UK Property Presenter Enlists Specialist Watco For Somerset Renovation Project
Broadcaster and property show presenter, Sarah Beeny, recently collaborated with industrial paint and repair specialist, Watco, to complete the renovation of a large unused barn on her property.
With a mission to transform the barn into a large, multi‑purpose studio for art events and film production in the South West, Sarah required an experienced company that could offer industrial floor solutions and expert advice. Watco was identified early in the project and selected for its high‑performance products and qualified technical experts.
Following discussions between Sarah and Watco’s team of experts about the expected use of the 630m² floor space, the requirements became much clearer. Priorities were determined as durability, an easy to clean surface, and a high gloss finish, which allowed Watco’s team to recommend the products and tools that would achieve the best, long‑lasting performance for the studio.
Watco also introduced Sarah to Hampshire‑based industrial flooring specialist, AEDean Flooring, who were booked to complete the work. The service included diamond‑grinding the floor to prepare it for paint, applying a coat of primer then the selected coating in Mid Grey, for an even, attractive finish.
Scott Saunders, technical service manager at Watco, commented: “We were excited to specify for this renovation project and to work with Sarah’s team to create a studio space that was safe, functional and attractive for recording that will take place there. At Watco, we understand that every surface has different requirements, and every customer has specific needs, so our team worked closely with Sarah’s to ensure that the floor would perform as she needed it to.”
“Having a surface that is not only safe and able to withstand the traffic from heavy equipment, but can also be easily cleaned between uses, is important for studio floors. Keeping these requirements in mind, it was then straightforward for us to select products that when properly applied by the flooring team, would provide Sarah with her desired finish.”
Since completion of the project in June 2024, Stokeford Studios has already been hired for its first project – a music video for a UK band called the Third Wheel Band.”
Speaking on the project, Sarah Beeny shared: ”The Watco team were incredibly helpful from start to finish. They were prompt to get back to me and started and completed the work as agreed at the agreed price.
“I was thrilled with how quickly and easily the paint went down and could wholeheartedly recommend it as we now have a durable smooth floor that also looks great.”
Stokeford Studios Full Case Study
Project Details
In 2023, broadcaster and property show presenter, Sarah Beeny, embarked on a project to renovate a large barn on her property in Somerset. The goal was to transform it into a multi‑purpose studio for art, music, film and television. Now operational, the studio supports creative endeavours in the South West, and has created a variety of jobs for the local community.
Towards the end of 2023, a new 680m² concrete floor was poured and power floated in the barn. Sarah and her team then began searching for solutions to protect the floor and ensure an attractive finish ready to be used as a studio. A company that could offer industrial floor solutions and expert advice was key, and Sarah’s team quickly identified Watco for its high‑performance industrial products and experienced technical experts.
“The Watco team were incredibly helpful from start to finish. They were prompt to get back to me and started and completed the work as agreed at the agreed price.”
The Studio’s Requirements
During the course of discussions between Sarah and Watco’s technical team, a number of additional considerations were highlighted to ensure the best finish for the floor.
Firstly, the power floated floor would need to be mechanically abraded before any coatings were applied to create a key and give the paint something to bond to for a long‑lasting finish.
Secondly, as the studio floor would be subject to heavy wear from filming and music crews once operational, the coating would need to be hard wearing to withstand impact from equipment.
Thirdly, the glossy, attractive floor finish would need to last, as scratches and damages would show up in filming taking place at the studio, which would make it unsuitable and require frequent re‑painting between shoots.
Finally, the studio would host lots of new visitors and a wide range of creative activities, so slip resistance was a consideration to make the space as safe as possible.
The Watco Solution
After discussing the requirements, Watco advised on the best products and tools for the project, and explained the approach. Watco also introduced Sarah’s team to Hampshire‑based industrial flooring specialist, AEDean Flooring, whose team were booked to complete the work in June 2024.
The team from AEDean Flooring began by using a large planetary diamond floor grinder to lightly grind the entire power floated concrete floor. This created a larger surface area for the Watco Epoxicote High Build to bond to when applied. Once completed, the floor was inspected for damages and then vacuumed to remove surface debris before products would be applied the following day.
With the surface now abraded and cleaned, the team applied a coat of Watco Epoxicote High Build Primer, which prevents any bubbles forming in the new paint coating as well as increasing adhesion for a longer lasting finish.
Once cured, the first coat of Watco Epoxicote High Build in Mid Grey was applied to the concrete floor. The 100% solids epoxy resin coating was chosen for this project because of its thick, glossy finish, and its ability to provide heavy duty protection to concrete floors with excellent scratch and impact resistance. Furthermore, the coating would provide a high level of slip resistance, even in wet conditions, helping to keep people in the studio safe even when liquids are spilled or used on the floor.
“I was thrilled with how quickly and easily the paint went down and could wholeheartedly recommend it as we now have a durable smooth floor that also looks great.”
On day three, the team completed the second application of the Watco Epoxicote High Build to ensure a lasting, glossy finish for the concrete floor.
Since completion of the project, Stokeford Studios has already been hired for its first project – a music video for a UK band.
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