Restoring or renovating a building with period architecture takes a lot of planning and forethought to get right. Since you probably need to think carefully about maintaining the integrity of the existing architecture with every upgrade that you make, you can’t simply plow ahead with a vague vision of what you want to achieve.

When it comes to painting period architecture, there’s a lot to be aware of before you get started. Here, you’ll learn the ins and outs of protecting period architecture by using the right paint and application methods, preventing common risks like moisture damage and impact of using modern paints on historic materials.

1. Assess the Condition of the Building First

Before you even start planning the paints you’ll use on your property, the first step is to conduct a full inspection and learn exactly what you’re taking on.

It’s key that you understand the building’s materials, as well as any previous coatings it has been treated with, and the easiest way to do this is with an inspection. Plus, thoroughly assessing the building will help you identify structural issues that may affect how you proceed with the paint job. 

2. Choose Paints That Work with Traditional Materials

When you’re selecting the paints for your project, you’ll need to use the right kinds for the building you’re working with. 

Older buildings should generally be painted with breathable paints, like limewash or mineral paints. These allow the structure to release moisture, helping prevent damage over time. If you’re not sure what paint your project needs, a professional painter, like the team at Pemco Painting, can point you in the right direction.

3. Prepare Surfaces Carefully to Preserve Character

Prep work for a period property isn’t the same as what you’d do before painting a modern building. Depending on the exact surface you’re working with, you’ll probably need to focus on using gentle cleaning methods, perhaps using hand tools over power tools. 

You might even need to carefully strip sections where necessary, so you’re retaining the building’s historic details.

4. Use Application Techniques That Respect the Building’s Age

The method of application you use when painting will also be different for a period property. 

Traditional application methods are always best (where relevant, of course). For instance, you may divide to use brush application for limewash or opt for a natural bristle roller for breathable mineral paints. These techniques will help you maintain the authenticity and longevity of the finish, reducing the risk of damage caused by more modern techniques, like spraying.

5. Consider The Local Climate and Environment

Compared to modern structures, period buildings tend to be more sensitive to things like moisture and temperature changes, so you’ll also need to factor in the local climate when you’re planning your paintwork. This is especially important if the property is in a damp location (on the coast, for example); in which case, using breathable paint is a non-negotiable.

On the opposite end, UV exposure is another environmental factor to think about. When you’re choosing paint for the property exterior, make sure it’s rated for exterior use and will protect the building from sun fading.

6. Commit to Color Accuracy (Where Possible)

If your aim is to preserve the character of a period building as much as possible, the materials and techniques you use are only part of the picture. Color accuracy is something else to strive for, particularly if you’re renovating a building that uses color palettes that reflect the period it was built in. You’d be surprised at how many paints that look neutral today can actually look out of place on an 18th or 19th-century property.

You might be able to find a local supplier of heritage color range paints, giving you the best shot at replicating the existing historic finish. Failing that, it’s worth contacting a paint specialist to get some professional help matching original colors, so the finished building feels authentic. 

7. Work with Specialists & Invest in Proper Materials for Best Results

If it’s necessary to do so, you might feel more comfortable handing over your project to a heritage professional or specialist decorator who understands the unique demands of period properties.

Even if you take the project on yourself, you should, at the very least, invest in the proper materials and application methods from the start, so you know that you’re protecting the building in the long term.

Final Words

Your work isn’t finished once your project is complete. You’ll also need to commit to ongoing maintenance to keep the property in the best restored condition.

This will probably include regularly clearing gutters and downpipes, conducting checks for damp several times a year, and inspecting the whole building to spot problems early and protect its finish for years to come. 

In Case You Missed It!