Repainting Palace Theater Case Study

About the Project:

• Client: Palace Theater
• City and State: Madison, Wisconsin
• Project Type: Commercial Building Facade Renovation

Background: The Palace Theater in Madison, WI, is a vibrant cultural hub that frequently updates its exterior to match its current shows. The owners approached us with a request to repaint the facade, which had previously been coated in blue to resemble a circus tent. With a new wild west show on the horizon, they needed a facade that evoked the rustic charm of brick and wood.

Challenge: The primary challenge was to transform the existing painted facade into a realistic brick look. The original idea was to strip the paint off; however, the Lox-On Masonry Primer and Conditioner we previously applied made this option impractical.

Solution: Instead of stripping the paint, we suggested creating a faux brick effect using specialized painting techniques. Our solution included:

• Faux Brick Painting: We applied a faux brick pattern to the facade, giving it a realistic and textured brick appearance.
• Faux Woodgrain: For areas resembling beams, we executed a faux woodgrain finish to complement the new brick look.

Execution:

• Preparation: We started by preparing the surface, ensuring it was clean and ready for the faux painting process.
• Application: Using Sherwin Williams Lox-On Masonry Primer and Conditioner as a base, we applied the faux brick pattern followed by two coats of Sherwin Williams A100 Latex for durability and a high-quality finish.
• Detailing: The faux woodgrain technique was meticulously applied to areas intended to resemble wooden beams, adding authenticity to the overall look.

Results: The transformation was remarkable. The Palace Theater’s facade now boasts a strikingly realistic brick and wood appearance, perfectly aligning with the wild west theme of their new show. The owners and patrons alike were thrilled with the outcome, noting how it significantly enhanced the theater’s curb appeal and thematic consistency.