Historic Home Painting in Massachusetts: Preserving New England Architecture

Massachusetts is home to some of America's most treasured historic architecture. From 17th-century Saltbox homes to Victorian mansions, painting these properties requires specialized knowledge, respect for history, and attention to period-appropriate details.

Understanding Historic Architecture in Massachusetts

Common Historic Home Styles

Colonial (1600s-1780s)

• Simple, symmetrical design


• Clapboard or shingle siding


• Small-paned windows


• Center chimney


• Colors: Earth tones, deep reds, ochres

• Elegant proportions


• Decorative elements (fanlights, sidelights)


• Brick or wood construction


• Colors: Whites, creams, soft yellows

• Temple-front porticos


• Bold columns


• Heavy cornices


• Colors: Whites, stone colors, with dark shutters

• Elaborate ornamentation


• Multiple paint colors (3-5 typical)


• Fish-scale shingles


• Gingerbread trim


• Colors: Rich, saturated palettes

• Interpretation of Colonial styles


• More flexible with colors


• Symmetrical facades


• Colors: Traditional palettes with modern options

Massachusetts Historic Districts

Many communities have historic districts with painting regulations:

LocationDistrict TypeColor Approval

Beacon Hill, BostonLocal HistoricRequired
Salem HistoricLocal/NationalRequired
NantucketLocal HistoricRequired
Plymouth HistoricLocal HistoricRecommended
Concord CenterLocal HistoricRequired
Cambridge (portions)Local HistoricRequired

Working Within Historic Guidelines

Historic District Commission (HDC) Process

If your home is in a historic district, follow these steps:

1. Research your home's history: Original colors, architectural details
2. Contact your local HDC: Understand requirements before planning
3. Submit color samples: Many HDCs require approval
4. Provide documentation: Historic photos if available
5. Wait for approval: Can take 30-60 days
6. Keep records: Document approvals for future reference

Typical HDC Requirements

• Pre-approved color palettes: Many districts have approved lists


• Historic accuracy: Colors should be period-appropriate


• Material consistency: Original materials should be maintained


• Detail preservation: Ornamental features must be preserved


• Documentation: Before/after photos often required

Period-Appropriate Color Palettes

Pre-Revolutionary (1700s)

Body Colors:

• Barn red (iron oxide)


• Mustard yellow (ochre)


• Milk paint whites


• Forest green (verdigris)

• Cream white


• Off-white


• Natural wood tones

Federal & Greek Revival Era (1780-1860)

Body Colors:

• White (symbol of prosperity)


• Pale yellow


• Stone gray


• Buff/cream

• White


• Dark green shutters


• Black accents

Victorian Era (1840-1900)

Body Colors:

• Rich browns


• Deep greens


• Burgundy


• Slate blue


• Ochre

• Contrasting lighter/darker shades


• Multiple accent colors


• Gilded elements (high Victorian)

Colonial Revival (1880-1950)

Body Colors:

• Traditional whites


• Colonial blue


• Williamsburg green


• Barn red


• Butter yellow

• Crisp white


• Black or dark green shutters


• Contrasting door colors

Special Considerations for Historic Painting

Lead Paint Management

Critical Safety Note: Homes built before 1978 likely contain lead paint.

Legal Requirements:

• Massachusetts has strict lead paint laws


• Certified contractors required for disturbance


• Proper containment and disposal mandatory


• Documentation required for compliance

• EPA-certified renovators on staff


• Proper testing before work begins


• Safe work practices throughout


• Compliant disposal procedures

Surface Preparation Challenges

Historic homes often present unique prep challenges:

Multiple Paint Layers:

• Sometimes 20+ layers accumulated


• Chemical strippers may be needed


• Heat gun work for intricate details


• Preservation vs. removal decisions

• Old-growth wood requires different prep


• Lime-based plaster underneath


• Hand-made trim elements


• Irreplaceable details

• Incompatible fillers or patches


• Incorrect caulking materials


• Mismatched replacement pieces

Choosing the Right Paint

Historic-Appropriate Options:

Paint TypeBest ForConsiderations

Lime washAuthentic historic lookRequires maintenance
Linseed oil paintTraditional applicationLonger dry times
Alkyd/oil-basedHistoric aestheticVOC restrictions
High-quality latexMost practicalChoose premium brands

Recommended Brands for Historic Homes:

• Benjamin Moore Historical Collection


• Sherwin-Williams Historic Color Collection


• Fine Paints of Europe


• Old Village Paints

Cost Factors for Historic Home Painting

Historic homes typically cost 20-50% more to paint than standard homes due to:

Increased Labor

• Careful prep to preserve details


• Hand-scraping vs. power tools near delicate areas


• Multiple color applications


• Lead-safe work practices

Materials

• Premium historic-grade paints


• Specialized primers


• Custom color matching


• Protective coverings for landscaping

Regulatory Compliance

• HDC application fees


• Documentation requirements


• Potential revision requests


• Extended project timelines

Typical Cost Comparison

ServiceStandard HomeHistoric Home

Exterior (2,000 sq ft)$6,000-10,000$8,000-15,000
Interior (2,000 sq ft)$4,000-7,000$5,500-10,000
Trim/Detail Work$1,500-3,000$2,500-5,000

Preserving Architectural Details

Common Historic Elements Requiring Special Care

Decorative Trim:

• Dentil molding


• Corbels and brackets


• Fish-scale shingles


• Gingerbread ornamentation


• Turned porch posts

• Multi-pane sashes


• Decorative surrounds


• Historic glass (wavy appearance)


• Original shutters

• Raised panels


• Sidelights and transoms


• Historic hardware


• Threshold details

Restoration vs. Replication

Sometimes historic elements are too damaged to preserve:

When to Restore:

• Damage is superficial


• Original material is sound


• Historic significance is high


• Budget allows for careful work

• Original is beyond repair


• Safety concerns exist


• Replacement matches exactly


• Documentation is maintained

Working with JH Painting Services on Historic Projects

Our approach to historic homes includes:

Consultation Phase

• Historical research on your property


• Color history investigation


• HDC requirement review


• Detailed scope development

Execution Phase

• EPA-certified lead-safe practices


• Hand-tool techniques where needed


• Premium historic-grade paints


• Meticulous detail work


• Daily cleanup and protection

Documentation Phase

• Before/during/after photography


• Color and product documentation


• Compliance records


• Maintenance recommendations

Schedule Your Historic Home Consultation

Painting a historic Massachusetts home requires expertise, patience, and respect for architectural heritage. At JH Painting Services, we understand the unique requirements of historic properties and have the skills to do the job right.

Call (508) 690-8886 to schedule your free historic home painting consultation!