Patina by Portes en Provence

Patina finishes : Our artisanal craftsmanship
At Portes en Provence, patina is far more than a simple finish : it's our signature.
It's an integral part of our craftsmanship as art artisans and one of our defining specialities. While conventional paint simply covers the wood, our work is about giving it soul, depth and a story to tell. We work on antique doors, traditional Provençal shutters, furnitures and new bespoke creations, enhancing them with an authentic appearance that blends seamlessly into their surroundings.
Bringing wood back to life with Patina
When an old door or traditional shutters have lost their lustre, become weathered or suffered the effects of time, people often turn to a painter to give them a new lease of life. However, a standard coat of paint doesn't always restore the charm and authenticity of traditional joinery. This is where our expertise truly comes into its own. Our finishing techniques recreate subtle colour variations, textured effects and depth, giving the wood a natural, living appearance. Each project is carefully considered to respect the age, style and history of the piece.
A finish crafted entirely by hand
Our approach is based on precise techniques and traditional craftsmanship. Each surface is carefully prepared before receiving its successive layers of colour and texture. We work with tones, nuances, transparencies and distressed effects to achieve a natural-looking result. The patina is built up gradually through layering and the careful treatment of the material until the desired effect is achieved. This expertise allows us, in particular, to recreate the appearance of traditional joinery that has aged naturally over the years, without producing an artificial or uniform finish. Every detail matters, and each piece receives individual attention.
The perfect balance of wood, colour and craftsmanship
Our strength lies in the complementary nature of our skills. As joiners and art artisans, we master every stage of a project, from manufacturing or restoration through to the final finish. Woodworking, traditional methods, colour, texture and patina come together within a single project. This approach allows us to offer a comprehensive and cohesive service, particularly suited to homeowners who wish to restore the authenticity of traditional joinery or give a new creation the charm of a piece that has stood the test of time.
Notre vision
Dans mes patines comme dans mes tableaux, je cherche à révéler des nuances, des couleurs qui font écho à mon âme et vibrer le regard d’autrui.
A speciality suited to provençal doors and shutters
Our expertise is particularly evident in the restoration of antique doors and traditional provençal shutters. These features play an essential role in defining a home's identity and architectural character. An unsuitable finish can quickly detract from their appearance, whereas carefully executed work with colour and texture helps preserve their authenticity. We can restore existing joinery as part of a renovation project, or apply our techniques to pieces manufactured in our own workshop. The finish then becomes the link between the joiner's craft and the art artisan's expertise.
Bespoke finishes for every project
No two houses, doors or shutters tell the same story. That is why we don't offer a standard finish that is applied to every piece we create. We work closely with our clients to understand their expectations and assess the surroundings in which the finished piece will be installed. A colour can be aged, nuanced, lightened or deepened; a brand-new surface can be transformed to recapture the charm of traditional craftsmanship. Our finishing techniques allow us to create a harmonious relationship with frontages, walls, floors and other architectural features.
Restoring rather than repainting
Choosing our workshop to restore your doors or shutters means opting for an approach that goes beyond a simple repaint. Our aim is not merely to change a colour, but to restore the appearance and original spirit of the piece. We strive to preserve the features that give it character while allowing it to enjoy a new lease of life. This approach reflects our commitment to preserving period joinery and the architectural heritage of Provence. Where necessary, we can also reproduce elements that are too damaged to be restored, then apply a finish that blends harmoniously with the original features.
Patina on new doors and shutters : A solution for Architectural Projects
Our expertise also caters to architects, interior designers and renovation professionals seeking joinery that integrates perfectly into an architectural project. We manufacture new doors and shutters in our workshop and can then apply a fully customised patina. This technique makes it possible to create brand-new joinery while giving it the character, depth and authenticity of a traditional piece.
Colours, nuances, textured effects and finishes are all developed to measure, ensuring they meet the precise requirements of each project. Whether the aim is to complement a renovation, respect the style of a historic property or create a particular atmosphere, we can design a finish tailored to its surroundings. Architects therefore enjoy genuine creative freedom: bespoke joinery combined with a patina finish that gives each piece its own identity and creates perfect harmony with its setting.
A signature finish for every creation
Our ambition is to create finishes that look as though they have always belonged to their surroundings. A new door can take on the appearance of an antique door, while restored shutters can regain their original nuances and character. Thanks to our traditional craftsmanship, every creation has its own personality. We don't pursue the uniform perfection of an industrial finish; instead, we seek the subtle variations, nuances and irregularities that bring out the richness of wood. This pursuit of natural beauty and authenticity is what makes our craftsmanship a truly distinctive signature.
Looking to restore your wooden doors or shutters ?
Turn to the expertise of an art artisan specialising in joinery finishes and patina techniques. At Portes en Provence, we support you throughout your restoration, renovation or bespoke creation project, with particular attention to authenticity, detail and the unique character of every piece.
Write to us
The Portes en Provence team thanks you for your interest and will do everything possible to respond to your requests.
For urgent requests, you can reach us at : +33 6 99 26 47 13
E-Mail : contact@portes-en-provence.com






