What to Know Before Painting a Historic Home in Portland

Preserving character, protecting history, and painting with purpose.

If you're lucky enough to own a historic or classic home in Portland, you know it’s more than just a place to live—it’s a piece of the city’s architectural legacy. Painting an older home isn’t just about giving it a fresh look. It’s about preserving craftsmanship, honoring tradition, and protecting materials that have stood the test of time.

At Mountain Painting Company, we specialize in painting older and historic homes throughout Portland. Whether you're restoring a Craftsman bungalow in Ladd’s Addition or refreshing a Victorian beauty in Irvington, here are five essential things to know before you begin your project.

1. Know Your Home’s Historic Designation

Before picking up a paintbrush, it’s important to understand whether your home is part of a historic district or officially recognized as a historic landmark. Homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places or within local historic districts often require specific approvals, permits, and guidelines for painting. This may include restrictions or recommendations on color selection, paint materials, and surface preparation techniques. We recommend checking the City of Portland’s Historic Resource Inventory or contacting your neighborhood association before starting any work. Our team is familiar with these requirements and can help you navigate the process with ease.

2. Choose Period-Appropriate Colors That Reflect Your Home’s Story

Color plays a key role in historic home restoration. The right palette can highlight your home's original charm, while the wrong one can strip it of its identity. At Mountain Painting Company, we offer expert color consultations specifically for Portland’s historic homes. We’ll help you select a palette that honors the architectural era of your home—whether that’s a Turn-of-the-Century Four Square or an early 1900s Tudor Revival—while also aligning with your personal style and Portland’s natural aesthetic.

3. Surface Prep is Key to Preserving Older Materials

Many older homes feature original siding, wood trim, and windows that are over a century old. Preserving these features requires a thoughtful and careful approach to surface preparation. At Mountain Painting Company, we use EPA-certified lead-safe methods. Instead of aggressive sanding or power washing, we hand-scrape surfaces gently to avoid damaging historic woodwork. When possible, we repair original features rather than replace them. We also use breathable primers and finishes that are specifically formulated for older materials to ensure long-term protection and performance.

One recent example is a home we restored in the Portland Heights neighborhood of Southwest Portland. This beautiful residence featured original interior and exterior mahogany woodwork that had aged over the years. Our team carefully brought this wood back to life, restoring its natural richness and depth without compromising its integrity. The results were stunning and perfectly captured our commitment to craftsmanship and respect for historical detail.

4. Ensure Your Project Meets Compliance Standards

If your home has a historic designation, your painting project may need review or approval from a local preservation board or planning commission. While we do not submit paperwork on behalf of homeowners, we have extensive experience working on protected sites such as the Jenkins Estate in Tigard, the J.S. Bradley House in Portland, and the Fanno Farmhouse in Beaverton. We understand what these agencies typically look for and how to help homeowners avoid common delays or mistakes. Through our trusted network of affiliates, we can help you stay compliant and keep your project moving forward.

5. Work With a Painter Who Specializes in Classic and Historic Homes

Painting a historic home is not like painting a newer house—it’s a craft that requires knowledge, skill, and patience. At Mountain Painting Company, we bring decades of experience in historic preservation, a deep respect for Portland’s architectural heritage, and a commitment to using the right techniques and materials for the job. Whether your home is a Queen Anne Victorian, a 1910s Colonial Revival, or a classic Portland bungalow, we approach every project with precision and care.

Ready to Protect Your Home’s Legacy?

Your classic Portland home deserves a painting partner who values its history as much as you do. From the first consultation to the final brushstroke, Mountain Painting Company is here to help you preserve the past while preparing your home for the future.

Contact Mountain Painting Company today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our historic home painting and preservation services.

Location: Portland, OR