#37 Painting our old barn door (with home made paint) - Renovating a farm in Italy

This week we are chipping away at concrete and cement, and we paint our old barn door (and we explain why).
The pigments and other ingredients for the natural paint we are making in this episode were purchased through www.ocres-de-france.com/ (not sponsored) who we absolutely recommend if you were thinking of doing this yourself too.
We're Isis & Bertus. We moved from The Netherlands into an old dilapidated farmstead in a tiny village in the northwest of Italy. We are slowly and lovingly renovating this old beauty into a home for ourselves and a place where we can welcome others.
Thank you for joining us on our adventure.
your support is deeply valued | www.buymeacoffee.com/cascinas...
instagram | / storiesfromthecascina
#langheitaly #homerenovation #slowliving #naturalpaint

[@lululand1653]

The door looks fantastic, well worth all your effort. I really like the paint colour and it looks like a true match to the metal doors. Isis thank you for such a clear explanation about the benefits of mineral paints. Bertis I admire your ingenuity with repairs. Slowly everything keeps coming together and it's an inspiration to watch.

[@lelbub8088]

I am surrounded by that sage green, my favorite color, in kitchen and exterior of house ! The door is beautiful!!

[@steveyewman]

I have to admire both of you. You hardly stop and without meaning to be rude, your energy levels put much younger people to shame. I just love the way you both get on with it. Good for you! I’m loving the episodes, what you are doing, how you are doing it and especially the very natural way you present what you are doing. Thank you.

[@jeanrichardson2044]

Buildings evolve over the years, due to many reasons. Convenience, cost, change of use, war, climate, to name afew. I am grateful that your property has acquired you two as owners, sympathetic to its aesthetic, practical, and inspired to breathe new life into its buildings. I doubt you will find neighbours critical of what you are doing. Personally I love it.

[@shannonlynne1558]

That door is the essence of character. It is just beautiful. Great work.

[@harmlessgrey]

Removing those troughs is like one of the labors of Hercules.

[@cbrashsorensen]

A final comment - I feel so privileged to join you in "Paradisio" and watch your lives unfold in the beauty of the Cascina and the surrounding countryside. With great respect....Charlie

[@storiesfromthecascina]

You're so welcome! It's a joy to share the journey

[@y.lelivelt2619]

Veluto becomes to trust you. In the first videos you could not show him to us, but now he appears in the most videos.

[@Jo-et9lb]

Thank you for another lovely video. Your skills and patience are remarkable. I think the day the trough is finally gone will deserve a significant celebration!

[@charmainemanley]

As with the metal doors, the wood doors in that soft green look brilliant next to the stonework. Appreciate the introduction to flour paint as I'd never heard of it before. Seems like a wonderful product.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

It's a joy to work with and we love that the door looks like it's been like this for decades. We will report back on how it stands the test of time!

[@MrPooties]

As always, I'm in awe with your craftsmanship guys ❤. Also that green looks absolutely great!

[@cbrashsorensen]

The "workshop/livingroom" is really a lovely lovely space. Doing a bit of knocking down every day (or so) eventually gets the job done in the midst of other activities. Bravo!

[@TAG993]

Brilliant work on the door! Looks fabulous and thank yo for the education on natural paint. I had no idea.

[@neutonrenda2303]

I think it's a personal choice, and seeing the history of paint on your property it's fitting. I'm totally mesmerized by your table lamps.👍

[@scottsorby7966]

Your property, your right and if people don't like that then that's their problem and not yours. Sometimes things have to be saved sensibly rather than looking like natural wood.

[@alaskanrockvodka9622]

Complimenti on the door paint I & B. And the hardware. looks beautiful. Never knew flour paint was a thing. Thanks for the lesson and lovely vid.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

You are so welcome! Flour paint has been used in Scandinavia for centuries - and we learned about it because we have friends there who are restoring an old farm too.

[@cbrashsorensen]

Ah....I did not see or read the Internet activity on painting the doors. I myself in a "practicalitist" so I applaud you for doing "your thing". Interesting process and I appreciate your sharing it. Bravo!

[@Mikie1959]

Don't worry about what other people think who does the house belong to you or them you are not painting for them .

[@diamondperidot]

Truth

[@Eirene-vw1dt]

Super interesting paint process and as far as I'm concerned the more natural and more economical, the better. Probably more work intensive however, worth it! What a beautiful color, so in keeping with your entire project. Love your improvised problem solving via the lawn mower. All in all such a sensible approach in your creativity. You live in simple abundance. Envy. ♥️🇨🇦

[@latemcire8387]

I read an article in “Wooden Boat” magazine about linseed oil paints that said when they become oxidized over time they can be cleaned and rubbed down with linseed oil which will rejuvenate the paint instead of repainting.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

yes, that's right!

[@sharlettedavidson81]

The door turned out great….sweet to see the old girl back in service. Lawn mower repair…well done, the fiberglass sheets was Genius . Mr.Ven is finally earning his dinner….😂 As always…you two are an amazing team. See you next week…blessings to you ❤

[@leighlaaltilio6672]

The door is beautiful! Well done! The shot of the purple iris against the green/brown surroundings is stunning!!

[@censon]

The door is incredible. You have done it again!

[@user-bd7mm1pc8o]

Well..now we can appreciate how strong Brutus is...that trough is challenging! I personally love the green doors and it enhances the colour of the stone...and the flour paint is quite an amazing product. I can see why you chose it.❤

[@DomaineSauvage]

Nice work on the door and almost finished with the cow troughs! Oh and Bertus put the guard back on the little grinder, i have had a few discs going bang during my job as a plumber and i am glad the guard is on at that moment 😁See you next week!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

bertus has definitely had a few discs break over the years as well. not fun when that happens!

[@sylvanaire]

The green on the door is absolutely stunning with the stonework. The colors complement each other beautifully! I think I was one of the ones complaining about painting the doors last week, but my objection wasn’t about covering up the natural wood. You need to put something on it to protect it from the weather. My concern was how much maintenance paint requires versus stain. I didn’t know about this natural Swedish flour paint. That sounds like the best solution you could possibly have and you absolutely did the right thing for ease of maintenance, longevity of the wood & aesthetic considerations! For what it’s worth, you have my whole hearted approval.😂

[@robertsteele8688]

logic, acceptance, perseverance, continuity ....you guys are so inspiring....MUCH respect!🙏💪😀❤

[@deniseiozzo8821]

I applaud the work you do! I’ve never heard of flour paint before but as you stated in comments takes the time to make as it is for you to go to a store! And you know what’s in it….And the color is beautiful !

[@donataj2213]

I love natural wood, but I have to say that the colour of the door came out perfectly, natural, soft, slightly mint, matching the stone👌. Velluto feels comfortable on your property and is staying there more and more, I look forward to the day when he will stay permanently🐈‍⬛💚. My warmest greetings to you and see you next week.👋

[@GoogleAccount-hz2co]

Good job on the door. I really like the color that was a good choice. All the wooden doors should be painted that color. the bread looked delicious.

[@Mark-F-Hopper]

The door is perfect! Congratulations- what you are doing is brilliant!

[@georgeshelton9283]

Love the paint color and door. 😊

[@JMeixsell]

First, I love the color of your paint! Second, painting bare wood inside and outside is a tradition in Colonial America. It was a mark of being able to afford the paint, preserved wood, covered up the fact that several types of wood could be used in an application. We have painted chairs that were built in the 1830's to 1850's. The barns where we came from were painted in a milk paint and were traditionally red. The red paint was also used to stain furniture and we have a family piece of that red stained furniture as well. If it is traditional to your area then well done you to follow the traditions of your adopted home.

[@valeriemulholland4282]

Amazing. I didn’t know that paint could be manufactured at home. You learn something new every day.

[@CatherineH.-gf7mm]

Pull the stem of rosemary backwards through a fork...all the leaves will come right off :)

[@malgaa3655]

The wooden door was beautiful the way it was before, suits the nature of the building and the lintels as well...

[@storiesfromthecascina]

personal taste of course differs but we've made a pretty good case for why painting does suit the nature and history of the building (even the lintels are painted 😉).

[@lulubelle0bresil]

17:36 that little "well lived" cupboard with the different color drawers is such a charm! (exactly the way it is, exactly where it is) 🥰 actually the workbench next to it looks fabulous too. Everything around there is very charming.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

the workbench is the best ❤️

[@KittyMcGee1001]

The door looks much better with the paint. Beautiful color.

[@Reet64]

Love that paint method!

[@simpleartofhealing286]

Beautiful, solid door! I loved learning about the paint. Vert interesting. Thank you!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

you're very welcome!

[@frankn4618]

Considering what the door was, it now looks great. You do realize you will never be done there. :) stay well, stay motivated.

[@SerendipitySharon]

Another wonderfully composed video I especially loved the music. LOve how the two of you work at a grounded pace and not frantically trying to get it all done as soon as possible. The door is great painted, thanks for the information about the paint and the recipe for that bread.

[@Pilot333]

I like the door. And thorough research on the paint!

[@rbusxxl57]

Schöne Arbeit und schönes Video.👍👍👍

[@jenifersheehy3984]

So glad to find your channel. Your house is lovely. I really appreciate how peaceful your videos are. (Not too much talking, lots of scenery 😉) 🥰

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Welcome!

[@shehazi695]

Loving the green doors and the type of paint you made 👏

[@phoebepaxford7184]

I really felt for you both with those troughs! Such beautiful vlog to watch. The paint colour you made was lovely.

[@EricOnYouTube]

Yikes! People were upset about you painting your doors? That is crazy. In any case, the painted door looks good. Love what you do. :)

[@southafricanprepper6799]

ignore the people who gets their knickers in a knot. its your house

[@marshawargo7238]

I never see the negative comments, but I do have one for all I've never mentioned before. When painting, why do people always start on the edge closest to them instead of the middle??? Now, they have to lean across wet paint or other stuff to finish the job. This just bugs me only, so I don't say anything it's only a me problem! That door looks beautiful!!!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

i totally get that! i tend to always start at the edge and every single time i think "omg you did it agaaaaaiiiiin". however, with this paint it's not much of an issue as stains wash out of clothes easily and it also gets dry to the touch fairly fast. 😅

[@AfricanSouthernCross]

No one is getting their knickers in a knot, jy praat fokken kak jou poes…..opinions are allowed, it’s free and being free is awesome, you should know this fact since you from South Africa

[@storiesfromthecascina]

🐈‍⬛

[@kfrohlich]

This color green is fantastic. Love love love ♥️

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lindabrooks8242]

The door could not be more perfect! Paint info was so interesting..... I had no idea.🙃 And, I can't wait until Velluto lets you pet him.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

glad to hear you enjoyed it ❤️

[@Neroli-Daydreaming-of-France]

The paint is beautiful. The door is still wooden under the paint, nothing is lost, so I’m not sure why people worry.

[@Neroli-Daydreaming-of-France]

Case (and door!) closed🤣

[@storiesfromthecascina]

nothing is lost

[@tripletgirl2484]

The paint is lovely! Thanks for sharing the process.

[@tiborgarvelink1925]

Handig, zo'n terugspringende beitel... en het is een mooie deur geworden met eigen gemaakte verf en met zwart hang- en sluitwerk. Top!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

haha ja, goeie uitvinding 😉

[@linajackson4545]

I really love the pale green paint. It’s really restful.

[@lozinozz7567]

It’s a shame the mangers had to go. I’ve been thinking of ways to possibly utilize them myself but totally agree they are just too invasive in the space. I bet your going to be so happy when they’ve finally gone 😊 I’m a wood purist and I’d totally paint those doors. If you want wood to last you’ve got to protect it. The paint making was fascinating, lovely colour ❤

[@user-vy3vk2sb8p]

Nice lawnmower fix, and the paint on the door is pefect!

[@beverlymurray6554]

Love the color of the door. Another great job done.

[@followeroftheway9861]

Every thing you do I find interesting. Especially more work than explanations😊

[@Petrelles22]

Your door looks gorgeous. You have done such a good job of it. And the lawnmower looks (nearly) new. Velveto seems to spend more and more time near you. 🐈‍⬛

[@neutonrenda2303]

Wow, you did a wonderful job of colour matching, looks amazing.👍

[@Erin_Wilson_Studios]

It always pains me to see you use such a small paint brush, but I'm so impressed with the care you take in every job. The door looks beautiful. And wood, after all, is a building material...not something to be worshipped.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

i generally prefer a smaller brush, easier to get paint in all the nooks and crannies 😉

[@lieuwina]

Isis and Bertus I have never heard of flour paint and linseed oil paint (perhaps you could do a video on Linseed oil paint) I am amazed and I thank you for taking the time to explain. Very interesting and I have now learnt about two new products of paint and I must compliment you both on the colour and finish of the door. Bertus fixing the lawn mower with what materials he had it looks perfect better than a bought replacement and I bet it will last a long time. Have a lovely day.

[@mm9773]

3:45 Look after your fingers, please - you want to keep them, they’re really useful. Always use a clamp or a vice.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

you're very right of course ❤️ after 20 years of using an angle grinder semi-daily one tends to get a little lazy.

[@angelat4639]

fascinating! I never heard about that kind of colour! And it looks great. Reminds me of oliveleaves :)

[@susanduff-silsby2695]

Well done! A red letter day……… whoops, a green letter day! Regards from Susan at Hobart.

[@ptolemyauletesxii8642]

I have a few tips. When swinging a sledge hammer don't hold your hands far apart. As you swing allow your top hand to slide down to meet the other hand and allow the weight of the hammer head to do the work. This will double the power you get into each swing and by slightly relaxing your grip you'll also reduce vibration in your hands. To really get the warp out of the door you need to lay it down with the bulge facing upwards and a couple boards under each end with a weight placed in the middle. This will bend the door in the opposite direction and after a few days it should end up straight. Simply trying to flattten the door won't work. It needs to be bent in the opposite direction. Lastly, think about renting a micro digger with a jackhammer attachment. You'd have gotten that manger torn apart in a few hours. I'd think about it for the floor. Love your videos!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

the reason why we didn't use a digger is because of the state of the ceiling. it was more important to us to preserve that in as good a condition as possible than to be fast with the troughs. thanks for the tips regarding bending wood :)

[@ptolemyauletesxii8642]

@@storiesfromthecascina Ah, that makes sense. I don't envy digging that floor out with a hand held jackhammer.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

neither do we 🤣 when we get to that (which will be a good while) we hope to restore and add extra support to the ceiling first before breaking out the floor with a digger. supporting the ceiling should be a whole lot easier too with the manger gonge.

[@user-if9wy6lx1z]

Great job on the door, love the paint colour, gosh you both work so hard…..😊

[@suzanneeichman9576]

Loved the color👌

[@JeromeDymond]

That green is almost the same color I painted my house!!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Good choice ;-)

[@Hillbilly007-yd9gu]

I think the door looks good green. Nice job.

[@constancestine1020]

Love your perseverance, well worth the effort!

[@ceciliaferrari5832]

Ottimo lavoro e scelta colore Come sempre e un piacere Guardarvi lavorate in armonia e serenità 👏🏻👏🏻mi lascio sorprendere per la prossima settimana 🍀🍀🍀 grazie 🧚‍♀️🌷

[@barbaradavie150]

Oh those troughs! Such hard work but I'm sure in the end it will be well worth it. LOVE the colour of the door. It's amazing how you have given an extended life to such an old door. I think you two are so clever and oh boy, you do work hard. Love watching the transformations. You live in such an idyllic spot. What were those buns you made? They looked delicious. Yum.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

they were whole wheat/quinoa rosemary and raisin bread ☺️ it's a free interpretation of "pan di ramerino".

[@mm9773]

Toughest troughs I’ve ever seen. Tough troughs.

[@alessandrogusella6504]

good job....in a couple of decades...you'll get it!

[@user-ii5oo1im3c]

Very nice sage green door. Congratulations on job well-done

[@Susan-iy5fv]

Painting the door was the right choice as is removing the troughs.

[@lizstokes9091]

Thanks for the paint tutorial! You two are an absolute power house together!! Every little thing you do makes the place look so good ❤ can't wait to see more!

[@nabil200131]

Flour paint !!! That’s new to me . I have used flour glue but never before of such paint . Great explanation and it makes sense. Great job .

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Glad it was helpful!

[@derekbarlas8092]

That door looks wonderful with the flour based paint and totally fits with the vibe of your villa. I'd continue and paint all of the exterior wood surfaces with it. Derek in Ottawa.

[@leonieandrewsart4137]

Another enjoyable episode. Thank you for the information on the flour paint, I had never heard of it and now we are planning on using it for an upcoming project.❤

[@france7678]

Ça doit sentir tellement bon autour de ces buissons de romarin . Ce n’est pas quelque chose que je connais sous mon climat .

[@neutonrenda2303]

I have an identical mixing bowl, same colour as well. Took me years to finally find one without any damage.❤

[@storiesfromthecascina]

ours has a chip in the bottom sadly so it's not food proof anymore but it works well for paint projects :)

[@davideborgna4918]

Bravissimi 💪👍👋

[@lagringa7518]

Hmm... very interesting information and link to this particular paint and it's protection from UV rays, living in Mexico I've noticed that normal commercial paint doesn't hold up that well outside and doesn't breathe.

[@daynight4902]

best

[@chrisdouglass7962]

Gooood kitty luto!! 😁❤️

[@lfuentes4098]

I like the green paint. I’m one of those people that likes varnish wood myself but I think the color you chose is very nice. Although the darker brownish paint would have probably hidden lots of the defects. But it’s an old door and it’s lived a long life and that ok. I like the chippy paint look in barn painted wood too. So hard to chose. 😊

[@gardenfork]

For future cement removal, consider a pair of discount tool store bolt cutters , faster and less noise when cutting rebar. 😀 Eric.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

we've looked for them but no discount stores around here. the ones we found are quite pricy - even so it's probably worth getting one 😅

[@neutonrenda2303]

I'm definitely going to be trying the flour paint in future.👍

[@melissaeden1219]

I'm glad you painted the for; it looks wonderful, and I love the green! I am also in favor of the troughs coming out. They don't look old and original to the barn anyway!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

the troughs were built in the early 60s while the barn is at least 200 years old ☺️ we're glad they're gone too.

[@neutonrenda2303]

Hehehe, love it, it seems I missed out in the 'to paint, or not to paint' knicker twist lol.😂

[@mmau]

These latest videos are mint 👌 Thanks!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Glad you like them!

[@frannypeony2076]

Italian hardware 💥

[@storiesfromthecascina]

we love the old hardware too ❤️

[@wayneguy6043]

Major progress this week…..😂

[@storiesfromthecascina]

🐈‍⬛

[@sandrine5189]

Isis, for the outside stuff, add some iron sulphate in the swedish paint (15 mn like the others ingredients). I didn't do it at first, I had to do it again..... ;)

[@storiesfromthecascina]

it's there! we forgot to add in the text with the footage 🙈

[@sandrine5189]

@@storiesfromthecascina ah! Great!.... Love the color by the way and all the great work you are doing both of you 2.

[@punjabseth260]

👌👍

[@coby6417]

🌟👏👍🍀💐

[@max_dingo_tv998]

good

[@bobhaze5324]

I like the decision to paint the door to protect the wood and the color is a good choice. Did you need to get permission from the town because of the historic nature of the building?

[@storiesfromthecascina]

for buildings in the historical town center (regardless of the age of the individual building) stricter rules apply, but you need permission for pretty much anything you want to change to the exterior of any type of building here.

[@bobhaze5324]

@@storiesfromthecascina we endure similar restrictions and requirements in the USA but usually in 2 situations, having a historic building or having a house in a development with deed restrictions. There are still many places in the USA where you could paint your door purple with yellow polka dots if you wanted.