OUR STORY
BEGINNINGS
Carmelo began spray painting in Italy at the age of 18, coaxing beauty out of wood, doors, and bedroom furnishings. He learned his craft working alongside carpenters, designers, and creatives, perfecting the art of solvent-borne paints, stained finishes, and the sleek, unforgiving precision of high-gloss work—where the smallest slip simply wouldn’t do. His reputation grew, not just for the impeccable, flawless finishes he delivered but for the quiet elegance he brought to each piece. Yet, in Carmelo's heart, there was always a longing for something more.
In 1995, Carmelo packed his dreams (and his family) and headed for Malta, a tiny rock in the Mediterranean that promised possibility. At first, he kept close to what he knew—offering his skills to local carpenters and designers. Back then, spray painters were few and far between on the island, and Carmelo’s meticulous finish made him something of a rare gem. Soon, his name became synonymous with innovation, introducing the anticato decapè style, a textured and weathered style. His work was showcased at fairs and conventions, a quiet but commanding presence in the world of craft.
In 1995, Carmelo packed his dreams (and his family) and headed for Malta, a tiny rock in the Mediterranean that promised possibility. At first, he kept close to what he knew—offering his skills to local carpenters and designers. Back then, spray painters were few and far between on the island, and Carmelo’s meticulous finish made him something of a rare gem. Soon, his name became synonymous with innovation, introducing the anticato decapè style, a textured and weathered style. His work was showcased at fairs and conventions, a quiet but commanding presence in the world of craft.
Then, in November 1999, Carmelo did what dreamers do—he turned ambition into action.
He opened his own workshop, Verniciatura Bertone, in Żebbuġ. With spray booths set up just the way he liked it, his work took on new precision. In the warm hum of Malta’s industrious heart, Carmelo discovered his spark. At a time when spray painting in Malta was commonly done on the fly, Carmelo brought something new—a method startlingly efficient and exacting.
His team, small but spirited, worked with a buzzing rhythm. Yet, for all its newfound efficiency, there remained a human warmth to their craft. Carmelo continued to explore new materials and methods, learning about water-based paints long before they became fashionable. As scientists improved their formulas—making them durable, fast-drying, and kinder to the planet—Carmelo threw himself into mastering the technique, determined to be ahead of the curve.
By 2013, a shift in the market gave them a spark of inspiration
Why should the magic of spray painting be reserved only for designer projects and custom carpentry? What if that perfect, factory-quality finish could be brought into ordinary homes? Just like that, the Bertones made their move—renovating kitchens and front doors, bringing their signature smooth finish to anyone with the dream of something new.
His wife, Rita, stood beside him in the business, the steady hand behind the scenes, managing clients and workflow. Their partnership was the quiet backbone of the business. Before long, their son Gabriele joined the fold. He started learning not only the tricks of the trade, but the love and care that went into each piece.
2020s
As the years passed and the 2020s rolled in, Carmelo and Rita began to step away from the spotlight, leaving the company in the hands of their son. Gabriele took the reins with quiet grace, honouring his father’s legacy while dreaming of new ways to serve their clients. Armed with a background in psychology and a love for interior design, Gabriele understood that colours aren’t just hues on a palette—they tell stories, evoke emotions, and spark imagination.
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As the demand for renovating external doors began to grow, Gabriele took it upon himself to completely redesign the renovation process for external apertures. This evolution didn’t just ensure a perfect finish; it respected the wood beneath its layers. This reverence for craftsmanship resonated with those who treasure the beauty and legacy of Maltese heritage.
Gabriele knew that even the most beautiful visions need a team to bring them to life.
Drawing on his experience in social and youth work, he built a close-knit group of professionals who shared his values—mutual respect, learning, and growth. Together, they honed their craft, perfecting each step of the renovation process. Every piece, every door, every project was a reflection of the heart they poured into their work, a testament to the legacy that began in a small Italian workshop decades ago.
Today, Verniciatura Bertone—now known simply as VB—continues to be a leading name in the renovation world, beloved across Malta and Gozo.
While the company has grown and evolved, the heart of the business remains the same — a deep love for craft, a passion for beauty, and a belief that every surface, whether a front door or a kitchen cabinet, deserves to shine with perfection. Gabriele carries that torch with pride, always searching for new ways to bring joy to his clients—because at VB, it’s never just about paint. It’s about transforming spaces and making homes a little brighter, one perfect finish at a time.
