Smart Painting Tips for Historic Properties
Respect the Past, Refresh the Present
The charm of historic homes lives in their architecture, ornate trim, rich woodwork, and timeless character. But over time, even the most beautiful homes need protection. Painting isn’t just about refreshing the exterior; it’s a way to honor the home’s history while preserving its structure and value.
Choosing the right color is key. Modern shades can clash with classic designs, so it's important to select a palette that fits the home’s era. Victorian and Italianate homes in Goshen traditionally used earthy tones like olive green, brick red, mustard yellow, and deep brown. These shades enhanced details and weathered well. Trim was often painted in dark, contrasting colors, not white, as is common today.
Fortunately, many paint brands now offer historic collections based on real 19th- and early 20th-century palettes. To get it right, homeowners can also visit the Goshen Historical Society or study nearby preserved homes to uncover clues about original colors. The goal is to highlight history, not hide it, and a carefully chosen paint job can do just that.
Preserving the Past with a Fresh Coat
When painting a historic home, the prep work is as important as the color. Original materials, often softer or more weathered than modern construction materials, require a gentler, more skilled approach. The process should be thoughtful and thorough to ensure lasting results and preserve your home’s character.
Here’s what proper surface preparation should include:
Thorough inspection and repairs: Before proceeding, address cracked siding, loose plaster, and weathered trim.
Gentle cleaning: Skip the pressure washer; mild scrubbing with soft brushes and safe cleaners is better for older materials.
Careful sanding: A light touch helps smooth the surface without damaging brittle wood or layered paint.
Lead paint safety: Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, which requires EPA-certified lead-safe work practices.
Priming the Stage for a Lasting Finish
Once everything is cleaned, repaired, and lightly sanded, it's time to prime. Skipping primer on a historic home is like building on quicksand; what looks good today might peel tomorrow. Bare wood needs an oil-based or high-adhesion primer to lock in durability and create a solid foundation for paint. Even patched areas or previously painted surfaces benefit from priming to unify color and texture across different materials.
Primer also blocks stains and imperfections from bleeding through. That protection matters in a home that’s seen a century of seasons. With a good foundation, your final coats will look smoother, last longer, and stand up better to Indiana’s weather.
The Right Tools for the Right Story
A beautifully painted historic home requires more than just the right color; it also requires the right techniques. Brushing by hand is still the gold standard for detail work. It offers the precision needed to ornate gingerbread trim or carved porch posts. For flat siding areas, rollers may be used, but even then, a method called back-brushing (following the roller with a brush) ensures the paint reaches every groove and grain.
The goal isn’t to hide history with thick coats. Instead, thin, even layers preserve texture and avoid covering up the craftsmanship that makes your home special. When too much paint builds up, details blur. That’s why patience and control are very important. A quality job may take a little longer, but the payoff is worth it.
Accentuate the Beauty, Don’t Overwhelm It
Repainting a historic home isn’t about reinventing it; it’s about revealing it. The goal is to highlight the architecture, not bury it beneath colors or heavy-handed design choices. With the right approach, paint becomes a spotlight that will drastically improve the home’s magic.
Here’s how to let your home’s features shine:
Use a three-color scheme: A dominant body color, contrasting trim, and a tasteful accent help define the home’s structure and detail.
Choose period-appropriate tones: Historic color palettes complement the age and style of the home while enhancing curb appeal.
Highlight, don’t hide, the details: Use accents on features like corbels, window sashes, or porch railings to draw attention to original craftsmanship.
Honor the History While Increasing Your Home’s Value
Painting your historic home is more than a facelift, it’s an investment. Well-maintained exteriors protect against moisture, pests, and UV damage. Internally, fresh paint can brighten dark hallways or restore a room to its former elegance. From a resale perspective, buyers are often willing to pay more for a home restored with care rather than remodeled to chase trends.
Neighborhoods like the Historic Southside are celebrated for their heritage, keeping your home's architectural integrity intact can boost its appeal. With expert color planning and sensitive application, you protect not only your property but also your community’s shared story.
Let Us Help You Paint the Past with Care
At Custom Paint & Finish, we understand that painting a historic home is about more than brushes and buckets. It’s about honoring the craftsmanship of the past while protecting it for the future. Our team specializes in careful prep, historically accurate colors, and the kind of attention to detail that these homes deserve.
Whether you own a stately Queen Anne on a tree-lined street or a cozy Craftsman bungalow with century-old trim, we’ll help you bring out the beauty that’s always been there, just waiting for a careful, respectful refresh.
Ready to refresh your historic Goshen home without losing an ounce of its charm? Contact Custom Paint & Finish for a free quote and expert guidance.
