How laser cleaning restored a cast iron balcony on a Grade II listed building in Leamington Spa

We were recently commissioned to carry out the careful restoration of a highly detailed cast iron balcony on a Grade II listed building in Leamington Spa.

The building itself had been recently painted, but the balcony had not been properly restored. Over time, heavy layers of old paint had built up across the intricate castings, burying much of the original detail. On a property of this calibre, those architectural features deserve to be seen, not hidden.

The Brief

Because the property is listed, preservation was absolutely key.

The client was very clear: No sand blasting, No harsh chemical stripping, A sympathetic method that would protect the integrity of the metal.

Laser cleaning was the ideal solution. It allowed us to precisely remove decades of coatings without damaging the substrate or softening the crisp edges of the cast iron.

The Challenge - Lead Paint

As expected with a building of this age, we encountered lead-based paint within the older layers. This required:

Enhanced containment measures.

Specialist extraction and filtration.

Strict safe working procedures.

Rather than causing delays, we adapted our setup and method immediately. Most importantly, we kept the customer informed at every stage of the process. On heritage projects, transparency and communication are just as important as the workmanship itself.

Working to a Tight Schedule

This project required careful coordination.

We needed to complete our works in line with:

Decorators attending site to apply primer.

Donkeywell Forge carrying out specialist repair work.

Decorators returning to apply the final topcoat.

There was a tight window between each stage.

We worked methodically but efficiently to ensure the balcony was cleaned back to bare metal and ready exactly when the next trade needed access.

Good scheduling and communication between all parties ensured the project stayed on track

Revealing the Original Detail

One of the most satisfying parts of this job was uncovering the incredible detail that had been hidden for years.

As shown in the before and after images:

The lion head motifs regained their depth and character.

Fine casting lines and contours became sharp again.

The overall definition of the ironwork was dramatically improved.

It’s always rewarding to reveal craftsmanship that has been buried beneath layer upon layer of paint. On listed buildings, especially, these details are part of the property’s historic identity.

Before and After

The Result

The balcony was left:

Clean to bare metal.

Fully preserved with no abrasive damage.

Ready for repairs and refinishing.

Completed on schedule.

Before and After

By choosing laser cleaning over blasting or chemicals, the client ensured the integrity of the metalwork was maintained while achieving a superior restoration outcome.

Sensitive Restoration for Listed Buildings

Projects like this in Leamington Spa highlight why laser cleaning is fast becoming the preferred method for heritage metalwork restoration. It’s precise, controlled, and perfectly suited to detailed cast iron where preservation matters.

If you’re restoring period ironwork and want a non-abrasive, sympathetic approach, we’re always happy to advise.