Painting a historic home requires special care and attention to preserve its unique character while protecting it from the elements. Exterior painting for historic properties involves more than just selecting a color—it’s about choosing techniques and products that honor the home’s original architecture and materials. North Pointe Painting specializes in exterior painting for historic homes in Commerce, MI, helping homeowners restore and maintain these beautiful properties. Here are some essential tips for painting the exterior of a historic home.
1. Choose Historically Accurate Colors
When painting a historic home, selecting colors that align with the era of the house is crucial. Research colors that were commonly used during the period when your home was built, or consult with a local historian for guidance. Earthy tones, soft pastels, and classic whites are often fitting choices, but each architectural style has its distinct palette. North Pointe Painting can help you choose historically appropriate colors that respect your home’s heritage while enhancing its curb appeal.
2. Use High-Quality, Breathable Paints
Historic homes often have unique building materials that require special care. Opt for high-quality, breathable paints that allow moisture to escape, preventing paint from trapping humidity and causing damage to wood or masonry. Latex and acrylic paints are popular options for their flexibility and durability. Breathable paints are essential for protecting historic structures, as they reduce the risk of cracking and peeling, ensuring a longer-lasting finish.
3. Prepare the Surface Thoroughly
Proper surface preparation is essential in any exterior painting project, but it’s especially critical for historic homes. Older surfaces may have multiple layers of paint, cracks, or weather damage that need addressing before applying new paint. Cleaning, scraping away loose paint, sanding, and repairing damaged areas are all part of the process. In historic homes, it’s also important to be mindful of lead paint, which may require professional removal for safety. North Pointe Painting’s team takes extra care with surface preparation to ensure a smooth, durable finish.
4. Preserve Architectural Details
Historic homes often feature unique architectural details such as trim, molding, and decorative accents. These elements are part of the home’s charm, so it’s essential to preserve them during painting. Use fine brushes for intricate areas, and consider using complementary colors to highlight these details. North Pointe Painting’s skilled team knows how to work carefully around these features, ensuring they remain intact and beautifully showcased.
5. Protect Against the Elements
The Michigan climate can be tough on exteriors, especially for historic homes. Selecting high-quality, weather-resistant paints is essential to protect your home from rain, snow, and UV rays. Additionally, consider using a primer before painting to enhance adhesion and create an extra layer of protection. North Pointe Painting uses paints and primers designed to withstand the elements, ensuring your home’s exterior stays beautiful and well-protected throughout the seasons.
Why Choose North Pointe Painting for Your Historic Home’s Exterior Painting Needs?
At North Pointe Painting, we understand the unique requirements of exterior painting for historic homes in Commerce, MI. Our experienced team is skilled in preserving the charm and authenticity of these beautiful properties while using modern products to protect against weather and wear. From choosing the right colors to meticulous surface preparation, we bring the expertise needed to ensure a stunning, long-lasting finish for your historic home.
Contact North Pointe Painting today to discuss how we can help bring new life to your historic home’s exterior with professional painting services tailored to its unique character.
