US National Historic Bank Restoration

The Historic US National Bank sits in downtown Portland, Oregon. First opened in 1917, the building has been in use for over a century. However, besides its age, the renowned structure has risen in popularity due to its impressive architecture and interior design. Within the walls lives sprawling columns with eagle motif capitals, and a hand carved ceiling with beautiful rosettes and patterned work. In 2021 we were contacted to help restore the capitals and paneled ceiling after the building suffered excessive water damage.
The five months following involved assembling a crew of artists, and meticulously repairing the damaged areas. Each morning we would work on scaffolding fifty feet in the air, and look up at the ceiling, slowly restoring one side to another. The first step of restoring each section was a lead paint removal. We closed off the area, dressed in PPE, and vacuumed and cleaned the surface. Next, we would walk through and mark the areas of damage, noting the severity and what needed to be done.
After identifying all the cracks, paint chips, and blemishes, we then cleaned out the cracks and did a light sanding of the paint chips. Next, an oil primer coat was applied to the chips and damaged areas. The cracks were filled with glue and plaster.
When completed, we then moved to applying base coats to the areas. Best matching the overall color of the ceiling, the base coats were hand mixed and then applied. With several base coats on, we started the most technical part of the process: matching color. With palette in hand, we mindfully disguised the base coats entirely. Using different brushes, and techniques of applying, it was impossible to distinguish what was touched and what wasn't. After applying the acrylics, certain large areas received further attention and glazed finishes.