Restoring a historic home requires more than just a fresh coat of paint—you want to preserve the character, charm, and life of the property. Whether you own a Victorian, Colonial, or other historic style house, if you select the right colors and techniques, you can enhance its beauty while still maintaining its authenticity. Here’s a guide to painting your home with care and respect for its past.
Research your home’s original colors.
Why does it matter? Using historically accurate colors is a great way to showcase your home’s original architectural details. It also creates a more consistent, cohesive look.
How to do it:
- Consult historical records, old photographs, or architectural surveys to determine the original paint colors of your own home.
- Scrape away small sections of existing paint layers to reveal underlying colors.
For example… Many Victorian homes featured deep, rich colors like burgundy, forest green, and mustard yellow. Colonial homes, on the other hand, often used muted earth tones like ochre and slate blue.
Choose a historically accurate color palette.
Why does it matter? Even if you don’t know the original color of your house, certain color schemes were more common throughout different time periods and architectural styles.
How to do it:
- Identify the era your home was built in and research common color schemes from that time.
- Stick to period-appropriate hues, but make sure to consider how they fit in with the surrounding neighborhood!
- Use historically-inspired color palettes from paint manufacturers that specialize in period-appropriate shades
For example…
- Craftsman homes – warm, natural shades like olive green, burnt orange, and dark brown
- Victorian homes – bold, contrasting colors like deep reds, greens, and golds
- Colonial homes – soft, earthy tones such as creams, greys, and muted blues
Respect your home’s architectural features.
Why does it matter? Many historic homes include much more detailed architecture than the houses of today. These details—trim, shutters, molding, and other decorative elements—should be enhanced rather than hidden with the paint you choose!
How to do it:
- Use a three-color scheme—one for the body, one for trim, and one for accents.
- Highlight woodwork and trim with a contrasting but complementary shade.
- Keep shutters, doors, and window frames true to the home’s original aesthetic.
For example… A Queen Anne Victorian style home might feature a light blue for the main body, white trim, and warm burnt orange accents on window sashes and doors.
Use the right paint finishes and techniques.
Why does it matter? Historic homes were originally painted using different materials and finishes than we use now. Choosing a modern equivalent can be difficult if you’re looking to maintain the same look and feel.
How to do it:
- Use matte or eggshell finishes on the exterior siding to replicate the softer look of many historic paints.
- For trim, doors, and shutters, consider using satin or semi-gloss paint for a durable and elegant finish.
- Not sure which finish to choose for your home? We can help! Check out this post about paint finishes and where to use them.
For example… A federal-style home may have originally featured milk paint, which gives walls a soft, chalky look. Today’s new formulations of milk paint attempt to replicate this finish.
Use preservation-friendly paint products.
Why does it matter? Traditional paints contained different ingredients than the latex or acrylic-based paints we use today. Making sure to choose low-VOC or breathable paints helps protect the materials in historic homes.
How to do it:
- Choose breathable oil- or mineral-based paints that won’t trap moisture inside old wood or masonry.
- On wooden surfaces, consider using linseed oil paint or another history-inspired formula.
For example… A brick home from the early 20th century should use a breathable mineral-based paint, rather than a modern acrylic that could seal in moisture and cause damage over time.
Preserve original woodwork and other surfaces.
Why does it matter? Many historic homes have intricate woodwork, plaster walls, or other special features that require special care when painting.
How to do it:
- Avoid stripping original wood if possible—try to gently clean and repaint instead.
- If you do have to strip wood, use a heat gun or earth-friendly stripping agent rather than a harsh chemical remover that might eat at the wood.
- Before painting plaster, make sure to repair any cracks and try to stick to a lime- or other mineral-based paint.
For example… an early 1900s Craftsman bungalow with natural wood trim might be better served with a stained finish rather than a painted one.
Talk to a specialist if necessary!
Why does it matter? Getting professional help ensures that your restoration efforts actually align with historical standards. For example, if your home is on a historic registry, you may need approval for any changes, including paint colors!
How to do it:
- Work with painters experienced in historic restoration techniques.
- Consult with preservation societies or local historic commissions.
Owning a historic home is both a privilege and a responsibility.By carefully selecting colors, finishes, and techniques that align with your home’s era, you can honor its history while restoring its beauty. No matter the era your home was built in, choosing the right approach will keep your home timeless for years to come.
Ready to start your historic home painting project? We can help! Give us a call or visit https://paintersincorporated.com/ to see what we can do for you!
