Commercial Painting Case Study

Hearthstone Historic House Museum in Appleton, WI

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Hearthstone Historic House Museum Painting Project

Hearthstone Historic House Museum is nationally renowned historic site of international significance.

Hearthstone Historic House was the first private residence anywhere in the world to be illuminated using hydroelectricity from a central Edison system. The switch was thrown on September 30, 1882 only two weeks after the first-ever Edison central station, which was powered by steam, was operational in New York City. The house still contains the original Edison electroliers, original light switches, and some of the 1 world’s only examples of original Edison wiring in situ. Hearthstone is on the National Register of Historic Places for its technological, historic, architectural, and artistic significance.

However, this beautifully restored house and museum is much more…

It is excellent example of Queen Anne Victorian Style architecture, designed by a leading architect of the day, with breathtaking interiors. It is “hard wired” into local history as its story is the story of the history of Wisconsin, of the Gilded Age, and of fortunes won and lost.

It is a look to the past but it is also a look to the future – a look featuring hydroelectricity and renewable
power, individually powered homes, and what it means to be a visionary.

More information about the museum can be found at https://www.hearthstonemuseum.org/

sign outside Hearthstone Historic House Museum

As a museum on the National Register of Historic Places, our project had to be meet demanding National Park Service / Department of Interior standards for restoration. The carpentry and painting crews from Certapro did an outstanding job understanding our needs and then meeting these strict requirements. We look forward to working with Certapro for years to come to preserve the fine work they did.

- George S. | Museum Caretaker

George S. | Museum Caretaker

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Before Photos

Before each commercial project begins we survey the property to look for any potential issues and develop a plan. The photos below are before our team started painting.

Before Painting

Before Painting

The museum had extensive wood rot and there was severe chipping and peeling of the paint all substrates.

Deck Floor Before

Deck Floor Before

The floor of the deck was wearing. This is normal for horizontal surfaces over time.

Before Painting

Before Painting

Last major restoration was 1992. Building was maintained by volunteers for 30 years. The did a phenomenal job given their resources

Project in Progress Photos

These pictures were taken while our crew was working on the house.

Lifts Used

Lifts Used

A 60 ft. articulating all-terrain lift was utilized for safety and reach some challenging positions

Paint Color Matching

Paint Color Matching

The "red" paint on the building was custom made by Sherwin Williams to match the exact formulation from when the building was built (1882).

The Final Results

The below photos were taken after project completion.

After Painting

After Painting

The buildings exterior was restored to its original appearance with historically accurate colors.

Restored railings and woodwork

Restored railings and woodwork

With help from fox valley technical college, the railings were replaced and updated.

Restored Porch Floor

Restored Porch Floor

The colors are historically accurate and reflect how the house would have looked in its time.

Aerial View After Painting

Aerial View After Painting

This view shows the museum after painting from the lift.

Steep Angles & Difficult Areas

Steep Angles & Difficult Areas

Some areas of the museum posed challenges to paint, like this sharply pitched section of roof.