Period properties

Before gypsum and cement came into general use, houses were usually plastered and rendered with lime, which manages moisture by letting it pass through and evaporate. A dense, impermeable paint can trap that moisture, leading to flaking paint and decaying plaster. For these surfaces we specify vapour-permeable finishes — limewash, soft distemper, mineral paints or paints their manufacturers describe as vapour-permeable — chosen for what is already on the wall, since some cannot go over modern paint.

Our note on choosing paint for Victorian houses covers product types in more detail, and the Hampstead Victorian townhouse shows the approach in practice.

In a house of this age, assume that earlier layers of paint may contain lead unless a test shows otherwise. Disturbing it carelessly creates hazardous dust and fumes, so we never dry-sand or burn off old paint. We use wet abrasion, chemical strippers where appropriate, dust extraction rated for the purpose, containment and careful cleaning, following HSE guidance, and take particular care where there are young children or anyone pregnant in the household.

Listed building consent is needed for works that affect a building’s special interest, inside or out. Like-for-like repainting is often straightforward, but changing external colours, painting previously unpainted surfaces or stripping historic finishes may need consent, and works carried out without it can be an offence. In conservation areas, painting unpainted brick or stone can need planning permission, particularly under an Article 4 direction. Check with the local planning authority before work is scheduled; we can provide a written description of the proposed work to support that conversation.