Restoring a Historic Sports Hall Floor in a New Nursery
In the heart of a newly established nursery, Hookway Restoration was tasked with restoring the sports hall floor of a building that dates back to the 1930s.
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The structure had been abandoned for some time, resulting in significant wear and tear, particularly due to water damage caused by a roof leak. The goal was to revive the floor while preserving its historical character, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing for the nursery’s young inhabitants.
Challenges Faced
Upon inspection, the floor presented various challenges. It had buckled in several areas, and the remnants of its past were evident throughout. The customer expressed a desire to retain some elements of historical wear and tear, adding an intriguing aspect to the restoration process.
Restoration Process - Solution
To begin, Hookway Restoration used a floor sander and edger, starting with 25-grit sandpaper to tackle the extensive damage over the 84m2 area in need of restoration. Despite thorough horizontal and vertical passes, the floor still exhibited heavy markings, a testament to its age and prior neglect.
As the process progressed, Hookway Restoration transitioned through 40, 80, and finally 120 grit sandpapers, gradually revealing the floor’s potential. During this process, an old pine floor was discovered hidden beneath layers of carpet glue in what was designated as the nursery’s dining room. The floor was barely visible, buried under a mountain of adhesive.
The painstaking task of scraping off the glue ensued, followed by sanding to prepare the surface for finishing.
Application of Primer and Finish - Solution
Once the surface was adequately prepped, Hookway Restoration applied PALLMANN PALL-X 325 primer in both the sports hall and dining room. After allowing the primer to dry overnight, the team returned to apply PALLMANN PALL-X 98, a hard-wearing, water-based lacquer with a semi-gloss finish.
However, upon returning, an unexpected setback was encountered. Young plasterers working in the other areas of the building had inadvertently spilt plaster across the freshly prepared dining room floor. A quick inspection of the main hall also revealed remnants of dried plaster near a doorway, indicating that mixing had occurred right in the entrance.
Result Achieved
With the PALL-X 98 known for its durability, there was hope it would withstand this unforeseen challenge. After applying the first coat, an abrasive pad and a bit of water were used to clean up the mess. To everyone’s relief, the hardened plaster chipped away easily, and the smears wiped clean without damaging the finish. The second coat was applied and by the end, there was no trace of the earlier spill. The restoration was a success, and both the customer and Hookway Restoration were thrilled with the outcome.
Conclusion
The project not only revitalised the sports hall floor but also preserved its historical essence, creating a welcoming environment for the nursery’s children. The durability of the PALLMANN products played a crucial role in overcoming unexpected challenges, reinforcing PALLMANN’s reputation for excellence in floor restoration.
