Newnan is known for its historic homes, and many houses in and around downtown were built long before drywall became standard. Painting an older home takes a little more care, but the results can bring out the character that drew you to the house in the first place.
Plaster walls need different prep
Many older homes have plaster walls. Plaster is durable but can develop hairline cracks, loose areas and patches from decades of repairs. Cracks should be opened, filled and sanded smooth, and loose areas may need to be reattached or patched before painting. Skipping this step usually means cracks reappear within a season.
Old trim and many layers of paint
Original trim, doors and windows often carry many coats of paint. Built-up layers can make doors stick and hide the details of the woodwork. Careful scraping and sanding of loose or failing areas, followed by a bonding primer, gives the new coat something solid to grip.
Ask about lead-safe practices
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Sanding or scraping can create dust that is harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. If your home is older, ask any painter how they will handle lead-safe work practices, such as containment, dust control and cleanup. The EPA's Renovate Right guide is a helpful plain-language overview of what to expect.
Choosing colors for a historic home
- Many paint brands offer historic color collections that suit older homes.
- Warm whites and soft neutrals work well with original wood floors and trim.
- Try large samples on several walls, since older homes often have uneven natural light from room to room.
Sheen matters on old walls
Flat and matte finishes hide surface imperfections, which is helpful on plaster. Eggshell is a good balance of washability and forgiveness for living areas. Semi-gloss is still the usual choice for trim and doors.
Protecting what you love
Older homes often have original floors, hardware and built-ins worth protecting. Ask how furniture will be moved and covered, how floors will be protected and whether hardware will be removed and reinstalled rather than painted over.
Planning a paint project? See our painting services or call (470) 488-9764 for a free, itemized paint estimate. Ask about our first responder and military discount.