Restoration of historic farmhouse and facade paintings in Seftigen

Restoration of historical peasant and facade painting in Seftigen

Historical paintings are more than decorative elements – they are an expression of regional identity and artisanal tradition. Professional restoration not only preserves the substance but also makes the original design visible and experienceable again.

In Seftigen, we restored a 17th-century "Stöckli" (a small, traditional Swiss house) with heavily weathered facade and peasant painting. The goal was to secure the existing substance, uncover hidden layers, and complement the design in a material-appropriate manner.

Condition and initial situation

The paintings on the facade and interior showed clear signs of weathering, overpainting, and wear. Parts of the original design were barely recognizable or damaged.

During the examination of the facade lettering, an original Keim secco painting became visible, which had been covered over time.

Restoration and procedure

In the first step, the existing paint layers were carefully uncovered, cleaned, and stabilized. The uncovered secco painting was conserved and secured in its integrity.

Missing areas of the lettering and ornamental details were reconstructed based on the existing design. Characteristic flourishes were documented and transferred to architect's paper to secure the design substance long-term.

In parallel, a baroque built-in cabinet from the 19th century was restored. The doors were newly fitted and adjusted, damaged baseboards were stabilized, and interior surfaces were secured.

Surface and material

The paintings were complemented and reconstructed using traditional techniques. For the peasant painting, a material-appropriate oil build-up was used, matched to the existing substance and the original color effect.

Additionally, the historical locks were repaired, thus restoring both the optical and functional quality.

Result

The result is a building restored in substance and appearance, where facade painting and interior now form a harmonious overall picture. The uncovered and complemented paintings restore the object's original expressive power.