The second round of paint removals trials at the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s Soane Stable Block has been completed. The latest samples were prepared using a ThermaTech system which creates a high-temperature water spray that can be fine-tuned to remove paintwork without damaging the masonry behind.

This cleaning has helped confirm our theory that much of the internal masonry structure was built using re-used red bricks salvaged from the Christopher Wren stable block which preceded the current building. A buff London stock brick was used for the external and courtyard facades.

It is also interesting to revisit the first set of samples now that the brickwork has dried out. The original lime wash is much more evident and has a lovely chalky appearance.