Project Description
In the scenic countryside of Blythewood, South Carolina, we were brought in for a unique and rewarding project: a newly constructed, high-end barn designed for both beauty and function. The structure was large and thoughtfully built—featuring horse stalls, a tack room, beautiful wood trusses, and soaring columns that gave it the look and feel of a luxury lodge.
The homeowner wanted more than just protection for the wood. She wanted a finish that brought out the natural beauty and craftsmanship of every surface. Over the span of eight days, our team handled both the interior and exterior staining and sealing. Every piece of wood—whether it was pine, cedar, or oak—got the careful attention it deserved. Because the scope and finish choices can vary widely, we always offer custom estimates based on a walkthrough and discussion of the homeowner’s vision.
Background/Story:
This wasn’t just any barn. It was a dream project for a very particular homeowner.
Though the barn had been built by a trusted contractor, the client had her own preferences for the finishing work. She had heard of us before—through local word of mouth—and asked that we be the ones to handle all the staining and clear coating. She wanted someone who would care about the details as much as she did.
From our first meeting, it was clear she had a vision. She wanted the barn to feel warm, refined, and completely custom—not a cookie-cutter outbuilding. She had thought through the contrast of tones: clear-coated walls, deep black accents on stall walls and trusses, and a soft white-wash in the tack room for a touch of lightness.
We walked the space together. We talked finishes, tones, texture, and longevity. And once we started the work, she was there every day, invested, excited, and paying close attention.
That kind of passion is contagious—and it pushed us to deliver our absolute best.
Scope of Services
- Interior Clear Coating: Coated all interior barn walls with a high-grade clear finish to enhance the wood grain and protect against wear.
- Semi-Transparent Staining: Applied semi-transparent stain on barn doors, window frames, saddle racks, and the custom tack room table for a natural, timeless tone.
- Solid Staining: Stained stall walls, trusses, columns, and exterior soffits with a bold black finish for dramatic contrast and added depth.
- Tack Room White-Wash: Gave the tack room walls a soft white-wash treatment to create an airy, light-filled space that balanced the darker elements.
- Final Touches: Completed the project with a clear topcoat and sealant for added durability and a refined finish.
Paints/Products Used:
- Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes Semi-Transparent Stain: Used for all barn doors, windows, saddle racks, and the tack room table.
- Gallery Series Clear Topcoat & Sealer: Applied to all interior wood walls for a clean, natural look with lasting protection.
- Solid Black Stain: Used on stall walls, trusses, interior and exterior columns, and soffits to create rich contrast.
- White Wash Finish: Custom-applied to tack room walls for a bright and balanced aesthetic.
Results:
The end result was nothing short of stunning.
Every surface glowed with richness and depth. The contrast of light and dark tones gave the space a polished, upscale feel—without losing the warmth and rustic charm you want in a barn. The tack room looked like something out of a design magazine. The stall walls were sleek and bold. And the wood grain, now protected and enhanced, was the real star.
The homeowner was overjoyed. She told us this was exactly what she had envisioned—maybe even better. Word spread quickly. Neighbors stopped by. Friends took photos. Contractors asked who did the finishing.
And now? Her barn is the talk of the community—and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of that.
At Despres Painting, it’s never just about paint or stain. It’s about capturing a vision, elevating it, and delivering something that feels truly personal.
