. If you would like us to look at your windows, doors or joinery, you can request a survey and we will advise on the most suitable approach.
Barnsbury Joinery offers full service in London and the South East, with supply only across the rest of the UK. That focus means our time on the tools goes into the areas we know well, and into work we can stand behind.
Restoring timber features
Stripping paint is usually the point at which the true condition of a timber feature becomes clear. Once the surface is clean we can see whether the wood is sound, whether joints have opened, and whether earlier repairs are holding. This makes paint removal a natural first step in any wider restoration of original windows, doors and joinery.
On a sound feature, careful stripping followed by good preparation and a quality finish can be enough to bring it back to life and protect it for years. Where the timber needs more attention we can move on to repair, splicing in new sections, easing sticking sashes, or renewing sections that are beyond saving while keeping as much of the original as possible.
The goal throughout is to keep the character of the original joinery rather than replace it. Well maintained timber windows and doors can last for generations, and taking them back to bare, stable wood is often what allows that longer life. If you would like to understand what your joinery needs, you can request a quote and we will set out a clear plan for the work.
Common questions
What types of timber can you strip paint from?
We strip paint from timber sash and casement windows, front and internal doors, and period joinery such as mouldings, panelling, shutters and staircases. We work across London and the South East and assess each piece before starting.
Will paint stripping damage my original windows and doors?
Not when it is done carefully. We work gradually and, on intricate profiles, by hand, avoiding aggressive methods that can scorch or gouge the timber. The aim is to reach clean, stable wood while keeping the original detail intact.
Do you handle old paint that might contain lead?
Yes. On older properties we assume earlier coatings may contain lead and handle and clear the material responsibly, protecting the surrounding surfaces and the home while the work is carried out.
What happens after the paint is stripped?
Stripping usually reveals what the timber needs next. We prepare the surface so it is ready for redecoration, or move on to repair where rot, movement or old damage is found. We explain what we have uncovered before going further.
How do I arrange paint stripping in London or Hertfordshire?
Contact Barnsbury Joinery to request a survey. We will look at your windows, doors or joinery, advise on the most suitable approach and provide a quote for the work.
Request a survey
Request a survey for your project, from a single commission to a whole scheme.
Request a surveyA studio of The Barnsbury Group
Barnsbury Joinery is the flagship studio of The Barnsbury Group, a second‑generation heritage joinery house. Established in London in 1987, it makes bespoke joinery by hand and carries the parent voice for the family of studios.
