Pre-war walls require pre-war patience
Washington's historic neighbourhoods — Capitol Hill, Logan Circle, Mount Pleasant, Old Town Alexandria — were built when plaster was the standard and drywall did not yet exist. Plaster does not behave like drywall. It moves, it cracks, it has rough sand finishes that telegraph through any paper hung directly on top. Treating it like drywall is the most common reason historic-home wallpaper fails.
Plaster preparation, done properly
We assess the wall first, identify any movement or moisture issues, repair active cracks with fiberglass mesh and a setting-type compound, then skim coat the entire surface with two thin coats. Sanding is done with a vacuum sander to keep dust contained, and a penetrating wallcovering primer is applied so the paper has a stable surface to bond to.
Reproduction and period-correct papers
We work regularly with reproduction houses such as Bradbury & Bradbury, Adelphi, and Morris & Co., as well as modern papers chosen to feel correct in period rooms. Each manufacturer has specific paste and seam recommendations, and we follow them.
Respecting the rest of the house
Original mouldings, plaster cornices and trimwork are protected and never used as a guide for cutting. Switch plates and registers are removed and re-installed. We treat your historic home like a museum piece, because it is.