Precedent - Photos & Ideas

ver look at your iron fence and wonder how rust crept up so fast? For homeowners across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, that moment of recognition often comes too late. Windy City Painters built this project guide to help you understand exactly what a professional iron fence restoration involves, what products matter, and what Chicago's climate demands from every coat of paint applied to exposed metal. PROJECT OVERVIEW This iron fence restoration involved a multi-unit property featuring an ornamental iron perimeter fence typical of Chicago's greystone and courtyard building streetscape. The fence presented moderate-to-severe surface rust, multiple areas of paint delamination, and two sections with deep pitting requiring needle gun descaling before any coating could be applied. The goal was full rust remediation and a durable topcoat finish built for Chicago's demanding climate. Windy City Painters completed the project in two days with zero damage to surrounding hardscape. MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS Ospho Rust Converter - A phosphoric acid-based treatment that chemically transforms iron oxide into iron phosphate, halting active corrosion before primer is applied. Essential on Chicago iron exposed to decades of salt air and freeze-thaw cycling. Corroseal Rust-Inhibitive Primer - A water-based latex primer with built-in rust inhibitors, applied over converted surfaces to seal and prepare metal for topcoating. Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Coating - Direct-to-Metal formulation delivering exceptional adhesion, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Available in satin and semi-gloss, ideal for ornamental iron fence painting across Chicago properties. THE PROCESS Step 1 - Mechanical Surface Preparation: Wire wheel grinding with angle grinder attachments removed all loose rust scale, failing paint, and surface contamination. Heavily pitted sections received needle gun descaling to expose clean stable metal beneath. This step determines everything. No primer or topcoat performs correctly over compromised metal, regardless of product quality. Windy City Painters treats prep as the primary investment on every iron fence project. Step 2 - Rust Conversion: Ospho was applied liberally to all areas showing active rust. The phosphoric acid reaction was allowed to complete fully before any priming began. On severely oxidized sections, a second Ospho application ensured complete conversion. This step is non-negotiable in Chicago where freeze-thaw cycles push moisture into every surface irregularity. Step 3 - Priming with Corroseal: Full coverage Corroseal primer coat sealed the converted surface and established adhesion for the finish coats. Corroseal's rust-inhibitive chemistry adds a secondary barrier against moisture penetration, extending the effective life of the topcoat by years in Chicago's humid lakefront environment. Step 4 - DTM Topcoat Application: Two coats of Sherwin-Williams DTM acrylic in satin black were applied by brush to ensure full penetration into ornamental detail. DTM's flexibility accommodates the metal expansion and contraction Chicago temperatures demand, from minus-15 winters to 95-degree July afternoons. Final coverage was uniform and true to color. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Chicago iron faces challenges most other markets do not. Lake Michigan humidity accelerates surface oxidation year-round. Road salt from winter de-icing migrates to fence bases and lower rails. Freeze-thaw cycling cracks poorly adhered coatings within a single winter. Greystones, two-flats, and Victorian brownstones often feature original ornamental ironwork with decades of layered paint that must be assessed before any new coating is added. Windy City Painters factors all of these conditions into every iron fence estimate and material selection. WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM A properly prepared and coated iron fence using the Ospho, Corroseal, and Sherwin-Williams DTM system should deliver 5-8 years of performance in Chicago conditions. Annual visual inspection for chips or scratches, followed by prompt spot priming, extends that timeline significantly. Full refinishing cycles become less frequent when the initial prep work is done correctly. PRO TIPS Tip 1 - Never skip the rust converter. Painting over active rust with even the best topcoat guarantees early failure. Ospho or a comparable phosphoric acid treatment must precede any primer on iron showing orange or brown oxidation. Tip 2 - Assess for weld repairs before scheduling painting. If rust has eaten through the metal creating structural voids or broken sections, a welder must address those areas before painting begins. Windy City Painters identifies weld repair needs during the free estimate. Tip 3 - Choose satin or semi-gloss finish on iron. Flat finishes on metal hold moisture and show wear faster. Satin DTM provides enough sheen to shed water while maintaining the traditional look Chicago ornamental iron demands. Ready to restore your iron fence the right way? Visit windypainters.com to schedule your free estimate with Windy City Painters. FAQ Q: What does iron fence painting cost in Chicago? A: Most residential iron fence projects range from $500 to $1,800 depending on linear footage, rust severity, and prep requirements. Windy City Painters provides free detailed on-site estimates for accurate iron fence painting cost in Chicago. Q: How do I know if my fence needs rust conversion or just repainting? A: Any visible orange or brown rust requires chemical conversion before priming. Windy City Painters evaluates every fence during the estimate to determine whether Ospho, mechanical prep, or weld repair is needed before coating begins. Q: Can you paint iron in cold Chicago weather? A: DTM coatings have lower application temperature thresholds than standard exterior paint, but we avoid application below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Windy City Painters schedules iron fence projects for appropriate weather windows throughout the season. Q: How long does iron fence paint last in Chicago? A: With complete rust conversion, Corroseal priming, and Sherwin-Williams DTM topcoat, iron fence painting in Chicago lasts 5-8 years. Annual inspections and prompt touch-ups of chips extend that timeline further. Q: Do I need a welder before an iron fence can be painted? A: Only if rust has created structural voids or breaks in the metal. Windy City Painters assesses this during the free estimate and can coordinate with welders when needed before our painting crew begins. Q: What is the difference between Ospho and Corroseal? A: Ospho is a rust converter applied directly to active rust to chemically neutralize it. Corroseal is a rust-inhibitive primer applied over converted or clean metal. Windy City Painters often uses both in sequence for maximum protection on Chicago iron. Q: How often should Chicago iron fences be inspected? A: Annual inspection is recommended, ideally in early spring after winter salt and freeze-thaw exposure. Catching small chips and bare spots early allows simple touch-up rather than full iron fence repainting, saving significant cost.

The Croswell

Visbeen Architects

Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Builder: Mosaic Properties Photographer: Mike Buck Photography This three-story live/work building accommodates a business and a private residence. The front showroom and reception area features a stair with a custom handrail and veneer brick wall. Moving through the main hall you will find a coffee bar and conference room that precedes a workroom with dark green cabinetry, masonry fireplace, and oversized pub-height work tables. The residence can be accessed on all levels and maintains privacy through the stairwell and elevator shaft. The second level is home to a design studio, private office and large conference room that opens up to a deep balcony with retractable screens. On the residence side, above the garage is a flex space, which is used as a guest apartment for out of town guests and includes a murphy bed, kitchenette and access to a private bath. The third level is the private residence. At the front you will find a balcony, living room with linear fireplace, dining room with banquette seating and kitchen with a custom island and pullout table. Private spaces include a full bathroom and kids room featuring train car inspired bunks and ample storage. The master suite is tucked away to the rear and features dual bathroom vanities, dressing space, a drop down TV in the bedroom ceiling and a closet wall that opens up to an 8x12, his and hers closet. The lower level is part of the private residence and features a home gym and recreation spaces.

BEFORE & AFTER

MD+C

NOT ALL WORKS SHOWN ARE CONSTRUCTED BY MD+C. THESE ARE SAMPLE IMAGES TO SHOW POSSIBILITIES AND INSPIRE!
Patio photo in Dallas

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Lakehouse

Mallory Hoggard Interiors

Living room - mid-sized coastal open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Detroit with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a media wall and a wood fireplace surround

English Paneling - Residential

Hull Historical

My clients had always been inspired by the grand Tudor Revival homes of the early 20th century and commissioned Hull Historical to recreate the authentic custom millwork, paneling and doors for their new Tudor Revival home. Our inspiration came from 2 great English homes, Stan Hywett, a great Tudor Revival home in Ohio, built for the founder of Goodyear Tires. Also, the Woodbine Mansion, built in 1911 for the son of the Pabst Brewing Company. We were fortunate to purchase three rooms of architectural millwork from the woodbine home, which was originally fabricated by the Huber Company of New York. Upon completion of this project, the architectural salvage comprised 15% of the final quantity of paneling installed. The remainder was custom fabricated by Hull Historical at our shop in Fort Worth, TX and installed at the clients home. The commission, based on historic precedent, constituted antique paneling on the main floor, beamed ceilings and all the doors in the home. The new paneling, including the kitchen cabinetry is made from a combination of new quarter-sawn white oak and antique white oak salvaged from old barns and buildings. All the oak was fumed in an ammonia-filled chamber to produce a cocoa color and deep feel giving the millwork rough character and a timeless look that my client loved. The millwork also served to give the home a hierarchy, with simple paneling combined with board and batten doors downstairs, then more ornate paneling, with carvings on the main floor. Additionally, the main floor features mostly 8 and 10 panel doors. All woodwork was hand-pegged with oak pegs. Some of the paneling features a unique Mason’s Miter, a historic joinery technique inspired from stone work. For more information on residential renovation and new construction projects by Hull Historical, visit http://brenthullcompanies.com/residential.html

English Paneling - Residential

Hull Historical

English Paneling - Residential

Hull Historical

BEFORE & AFTER

MD+C

NOT ALL WORKS SHOWN ARE CONSTRUCTED BY MD+C. THESE ARE SAMPLE IMAGES TO SHOW POSSIBILITIES AND INSPIRE!
Example of a pool design in Dallas

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present

Klopf Architecture

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

A Suburban Ranch goes Modern Farmhouse

Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

The green shingle roof was almost new, so it became a precedent to use for the coordination of other colors on the home.
Mid-sized country brown one-story vinyl exterior home photo in Other with a shingle roof

University Park Silver Leaf Mural with Birds and Foliage

Nicole Zules Decorative & Fine Artist and Muralist

Close-Up: hummingbird from preceding photograph. A landscape of intertwining branches with spawning leaves upon a background painted, nuanced and highlighted to reflect like genuine silver leaf, is further adorned by perched and birds aloft and fluttering overhead and upon all of its walls in this University Park powder room with its opulent stone sink, angled walls and bending under a curving staircase ceiling.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present

Klopf Architecture

North Shore Retreat

CHRISTOPHER STROM ARCHITECTS

Perched on a 16-acre property in Norther Minnesota, this home offers expansive views of Lake Superior’s rugged coastline. A single view takes precedence: During storm events, a micro-island of solid rock experiences dramatic cross-currents and explosive waves. In fair weather the island is a picturesque monolith emerging from dark waters. Core living spaces (Entry, Kitchen, Dining, Living) share this view by establishing lower relative floor planes; rooms step down in reverence to this ever-changing landscape feature.

Composition in Contrast

George Clemens Architecture

This new home, perched on an incredible river overlook surrounded by nature, evokes a sense of balance between contemporary design and classical massing. A white-painted brick exterior perfectly frames large-format, black fenestration. Two-story, monumental windows bring the natural world into bedrooms above and living spaces below. The scale of each opening creates compositional tension within the silhouette of a simple gable roof. Inside, the angled entry sequence flows into a multi-faceted, vaulted living area filled with wonderful interior and exterior connections. River views take precedence on all floors, including the luxurious office space on the lower level. While moving from the living room to the spacious screen porch or glassy dining area, the focus on the valley beyond remains unbroken. Construction: Jordan Construction Interior Design: Wendy Barry, W-Design Interiors

Lancaster Residence

Alina Gardens Inc.

Looking over to the north side, bee balm and solidago take precedence amidst dogwood, beaked hazelnut and hawthorn in the back.
Design ideas for a small mediterranean landscaping in Vancouver.

Solar Umbrella

Brooks + Scarpa Architects

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Bold Modern Silhouette with Contrasting Volumes and Materials

New Explode Construction

From the street, the Bowmanville House commands attention with its confident interplay of form, color, and texture. The design alternates between light and dark volumes, with white Trespa panels stacked above deep brown cladding and black accents. This layering not only enhances the home's visual depth but also anchors the structure firmly to its double-lot site. The elevated glass-fronted deck on the upper level creates a striking focal point, projecting outward as both an architectural feature and a functional living space. Beneath it, sheltered ground-level space adds versatility, offering shade and protection while reinforcing the building's sense of proportion. The black vertical stair at the side provides a crisp architectural line, while the arrangement of windows punctuates the facade with rhythm and balance. Every choice—from material selection to massing—reflects a modernist ethos tailored for family living in an urban neighborhood. This home doesn't just sit on the lot—it defines it. It's a bold gesture of contemporary design in a context where few homes push boundaries this way, setting a new precedent for how form and function can coexist beautifully.

This new home is inspired by the Colonial architecture found in the region. Situated on a stunning site bordering wooded conservation land with towering oak and beech trees, the connection to nature is of paramount importance. While the main body of the house adheres to historical precedent, the rear of the house and the various wings open up to the surrounding landscape with multi-purpose spaces and monumental windows. A geothermal system provides the hot water, heating and cooling.