H.J. Holtz & Son master painter Kenny Ebright approaches each job the same way: hearing from homeowners what they want, assessing the situation, and getting to work.

When the firm was called in by a repeat Holtz customer to help finish the transformation of a 12-foot-by-15-foot bedroom into a high gloss library, complete with floor-to-ceiling built-ins, Ebright knew he had his work cut out for him.

“This was a big library, and it included shelves and doors,” he says. “It’s highly specialized painting, but I just focus on what’s in front of me. I’m there trying to help someone.”

Before Ebright’s work could begin, the bedroom was filled with custom woodwork by Martin-Star Cabinetry & Design. Ebright was then able to apply a high gloss orchid hue custom mixed by Fine Paints of Europe.

“The homeowner knew the color she wanted,” Ebright says. “We worked with FPE and got the formula from Vermont,” so Holtz could deliver just the right shade.

High gloss paint requires meticulous preparation and a contained environment so airborne dust and other particles don’t mar the surface. For this job, Ebright began by sanding wood that had been primed and vacuumed the area thoroughly. Then he sealed the space by closing HVAC vents, taping windows, and making a zip wall – for access – at the doorway. He placed a bucket of water inside, because the water draws debris from the air, and connected an air vent with circulator to create optimal drying conditions.

It’s a significant undertaking.

“It can feel overwhelming to start a big project like that,” Ebright says. “I’ve got to build a paint spray booth in somebody’s house, and every house is different.”

Ebright has attended multiple high gloss paint trainings and is H.J. Holtz & Son’s lead painter for the coating. The homeowner, familiar with his work on other projects in the house, requested he handle this project. Ebright was happy to oblige.

“It’s a big challenge,” he says, “but it feels good when you get it all done.”