Waterglaze Finish

Lewis F. Perry, Edward's father, and founder of the Edward K. Perry Company* developed a number of special decorative techniques. The waterglaze finish, on these walls, was one created by the company. Bill is one of the few people who still knows how implement the many techniques created by the Edward K. Perry Company. 

The technique of encaustic water glazing involves floating several layers of differing “colors” over a casein (the main protein present in milk and cheese, used in processed foods and in adhesives and paints) base. Because protein-based paints are remarkably stable and long-lasting, they called this technique their “one-hundred-year finish.” Lewis F. Perry would say, “You paint once and then spend the next fifty or sixty years cleaning and washing — that is all that is necessary.” Perfection was the goal of the firm. It was not uncommon for the company’s painters to apply more than eleven coats in order to achieve a desired effect.

In addition to restoring the waterglaze finishes, Bill has done a significant amount of restoration to this whole property. To see all his work on 10 Marlborough, visit this link: 10 Marlborough Gallery