Dark Limewash on Tallowwood - Hampton

Recreating the warmth of a beloved finish - over a decade later

It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with past clients — and this project was no exception. We first restored this Tallowwood floor back in 2012, and over a decade later, the s

ame client reached out to us once again.

Since then, they’ve updated their kitchen and pantry, and wanted the floors to be brought back to life with the same feel and finish they loved from before.

Revisiting a Familiar Floor

Tallowwood is known for its rich tone and natural variation, but it’s also a softer hardwood, which makes it more prone to dents and surface wear over time. After more than ten years of daily living, the floors had developed scratches and dull patches, especially around high-traffic kitchen areas.

We began by sanding back the old finish to reveal the clean timber beneath — a satisfying process that erased years of use while preparing the surface for a new finish.

Adjusting the Original Colour Recipe

When we first worked on this home in 2012, we created a custom finish that perfectly suited the space at that time. But after a decade, the timber had naturally aged and developed a patina - softening the tone and slightly warming the colour.

When we remade the sample boards, we noticed the original colour recipe felt too cool compared to how the timber had aged. To maintain the same emotional warmth and familiarity, we adjusted the formula slightly to better match the natural evolution of the floor’s tone.

The client immediately recognised the subtle difference and appreciated that the new colour felt closer to the aged, lived-in appearance they had loved for years.

Lime Wash and Final Finish

After finalising the colour tone, we applied a lime wash treatment to soften the highlights and bring depth to the grain. The project was completed with Bona HD water-based polyurethane, known for its durability, clarity, and low sheen, allowing the natural beauty of Tallowwood to show through while protecting it for years to come.

The End Result

The renewed floors now sit beautifully alongside the client’s new kitchen and cabinetry, tying the entire space together with a sense of continuity and refinement. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful adjustments and product choice can bring new life to an old floor — without losing its story.

Imagined interior with the assistance of Interior AI Tool

Disclaimer

Tallowwood, being a relatively soft hardwood, can develop minor dents and impressions over time. While finishes such as Bona HD provide strong protection, natural movement and wear are part of the timber’s charm and authenticity.

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