The UK is blessed with such an array of period properties, from medieval and Tudor homes built 500 years ago or more, distinctive Georgian and Victorian houses all the way through to Edwardian and Arts and Crafts Eras. Whilst this provides a beautifully diverse range of properties, it is important to know which paint finishes are designed for heritage buildings.

How Do You Decorate Period Properties?

If you have invested in a period property, it probably means that you have fallen in love with their original features, so it’s important to use decorating products that are sympathetic to the architecture.

At Brewers, we have a wide range of finishes that are suitable to properties that may need a more specialist product.

Before you book a decorator or pick up a paint brush, verify any listed building status or whether the properties fall within the boundaries of a Conservation Area; there are strict rules about everything from using suitable materials for repair and replacement through to permitted colours.

Always consult the conservation officer at your local authority before you undertake any work.

Repairs And Maintenance Of Period Properties

For restoration work, always seek the help of a professional who has experience with period properties.

There could be a wide range of issues to look out for such as damp and mould, powdery/ cracked walls or blown plaster, as well as damaged render and rotten wood.

Any existing paintwork may well have been painted with original paints, including lead paint, lime-based paint or distemper that must be considered before any redecoration can take place.
For rotten timber, Repair Care, has a good range of products suited to lasting repair of timber sash windows and various substrates. You can find out more about Repair Care here.

Painting Period Properties

Inside and outside, breathability of the surface is essential.

Slate damp courses in brickwork only emerged in the Victorian era, but they weren’t compulsory and certainly aren’t as effective as modern damp-proof membranes.
We stock a wonderful range of products suited to painting period properties thanks to their historically sympathetic ingredients.

Interior Finishes:

Zinsser Grade I is specially formulated for interior ceiling and wall decoration in converted churches and other period properties.

Earthborn Claypaint is a luxurious, ultra matt finish product, suitable for interior walls and ceilings.

The unique clay recipe results in a highly breathable and hard-wearing paint, eliminating emissions and smells.

Farrow & Ball also have a range of finishes designed for period properties.

Casein Distemper has a breathable, permeable structure that is suited to plaster walls and ceilings, creating a very flat finish.

Soft Distemper is a very soft, powdery finish for interior plasterwork. Its blend of natural resin and minerals is designed to be easily removed, allowing detail to be preserved on intricate mouldings.

Exterior Finishes:

Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint is a durable and highly breathable alternative to conventional masonry paints and limewash that dries to a classic, matt finish.

It is highly weather resistant and can be used on porous mineral surfaces such as stone, masonry, concrete, pebbledash, plaster and sound silicate-based painted surfaces.
It’s especially suitable for renovation projects.

Farrow & Ball Limewash is a specialist historical finish for both interior and exterior walls and ceilings, bonding to the building itself to protect from the elements.
It’s a very flat matt finish and is highly breathable.

Brands such as Johnstone’s, ISOMAT and Sandtex also offer breathable masonry paint solutions that could be the ideal finish for your project.
Historical Paint Colours

Once you have found a suitable finish, have a think about the most appropriate colours to use.

Many paint brands celebrate heritage paint colours including collections from Dulux Heritage, Farrow & Ball, Little Greene and Mylands.

For more information about finding your perfect finish, head into your local Brewers Decorator Centre.