Imitation oak , wood graining project
Restoring the Remington House: A Journey Through History in Helena, Montana
In the spring of 2022, I had the privilege of restoring a piece of history in Helena, Montana. The project took me to the Remington House, a grand home on Helena’s Mansion Mile. Although the house isn’t widely documented, the story I was told is that Mr. Remington made his wealth serving food to miners and their families during Helena’s gold rush era. The home’s craftsmanship spoke to its history, with intricate details that reflected the Victorian opulence of the late 19th century.
The centerpiece of this restoration project was the imitation oak wood graining, a technique originally applied when the house was built. The woodwork was crafted from pine, then primed and painted to mimic oak, all done in a traditional English style. Steel combs were used to achieve the graining—a hallmark of the period. The illusion was so convincing that during a recent remodeling, workers didn’t realize the wainscoting was painted pine. Accidental damage occurred when paint and other materials dripped onto the surface, and in an effort to clean it, the original oak effect was wiped away, revealing the pine beneath.
That’s where I came in—to recreate the oak graining and restore the home’s original charm.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Wood graining is an art I’ve been passionate about for decades. I learned the basics watching my father create beautiful grain patterns on doors when I was young. Years later, I honed my skills under the mentorship of Mike McNeil, a master painter who had studied under William Holgate—known as Bill Holgate—a Freeman of the City and Guilds of London. Mike taught me not just the techniques but the discipline and artistry behind them. Before his passing, he gifted me his cufflinks, given to him when he was inducted into the Guild. They now sit proudly in my studio, a reminder of the traditions and excellence I strive to uphold.
The Art of Imitation Oak
For this project, I used a combination of tools and techniques to replicate the original oak effect. Steel combs were key to creating the grain, while tools like a rubber rocker, triangular comb, duplex graining comb, and check roller added depth and authenticity. After layering the base coat and graining, I used a badger brush to soften and blend the details, ensuring a natural, lifelike finish. Finally, I applied an oil-based satin polyurethane with a few drops of umber to achieve an antique patina, giving the woodwork the timeless elegance of something that had aged naturally over decades.
The result was stunning. The intricate grain, soft tones, and aged finish brought the wainscoting and doors back to life. The clients were thrilled, and their little dog, who supervised my work, seemed to approve too—popping in occasionally to check on my progress.
Sapphire Mining Adventure
With the project wrapping up ahead of schedule, I had the chance to explore the area. One of the highlights was a visit to the Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine, located just outside Helena along the southern side of the Missouri River. The drive to the mine was breathtaking, with vast, open skies and rugged Montana scenery—a reminder of why this state is called “Big Sky Country.”
At the mine, I spent hours sifting through gravel in search of Montana’s famous sapphires. It was a thrilling experience, and I was lucky enough to find a handful of gems. I later had them crafted into a bracelet, a special keepsake of my time in Helena. Collecting bracelets from my travels has become a personal tradition, and this one holds a particularly sentimental place in my collection.
Exploring Helena and Beyond
Back in Helena, I took time to explore its storied past. The city, founded during the Montana Gold Rush in 1864, was once home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world. Mansion Mile, where the Remington House is located, reflects this wealth with its elaborate Victorian homes.
I visited the Saint Helena Cathedral, a magnificent structure featuring scagliola columns—a technique I’ve studied extensively in Italy. I also ventured out to the Lewis and Clark Caverns, about 45 miles west of Bozeman. The caverns, developed for tours in the early 1900s, are steeped in history and folklore. The misty, cold weather on the day of my visit added to the atmosphere as I explored the limestone formations and heard fascinating stories of its discovery and the battles over its ownership.
A Journey Beyond Work
This project wasn’t just about restoring wood graining; it was about connecting with the past, honing a craft steeped in tradition, and finding inspiration in the beauty of Montana. The Remington House now stands as a testament to the artistry of its original builders and the care taken to preserve its history.
From the tools I used to the techniques passed down through generations, every step of this project reminded me why I love what I do. It’s not just about creating beautiful finishes—it’s about honoring the stories behind them. The memories I made in Helena—the sapphire bracelet on my wrist, the breathtaking landscapes, and the history I uncovered—will stay with me forever.