Blade & Brush Finishing

06/02/2025

We recently did a bathroom renovation for a disabled client who values his independence and wanted a space that was easier to maintain. The original 1950s bathroom had some seriously rough walls, and old school tile throughout, a bathtub that was difficult to access, a cracked floor, and outdated fixtures.

We fully gutted the space and finished the walls using Durabond for a hard, durable surface, then coated everything with a semi-gloss alkyd urethane enamel washable, which is rock solid, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain. The bathtub was replaced with a walk-in shower fitted with ADA-compliant grab bars to provide safety without compromising his autonomy. We also replaced the deteriorating floor with a new subfloor and installed non-slip vinyl tile flooring to reduce fall risk while maintaining a clean, modern look. One of his requests was to preserve the function of his original oversized, built-in medicine cabinet. We sourced a new unit that fit the space and met all his storage needs.

It wasn’t the most glamorous job, but it’s one I’m proud of. I felt like I was really able to help someone make their life a little safer and easier.

02/28/2025

Built-In Conversion Project

Here’s a look at a built-in refresh that turned into a full conversion.

The original built-ins featured handmade shutters, finished in a traditional golden oak stain with a scalloped header. Initially, the homeowner wanted a minimal approach—just a reface and paint with new doors.

However, once we started, it became clear that a simple refresh wouldn’t achieve the desired outcome. Instead, we took the project to the next level!

✅ What We Did:
✔️ Removed everything except the cabinet boxes, which we fully gutted down to the substrate
✔️ Completely refaced the cabinets
✔️ Rebuilt the bookshelves from the ground up
✔️ Refinished the back walls with hardwood veneers
✔️ Installed all-new stiles, rails, and custom cabinet frames & doors
✔️ Added fully adjustable, remote-controlled under-shelf lighting with temperature and brightness control

The final result? A refined, modern built-in that perfectly balances style and function.

Let us know what you think! Would you upgrade your built-ins like this?

02/23/2025

1970's Cabinet Restoration and Gloss Finish!

This small but challenging project was all about restoring that 1970s character that had suffered from years of peeling and delamination from exposure to the Cape May sea air at this adorable little cottage.

Here’s how we brought them back to life:
✔️ Resurfaced and re-adhered all peeling veneer
✔️ Filled and sanded all imperfections for a smooth base
✔️ Applied primer and high-gloss paint to match the 70s aesthetic
✔️ Wet sanded and buffed with a high-luster compound for a sleek, glossy finish

📍 Serving Montgomery County, Lower Bucks, and Northern Philadelphia
📩 Message us for a consultation!

02/23/2025

Transforming a Dilapidated Stairwell—Before & After!

Check out this restoration we completed in this 1920s plaster home! This stairwell had extensive water damage that worsened years of wear and tear. Since it also serves as the underside of another staircase, constant movement contributed to its deterioration.

For this project, we:
✔️ Sanded, scraped, and prepped all surfaces
✔️ Removed damaged wood and sealed everything with an oil-based bonding primer
✔️ Repaired cracks and holes with a hard-setting plaster & reinforced with fiber mesh
✔️ Skim-coated for a smooth, flawless finish
✔️ Built a retaining skeleton for the ceiling and finished it with beadboard & colonial-style trim
✔️ Refaced all shelves
✔️ Caulked, filled, and sanded every surface to perfection
✔️ Primed then coated everything with two coats of durable urethane enamel
✔️ Installed an LED motion-sensor light for convenience and accessibility

The result? A clean, polished, and long-lasting finish that enhances both function and aesthetics!

📍 Serving Montgomery County, Lower Bucks, and Northern Philadelphia
📩 Message us for a consultation!

02/22/2025

The before picture might not be winning any beauty contests, but the transformation speaks for itself! This 1950s bathroom got a whole new life—let us know if you can see the difference!

02/22/2025

Hi, my name is Charles Long, the owner of Blade & Brush Finishing. I wanted to take a moment to explain what exactly finishing is. A lot of the time when I tell people I’m a finishing contractor, they aren’t quite sure what that means, so I wanted to cover some of the reasons why you might need a finishing contractor... it's more than just painting.

After Construction or Remodeling–
Once the main structure is done, a finisher is needed to make sure walls, ceilings, trim, and cabinetry are properly installed, painted, stained, or finished to look polished and complete.

Finish Carpentry–
Finish carpentry includes all the fine woodwork in a space, such as trim, molding, cabinetry, and other decorative elements. We install and refine these details to make sure everything looks sharp and is finished to a high standard.

When Quality Matters–
If you're looking for a smooth, professional look, a finisher ensures the job is done right. We have the experience to get it even and durable, using the right techniques and materials.

For Cabinetry & Woodwork Refinishing–
Rather than replacing cabinets and woodwork, a finisher can restore and update them at a fraction of the cost, giving them a fresh new look.

Before Selling or Renting a Property–
A fresh coat of paint and refinished surfaces can significantly increase appeal to buyers or renters. It’s a small investment that can make a big impact.

For Historic Home Restoration–
Older homes often have unique woodwork and plaster that need careful restoration. A finisher is experienced in preserving these elements while keeping the original character intact.

02/18/2025

Well, It's been a while. Finally getting back to working on marketing materials, social media and all that good stuff. Stay tuned for more!

02/21/2023

02/06/2023

Full kitchen cabinet resurface and paint with HVLP fine finish.