Do you have experience with historical house painting?
historical house painting
Painting a home can be a challenging project. But when you are repainting a historic house, it can be even more complicated. Not only must you make sure that your paint job looks good, but you also need to keep in mind that the building’s history must be preserved and not compromised. Doing your research, using high-quality and historically-accurate supplies, and taking your time can make this a successful project without compromising the historic integrity of the property.
This is perhaps the most important step in any house painting project, but it is especially crucial for historic homes. Older houses often have several layers of paint, as well as dirt, mildew and rot that need to be removed before you can paint. A good cleaning with water, detergent and a brush with soft bristles can help remove these contaminants and provide a smooth surface for the new paint.
Depending on the condition of the existing paint, you may need to scrape, sand or patch before repainting. This will also allow for better adhesion between the new and existing layers of paint. Additionally, if you notice any areas of crazing (cracking in the surface of the paint), these should be repaired and primed before repainting.
Do you have experience with historical house painting?
When choosing paint for a historic home, it is best to go with color schemes that would have been available at the time of construction. During the 18th century, most paint was mixed in small batches from natural earth pigments such as red oxide, yellow ocher, lamp black and white lead. There are a number of historical house paint colors available from companies such as Old Village Paint, who use natural earth pigments in their formulas and are the brand used at historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg.
Using modern latex or acrylic paints on a historic home can trap moisture and lead to rotting and other problems. It is important to use breathable paints designed for older homes, such as Real Milk Paint. These paints contain ingredients that replicate those of paints in eras past, and they are non-toxic, safe for children, pets and the environment.
Historic home restoration is a delicate process and requires special knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Hiring a contractor who is certified in historic preservation can ensure that your renovations are done with the utmost respect for the integrity of the property. It is also a good idea to seek out contractors who have previously worked on historic homes and can provide references from previous clients.
A professional historic house painter can help you restore your historic home to its original splendor and add value to your property. By understanding the proper techniques, selecting appropriate paint colors and completing the project with care, you can create a beautiful and timeless home for years to come.