I started my contracting career in 1981 doing drywall and general construction. As a jazz musician, playing in a local Dixieland jazz band, contracting offered me the flexibility I needed in my work schedule so that I could also play on a regular basis. Plastering came up while I was working on the new addition of an older home in Portland, Maine. The homeowner approached me and asked me to take a look at some plaster they were interested in saving in the older part of the home. I had never done any plastering, but it always intrigued me. Yes…the rest is history!

I was drawn to plastering immediately because it can be manipulated and formed, yet it can have a personality of its own, while at the same time you're working against the clock of its set-up time. It's an art-form that requires tremendous patience under a deadline, and that's intense. I am still amazed that I'm basically working with a liquid that is going to turn to stone. I really enjoy the challenges of plaster — knowing when to stop and let it be, and working to get it right before things set up. Plaster can also be very flexible and allows for creating many different looks, from highly textured to smooth as glass. Different tools can be used to achieve surface texture (including your hands or a small broom), and looks can be picked up from other areas of the home or architecture.

Historic preservation was a natural evolution for my business because there are so many older homes in Maine, and so few plasterers. It was difficult to learn the trade, and I had to primarily figure things out as I went along. I love a good problem to solve, and working in older homes is never boring! Each job is unique in some way and invites lots of room for creativity and ingenuity — I guess that is what I enjoy most.

When Noelle and I were married in 1989, her business background helped define, expand and market the historic restoration focus. She is now a full partner with me in our business, and I best describe her role as “controlling the rudder.” She enjoys marketing, writing articles for trade journals and the website, and managing the business and behind-the-scenes details. She divides her time between the business, and her interests in teaching and consulting, painting, and writing.

The two of us are fortunate to have found a family business that allows us each to pursue our creative interests, as well as meet important needs. We hope to share our passion for historic preservation and restoration with you on your next project in your older home. Let us turn your vision into our finished product — contact us!

 

©Copyright 2003 Peter Lord Plaster & Paint, Inc. • 24 Moody Road, Limington, Maine 04049 (207) 793-2957