Grade I Listed Building Renovation Using Soda Blasting
Tenby Lifeboat House - Pembrokeshire, West Wales, SA70
Client's Challenge
Tenby Lifeboat House, a prominent Grade I listed heritage building
located on the waterfront in Tenby, required sensitive internal restoration
works as part of a time-critical renovation programme.
During refurbishment, the main internal ceiling feature - arched tongue-and-groove timber panels - was found to be heavily coated with multiple layers of varnish. These coatings obscured the original timber finish and detracted from the historic character of the space.
Traditional chemical paint and varnish stripping methods were initially trialled by the principal contractor but proved unsuitable due to the risk of damaging the delicate timber profiles, non-compliance with conservation and
environmental requirements, and the potential to delay the programme.
APT ICC was engaged to provide a safe, non-destructive alternative that would restore the timber while meeting conservation constraints and avoiding programme overrun.
Assessment & Planning
APT ICC’s specialist soda blasting team attended site to assess the timber condition, varnish build-up, access constraints, and risks associated with conventional stripping methods.
Working closely with the contractor’s Site Manager and the local conservation architect, APT ICC confirmed a restoration approach that:
• Preserved the integrity and detailing of the tongue-and-groove timber
• Complied fully with listed building and environmental requirements
• Avoided wet or aggressive chemical processes
• Aligned with the renovation programme and critical handover dates
This planning phase ensured the selected method was both
conservation-appropriate and programme-safe.
Methodology
APT ICC delivered the restoration using a controlled, non-abrasive soda blasting methodology, specifically suited to sensitive timber surfaces.
The works were carried out as follows:
1. Careful protection of surrounding areas prior to works commencing.
2. Controlled soda blasting to remove multiple heavy varnish layers from the tongue-and-groove timber panels.
3. Progressive cleaning across the arched ceiling to ensure a consistent finish.
4. Final clean-down and inspection to confirm surfaces were ready for redecoration and finishing.
Soda blasting uses bicarbonate of soda as a gentle blast media. On impact, the crystals fracture and lift coatings without
etching, scratching, or damaging delicate timber substrates.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• Specialist soda blasting systems with controlled delivery
• Compressed air supply and precision nozzles for delicate timber work
Chemicals
• None used - no harsh chemical strippers were required, supporting both
conservation compliance and environmental protection
The Results
• Heavy varnish layers fully removed without damage to timber
• Tongue-and-groove detailing preserved across the arched ceiling
• Clean, smooth timber surfaces ready for repainting and restoration
• Programme delays avoided, preventing potential penalty costs
• Environmentally responsible solution delivered on a waterfront site
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