How do I Paint My Historic Home?
Updated 2/17/2008There are several publications available for preservationists interested in paint colors. Preservation Books carries Paint in America: The Colors of Historic Buildings by Roger Moss. Mr. Moss has also written several other books concerning historic paint colors which are available at your local bookstore or library or through Amazon.com. The Preservation Briefs prepared by the National Park Service are also useful, particularly No.10 - Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork and No. 28 - Painting Historic Interiors.
The National Trust has worked extensively with the Valspar Corporation to develop an exclusive collection of historical colors. The resulting palette, sold exclusively at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses, covers the spectrum of historic hues. It features 250 colors certified by the National Trust, having been developed from samples taken from the Trust's Historic Sites; examples include Woodrow Wilson Presidential Ivory, Lyndhurst Duchess Gold and Woodlawn Plantation Pear. These 100% acrylic paints are available for both interior and exterior work and all carry a lifetime warranty. Valspar also supports preservation by donating a portion of every paint sale to the National Trust and by supplying paint to the National Trust's Historic Sites.
