Puttenham Church gets new shelter coating

Work is nearly complete on the Church of St Mary, Puttenham, after Mathias Restoration were commissioned to apply a new shelter coating to the stonework. Shelter coating is a fine liquid render used to protect stonework, particularly the friable sections.

The coasting uses a very specific mix of pure lime, water, two varying grades of stone dust and casein (a milk protein), whisked together to produce a viscous paste, delivering a thick paint or runny render. The final render provides a vital protective layer, whilst allowing the stone to breathe. The stone dust ensures we can match the native stone colour, protecting the original appearance.

Located in the western peninsula of Hertfordshire, Puttenham dates back to the early Middle Ages, with the Parish Church of St Mary dating back to the 14^th Century. The building uses local flint and stone, with a stone and timber porch shielding a Tudor-era doorway.

The English writer and journalist described “the glory of the church is the almost flat 15^th century roof of the nave, its mass of moulded beams enriched with bosses of flowers and shields.’ Today the church remains an active pillar of the Puttenham community and beyond, providing a gentle and serene English setting.