The answer (for my purposes): RefreshPropertiesAttribute(RefreshProperties.Repaint)

Why can't you do as this: Public MyControl() { InitializeComponents(); this.refresh(); } As it will be refreshed after the call of the init() is returned and all the initialization is complete. Assuming that your visual properties will be user in the Overrode OnPaint Method .

No wonder your Bitmap is empty - you always return null... X| I guess changing get { return null; } into get { return _imageDown; } could do the trick. Regards, mav