Heritage Painters Sydney – Protecting History with Every Stroke

“Restoring a heritage home is not just about paint – it’s about preserving a legacy.”

Sydney is filled with charm. Federation cottages in the Inner West, Victorian terraces in Paddington, Federation-era homes in the North Shore. Each one carries a story. And when it comes to painting these historic properties, a standard paint job simply won’t cut it.

That’s where Prestige Coatings comes in.

We’re not just painters. We’re heritage painting specialists. With years of experience restoring Sydney’s most iconic homes, we know how to balance history with modern performance. This blog will walk you through what makes heritage painting so different – and why working with professional heritage painters in Sydney matters.

It’s tempting to think of heritage painting as “just like any other job.” But it’s not. There’s a level of care, expertise, and planning that sets it apart from a standard residential repaint.

Key Differences:

• Preservation vs. Renovation: You’re working with the building, not over it. The goal is to protect original features and surfaces.

• Specialty Materials: Traditional finishes like limewash, linseed oil-based paints, and breathable membranes are sometimes required to maintain structural integrity.

• Colour Matching: Councils often have strict heritage palettes. We work to match historic schemes or apply for custom approvals where needed.

• Delicate Surfaces: Weatherboards, sandstone, ornate trims, decorative cornices – these need finesse, not a high-pressure sprayer.

At Prestige Coatings, we’ve developed heritage painting systems tailored to Sydney’s climate, architecture, and council regulations.

There’s no room for shortcuts with heritage work. If done wrong, you’re not just repainting – you’re risking permanent damage to the building’s structure and value.

Here’s why professional heritage painters are essential:

1. Knowledge of Heritage-Listed Building Rules

Sydney councils often have strict regulations around what can and can’t be altered on heritage-listed homes. That includes colours, finishes, and prep methods. As experienced heritage painters, we’re across the local rules and can help manage approvals if needed.

2. Historic Colour Expertise

Heritage homes aren’t just white or beige. They often feature deep greens, rich burgundies, creams, and ironstone blues. We work with heritage colour charts (like Dulux’s Federation palette) and can recreate period-accurate schemes that stay true to the home’s character.

3. Experience with Fragile Surfaces

Old weatherboards. Flaky lead paint. Wrought iron railings. We’ve seen it all – and we treat every surface with the care it needs. Whether it’s gentle sanding, chemical stripping, or precision hand-painting, we choose the right method for each material.

Every heritage painting project is unique, but here’s what you can expect when working with Prestige Coatings:

Step 1: Site Inspection & Consultation

We start with a detailed walk-through of your home to identify areas of concern – rotting timber, bubbling paint, moisture damage. We’ll also discuss colour ideas, timeline, and council requirements.

Step 2: Surface Preparation

This is where most painters fall short. We:

• Carefully remove old, unstable paint (including lead-safe removal where needed)

• Repair cracks and restore original features

• Sand, prime, and seal all surfaces to ensure adhesion and longevity

Step 3: Paint Application

Using period-appropriate techniques, we apply each coat with precision. Depending on the surface, this might involve brushes, rollers, or hand-detailing intricate trims and fretwork.

Step 4: Final Walkthrough & Cleanup

We inspect every surface and touch up where needed. You’re left with a clean, beautifully restored home that’s ready to last for decades.

The façade of your heritage home is its first impression – and protecting it from Sydney’s coastal sun, moisture, and pollution is crucial.

Exterior Considerations:

• Weatherboards: These require sealing and flexible coatings to prevent cracking.

• Sandstone & Brickwork: We use breathable, mineral-based paints to avoid trapping moisture.

• Verandahs & Lacework: These delicate details are often hand-painted using fine brushes and multiple coats.

A great exterior paint job doesn’t just look stunning – it prevents rot, mould, and UV damage.

Inside, it’s all about honouring the original feel while refreshing the look.

Common Interior Challenges:

• Decorative Ceilings: Intricate cornices and plaster roses need precise detailing, often with contrasting colours.

• Old Paint Layers: Many heritage homes have up to 10+ layers of old paint. These often hide cracking or mould.

• Timber Joinery: Original doors, windows, and skirtings need special attention to preserve character while upgrading finish quality.

Whether you’re keeping that Victorian-era charm or mixing old with new, our team works with you to strike the perfect balance.

We’ve worked across some of Sydney’s most historic postcodes – from Paddington and Newtown to Balmain and Mosman.

Recent Projects:

• Federation Cottage, Glebe: Full exterior restoration using Dulux’s heritage range with custom trims.

• Victorian Terrace, Surry Hills: Interior repaint featuring traditional eggshell finishes and detailed cornice restoration.

• Edwardian Duplex, Petersham: Exterior repaint and iron lacework detailing using rust-treating primer and heritage enamel.

Every project is different. But the goal is always the same: to protect and enhance your home’s history

Before hiring a painter for your heritage project, ask these key questions:

1. Have you worked on heritage homes before?

2. Do you understand local council requirements?

3. Can you provide references or examples of similar projects?

4. What prep work do you include in the quote?

5. Do you use heritage-approved colour schemes and materials?

At Prestige Coatings, we tick every box – and go above and beyond to ensure your project is done with the care it deserves.