What’s it like to be a Lincrusta installer?
November 4th, 2022
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ShareWell, here’s Frank to tell you! Frank Holmes has run his own painting and decorating business based in Lancashire since 1990 and wanted to broaden the scope of his own work. With the support of his wife Amanda, Frank has undertaken additional training over the years to improve his skills. We got in touch with Frank to find out a bit more.
Photo courtesy of Lincrusta
Hi Frank, it’s lovely to meet you! Let’s jump straight in. Why did you decide to become a Lincrusta installer?
I have always admired the amazing 3D textures of Lincrusta products and officially became an Approved Lincrusta Installer in 2016, after completing Lincrusta’s own Professional Skills Training Courses, (Standard and Advanced Level).
In 1877, Lincrusta-Walton (as it was known then) first came to market and was an instant success, hugely popular the world over. Lincrusta has stood the test of time and many original designs still remain in period properties today.
Photos courtesy of Lincrusta
Where these, or similar heritage relief wallcoverings have incurred damage, e.g. from water ingress, or perhaps from re-modelling renovations, approved Lincrusta Restorers, such as myself are trained to use Restoration Kits available through Lincrusta to replicate and reproduce sections as required, which are sympathetic to the original.
It’s a beautiful product, I can see why you would want to work with Lincrusta! How would a decorator become a Lincrusta installer?
Decorators qualified at NVQ Level 2 or above in Painting and Decorating can apply for the one-day courses run by Lincrusta, in order to be awarded a Lincrusta Skills Card and be entered on to their database of Approved Installers.
Since you have become qualified, what do you enjoy most about using Lincrusta?
Pictured: Brewers Showroom Morecambe – Lincrusta’s Art Nouveau Dado with Amelia design above, finished in Albany Blue Bell Hill, with painted silver highlights
Lincrusta is an extremely versatile 3D wallcovering and is available in a range of designs to suit classic or contemporary interiors. The high relief designs are a perfect base for combining with decorative effects to create unique finishes.
I particularly enjoy pottering in the workshop experimenting with colour and bringing ideas to fruition…delightful dados, fabulous friezes or beautiful backdrops - the possibilities are endless!
Are there any challenges when using Lincrusta?
The most challenging aspect is installing Lincrusta on ceilings - particularly ‘Elizabeth’ design due to its weight. In this project example, I installed new coving and a lightweight ceiling rose, along with Lincrusta on the ceiling, then painted them in Little Greene Jewel Beetle and added gilded gold highlights to tie them all together.
It looks absolutely beautiful despite the challenge! What has been your proudest job so far?
Several feature installations shown below for Quite Simply French, Lancaster - a fine French restaurant with boutique B&B rooms.
Villa Louis Bar Front with gunmetal finish and Elizabeth in grey with gilded copper highlights.
Elizabeth feature with metallic copper effect and Elizabeth with gilded gold highlights.