Repainting a heritage or character home is a different process compared to repainting a modern property. These homes often come with historical, architectural, and council-imposed requirements that must be considered before any work begins.

As a third-generation painting and decorating company with experience in heritage restoration, we’ve put together the key factors homeowners should know before repainting.

What Defines a Heritage or Character Home?

Heritage homes are generally recognised for their historical, cultural, or architectural significance. In Brisbane and other parts of Queensland, this might mean a home is:

• Officially heritage-listed
• Located within a “character overlay” zone (commonly affecting pre-1947 homes)
• Subject to specific council guidelines to preserve its appearance

Why Heritage Homes Deserve a Different Approach

Repainting a modern home is one thing, but heritage homes—especially those covered by Brisbane’s character housing overlays or heritage listings—require a specialist’s touch.

We’re not just talking about slapping on a fresh coat of paint. These homes were built with materials and techniques rarely seen today. From the ornate fretwork to the original timber weatherboards, everything needs to be handled with care and respect.

Check Local Council Regulations Before Starting

Before planning any repaint, it’s important to check if your property is heritage-listed or covered by a character overlay. Local councils often have strict rules about changes to the appearance of these homes—paint colours included.

Key things to check:

• Is council approval required for your repaint?
• Are there restricted or recommended colour palettes?
• Does the work require development approval (DA)?

Brisbane City Council, for example, provides resources and heritage overlays maps online. Click here.

Appropriate surface preparation is essential

Many heritage homes feature original timber, plaster, and decorative elements that are more delicate than modern materials. Proper preparation is crucial to protect these features and ensure the new paint lasts.

Preparation often involves:

• Careful sanding of flaking or failing paint
• Repair or replacement of damaged timber
• Use of breathable primers and paints suited to older materials
• Preserving or restoring decorative trims and architectural details

Skipping proper preparation can result in paint failure or damage to historic materials.

Selecting the Right Paint Products

While staying true to the heritage appearance, modern paints can offer better protection and environmental benefits. It’s important to choose products that balance performance and aesthetics.

Considerations when selecting paint:

• Low-VOC paints for better air quality and environmental impact
• Breathable finishes for older timbers to prevent moisture issues
• Low-sheen or matte finishes for a more traditional appearance

Common Challenges When Repainting Heritage Homes

Repainting older homes comes with some common challenges that are important to anticipate:

• Discovering lead-based paint, requiring safe removal
• Finding rot or decay in original timber requiring repairs
• Difficulty colour-matching existing or original paints
• Managing intricate architectural features and detailing

Why Experience Matters

Restoring heritage homes has been in our family for three generations—and we know that attention to detail makes all the difference.

Our experience means we understand:

• How original timbers move and react to seasonal changes and weather conditions
• The importance of choosing the right tools, including specific brushes for delicate or detailed work
• How to protect and preserve original features, from decorative plasterwork to intricate timber trims
• The value of thorough preparation, ensuring the repaint lasts and enhances the home’s character

Thinking about a repaint? Chat to us first

Repainting a heritage home isn’t just maintenance—it’s an investment in the home’s history and value. With the right team, you can enhance those beautiful period features and ensure the home stands strong for the next generation.

If you’d like expert advice or an obligation-free quote, get in touch. We’d love to help you bring your home’s story back to life—just like we’ve been doing for Brisbane families for many years.