If you own a historic home in Falls Church, you know it’s not just another house. It’s a piece of the city’s story. And when it comes time to repaint, there’s more to think about than picking a color. From protecting original materials to following preservation rules, every step matters.
Here, we cover what homeowners in Falls Church need to know before starting a historic painting project, from common challenges to choosing the right paint and finding a team you can trust.
Why Painting a Historic Home Requires a Specialized Approach
Older homes are built with materials that demand expert attention. Wood siding, plaster walls, and intricate trims are common in historic homes and respond differently to modern paints. These materials need breathable coatings and precise preparation to prevent damage.
Every decision, from surface prep to final color, should protect the home’s integrity while helping it shine in the present day.
Understanding Falls Church Historic District Guidelines
Falls Church has several designated historic districts. If your property is located within one or listed on the historic registry, you may need approval from the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) before any exterior changes.
The HARB ensures that paint colors, finishes, and applications align with the home’s historical character. Homeowners should be prepared to submit documentation, choose from approved color palettes, and use period-appropriate finishes. Following these steps avoids delays and protects the home’s legacy.
Common Challenges in Painting Older Homes
Historic homes often hide surprises beneath the surface. Before a single brushstroke is applied, it’s important to identify and resolve underlying issues that can compromise results or even cause harm.
Lead Paint Concerns
Many homes built before 1978 still have layers of lead-based paint. Disturbing this paint without proper containment can pose serious health risks.
EPA-certified lead-safe practices are a must-follow. This includes dust containment, specialized removal techniques, and proper disposal to keep your family and property safe.
Wood Rot and Surface Damage
Time and weather can take a toll on original siding, trims, and windows. Before painting begins, soft or rotting wood must be repaired or replaced.
Skipping this step can trap moisture, cause premature paint failure, and accelerate structural deterioration.
Flaking or Failing Paint Layers
Multiple generations of paint can lead to cracking, bubbling, or peeling. Removing or encapsulating these layers requires care.
Gentle stripping methods, such as hand scraping or using low-heat tools, protect the underlying surfaces and preserve historic detailing.
Choosing the Right Paint for Historic Homes
Historic homes need breathable paints, especially for wood and plaster. These allow moisture to escape instead of trapping it behind the surface.
Choose high-quality, exterior-grade paints that offer long-term durability and historical accuracy. Many manufacturers now offer low-VOC or eco-friendly options that are safer for aging materials and your indoor air quality.
Color Considerations: Blending Style and History
Color protects the home and defines its personality. The right palette can bring out unique features like gingerbread trim, shutters, or cornices.
For historical accuracy, research the home’s architectural style. A Victorian-era home, for example, may benefit from rich jewel tones, while a Colonial house looks best with classic whites, taupes, and muted blues.
Many brands, including Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, offer historic color collections that simplify the process.
Why Hire a Historic Home Painting Specialist
Historic homes come with character and quirks. They deserve a painter who understands both. From delicate woodwork to century-old plaster, these homes require a careful, experienced approach.
Hiring the right team can make all the difference. A qualified historic home painting specialist will know how to prep delicate surfaces, choose the correct paint, and complete the work with care and compliance. When you’re evaluating contractors, look for:
- EPA Lead-Safe Certification
- Proven experience with homes 50+ years old
- Knowledge of Falls Church historic district guidelines
These credentials ensure your project is completed safely, legally, and beautifully.
Our Process for Painting Historic Homes in Falls Church
At Image Painting, we know what it means to care for a historic home, because we’ve done it many times, right here in Falls Church. Our process is designed to respect your home’s history, protect its materials, and leave you with results that look beautiful and stand the test of time.
- On-site inspection: We start by walking through the property with you. We look closely at materials, surfaces, and architectural details so we understand exactly what your home needs.
- Color consultation (optional): If you’re unsure about colors or want to stay true to your home’s original palette, we can help. We’ll guide you through historic collections and finishes that suit your home’s era and style.
- Lead testing and preparation: For homes built before 1978, we test for lead paint and follow all EPA lead-safe procedures to protect your family and neighborhood during prep.
- Repairs and priming: We carefully repair wood rot, flaking layers, and surface damage. Next, we apply the right primers to create a solid foundation for paint.
- Detailed painting and finishing: With every coat, we use the tools, techniques, and products that suit your home’s specific materials—always with an eye toward longevity and historical accuracy.
Ready to Refresh Your Historic Home? Let’s Talk
Every historic home has a story, and when it’s time for a fresh coat of paint, that story deserves to be treated with care.
Whether you’re repainting to protect original materials, meet Falls Church historic guidelines, or simply bring new life to your exterior, we’re here to help.
Our team specializes in historic home painting, and we offer free consultations and on-site evaluations so you can move forward with confidence.
Let’s talk about what your home needs and how we can help you preserve it for years to come.