Established in 1976, Magic Brush, Inc. offers a variety of professional painting services for the most discriminating clients. We can either work directly with private homeowners, or through their designers, architects or general contractors.
Magic Brush provides work of the finest quality, performed by skilled craftsmen in a timely and professional manner. Our reputation for close attention to detail and problem-solving expertise is supported by the high caliber of our employees, six of whom have been with the company for over 15 years.
Among the services offered by Magic Brush are interior and exterior painting, including all aspects of proper preparation and repairs. Wood refinishing, gold leafing, and spray finishes are also available. Our company is adept at many other paint-related skills, ranging from plaster repair, minor carpentry, and color matching, to the use of epoxy consolidants and fillers. The “Painting Restoration” of Victorian facades is one of our nationally recognized specialties. Robert Dufort is also Lead Certified by the state of California, permitting him to oversee the safe handling of the lead containing paint that is prevalent on older buildings.
The company’s founder, Robert Dufort, arrived in San Francisco in the mid-1970s, a time when restoration of the city’s Victorian homes was blossoming. The elaborate painting of their facades, with details picked out in multiple colors, was intrinsic to this movement. Established in the midst of this period, Magic Brush was soon to become known for its meticulous surface preparation and innovative restoration techniques. By the late 1980’s, Robert had expanded the company’s range into the field of custom interior painting. Since then, a variety of national awards, published articles and seminars have sealed the reputation of Magic Brush for its careful attention to detail and fine finishes.
Great Hall of the Roos House (1909) San Francisco. Designed by famed Bay Area architect Bernard Maybeck, this landmark house is still owned by the Roos family. Tudor Revival in style, the home has an eclectic interior, with Arts and Crafts influence. Robert Dufort and Magic Brush Painting, Inc. restored the interior, which included cleaning the solid redwood paneling of the walls and ceilings. Per Maybeck’s original instructions, no color, wax, or any other finish was added to the raw wood. The fireplace was repaired, painted and glazed to give it a “fireplace smoked” look and the painted plaster chandeliers were also restored. The furniture is original and designed by Maybeck for the house. Photo: Douglas Salin.
Alta Plaza Park residence. Magic Brush, Inc. painted the interior and exterior of this Jackson Street mansion. The original woodwork (oak, mahogany and fir) was stripped and expertly refinished. Photo: Mark Sinclair.
Gough Street Queen Anne facade. A “painting restoration”. Magic Brush tripped most of the facade, including the plaster ornament, recreated portions of the plaster ornament, extensive epoxy repairs, and minor carpentry. The solid oak door was stripped and refinished. Photo: Robert Dufort.
Casebolt Mansion, 2727 Pierce Street, San Francisco. Stripping and restoring the staircase newel posts. Magic Brush has painted the facade of this famously white house three times, once every 10 years. Photo: Robert Dufort.
A “painting restoration” for a commercial building on the corner of California and Divisadero. Magic Brush did extensive stripping, epoxy repairs, carpentry. A fair amount of ornamental plaster was replaced, including this frieze band cartouche. Lorna K did the molds and casting. 23 karat gold leaf lends the final touch!
Arts and Crafts Dining Room, designed by Paul Duchscherer. Magic Brush stripped and refinished the existing wood elements of mahogany, oak, and fir, and finished and distressed the new wood to match. Photo: Linda Svenson.
