Wilmington isn’t just another coastal town… It’s full of history.
From downtown to the surrounding areas, there are homes here that have been standing for 50, 100, even 150+ years! Painting those homes isn’t the same as painting a newer build in a subdivision, not even close!
If you own a historic home-or you’re thinking about buying one, here’s what you need to understand before you pick up a brush (or hire a painter).
Why Historic Homes Are a Different Animal
With newer homes, painting is mostly about color and finish.
With historic homes, it’s about preservation first, appearance second.
You’re not just painting over surfaces-you’re working with:
- Old-growth wood
- Original materials
- Decades (or centuries) of previous coatings
- Surfaces that have expanded, contracted, and aged over time
And if it’s not handled correctly, you don’t just get a bad paint job…
you can actually damage the home.
A Real-World Example (Without Giving Away the Whole Story) – The Historic Bellamy Mansion
We’ve worked on some high-profile historic properties here in Wilmington-including one that required relocating tens of thousands of honey bees before work could even begin
Installing four stories of scaffolding around the structure! Using a 100-foot boom lift to safely access upper areas, completing the entire project on a tight timeline
Keeping the property open to the public for tours the entire time!
That’s not your typical paint job, and that’s exactly the point…
Historic homes come with layers-literally and figuratively-that require planning, patience, and experience.
(We’ll break that full Bellamy Mansion project down in another post-it’s a story in itself!)
What Actually Matters When Painting a Historic Home?
- Prep Is Everything (Even More Than Usual)
On a historic home, prep isn’t just important-it’s critical.
That often includes:
- Gentle removal of failing paint (not aggressive stripping)
- Detailed sanding and smoothing
- Wood repair and restoration
- Proper priming for aged materials
Cut corners here, and the new paint won’t last. Period.
- You Can’t Treat Old Materials Like New Ones
Older homes weren’t built with the same materials we use today…
That means:
- Wood behaves differently
- Surfaces may be more fragile
- Moisture movement is a bigger concern
Using the wrong products or techniques can trap moisture, cause peeling, or accelerate deterioration.
- The Right Paint System Matters
This isn’t a place for bargain paint.
Historic homes need coatings that:
- Breathe properly
- Handle expansion and contraction
Provide long-term protection without sealing the home too tightly
In coastal North Carolina, that balance is even more important.
- Access and Logistics Can Get Complicated Fast
Unlike standard homes, historic properties often require:
- Custom scaffolding
- Specialized equipment
- Detailed planning around landscaping and surrounding structures
And sometimes-like in our case-working around active public access.
- There’s a Responsibility That Comes With It
When you’re working on a historic home, you’re not just doing a job, you’re working on something that:
- Has been around for generations
- Will (hopefully) be around for many more
- Is part of Wilmington’s identity
That changes how you approach the work!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re hiring a painter for a historic home, watch out for:
- Treating it like a standard repaint
- Skipping proper prep work
- Using the wrong type of coatings
- Underestimating the time and complexity
The lowest bid on a historic home is almost never the best decision.
Final Thoughts:
Painting a historic home isn’t about speed, it’s about doing it right-so the home looks incredible and is protected for years to come.
If you’re in Wilmington or the surrounding areas and own a historic property, it’s worth having a conversation with someone who understands what’s at stake.
Want to Talk Through Your Project?
We’ve worked on everything from high-end residential homes to complex historic properties right here in Wilmington.
If you want a clear plan-and not just a quick quote-we’re happy to take a look.
