Period Property Painting & Decorating: What You Need To Know…
Period properties are some of the most characterful and rewarding homes to live in. Decorating them well requires a different approach from a standard modern interior.
The materials used in older buildings, the architectural details they contain and the history of previous decoration all mean that a greater level of care, knowledge and preparation is needed to achieve a finish that does the property justice.
Here is what you need to know before you begin.
Understand The Materials You Are Working With
Lime Plaster
One of the most important considerations in any period property is the type of plaster on the walls. Many older homes, particularly those built before the mid-twentieth century, were constructed using lime plaster rather than the modern gypsum-based plasters used in new builds. Lime plaster is softer, more flexible and breathable, which means it behaves quite differently when it comes to decoration.
Applying modern vinyl emulsions or impermeable paints directly to lime plaster can cause moisture to become trapped within the wall, leading to damp problems, paint failure and, over time, damage to the plaster itself.
Where lime plasterwork is present, breathable paint products such as limewash, mineral paint or specialist masonry paints are a far more appropriate choice.
Multiple Layers Of Old Paint
Period properties often carry decades or even centuries of accumulated paint layers. Before any new decoration can be applied, it is worth assessing the condition of what is already there.
Loose, flaking or poorly bonded layers need to be addressed before new paint is applied, otherwise the new decoration will be built on an unstable foundation and is likely to fail prematurely.
In some cases, particularly where painted woodwork has been built up with many coats over the years, stripping back to bare timber and starting again will produce a far better long-term result than simply painting over the top.
Respecting The Architectural Detail
Cornicing, Picture Rails & Ceiling Roses
Period properties frequently feature original architectural details such as cornicing, ceiling roses, picture rails and dado rails. These are often among the most attractive features of an older home, but they require careful handling during decoration.
Taking the time to cut in neatly around intricate mouldings, or to carefully clean out accumulated paint from fine detailing, makes a significant difference to the finished result and preserves the character of the room.
Sash Windows & Painted Timber
Original sash windows and other painted timber features are worth preserving wherever possible, but they do require the right approach.
Thorough preparation, including sanding back, priming bare timber and applying appropriate undercoat before the finishing coat, is the foundation of a long-lasting painted finish on woodwork.
Cutting corners at the preparation stage is one of the most common reasons painted woodwork deteriorates quickly.
Choose The Right Products For The Property
Not all paints are suitable for period properties, and choosing the right product makes a real difference to both the appearance and the longevity of the finished work. Breathable, vapour-permeable paints are generally the right choice for solid-walled older buildings, allowing moisture to move through the wall structure naturally without becoming trapped.
For interior walls, a good quality matt emulsion in a period-appropriate shade will often give the most sympathetic result, while eggshell or oil-based finishes on woodwork provide a durable surface that sits well with the character of the room.
Factor In More Time for Preparation
Experienced decorators working on period properties will always budget considerably more time for preparation than they would on a modern interior.
Filling hairline cracks in old plaster, sanding back layers of paint on woodwork, addressing any areas of loose or damaged surface and priming bare patches all take time but are the difference between a finish that lasts and one that begins to deteriorate within a season or two.
Rushing preparation to get to the painting stage more quickly is a false economy, particularly in a property where the surfaces have history and character worth preserving.
Period Property Decorating In Macclesfield & Cheshire
At Warren Bracegirdle Painters & Decorators, we have been working on period and heritage properties across Cheshire for over 30 years. As members of the Painting and Decorating Association, we bring a considered, knowledgeable approach to every project, taking the time to understand the property and its materials before work begins.
Whether you have a Victorian terrace in Macclesfield, a Georgian townhouse or a period cottage in Prestbury, we are on hand to deliver a finish that respects the character of your home.
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