Historic Charleston Foundation
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Paint and Paint Removal
Sooner or later, every owner of a historic house will confront the issue of failing paint. Paint failure is caused by moisture problems, problems with preparation or application, or age.

Paint that is "alligatoring," or cracking in a pattern reminiscent of alligator skin, is indicative of an excessive build-up of old paint. This build-up can obscure architectural detailing, particularly on interior elements such as mantles.

If paint is peeling away from the building down to bare wood, moisture is the most likely culprit. This moisture may be caused by faulty caulking; problems with flashing at the roof line; leaky gutters or roofs; or the presence of vegetation growing too close to your house. Resolve any moisture problems before you repaint.

Flaking top layers of paint usually indicate that there was inefficient paint preparation or application on the last paint job. Preparation is a crucial step for a durable paint job and is labor intensive. Be sure that you remove only the paint that is failing. Paint that is adhering is doing its job and does not need to be removed.

When removing the failing paint, do not allow disk sanders to be used on your historic house.

After the surface has been prepared, make sure it is dry before applying the paint. Try not to apply paint in direct sunlight and be sure to allow drying time between coats.

There is no specific palette of "approved colors" in Charleston's historic district. Color approval is given on a case-by-case basis by the BAR and covenant and easement holders. However, there are colors that are more appropriate to particular architectural styles.

For more detailed paint specifications, contact HCF''s Manager of Easements and Technical Outreach, April Wood.

Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #10, "Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork" by Kay D. Weeks and David W. Look, AIA

Preservation Brief #37, "Appropriate Methods for Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housing" by Sharon C. Park, AIA and Douglas C. Hicks
Did You Know
Disc sanders can decrease the value of your house by altering the appearance of architectural features, by increasing moisture levels in woodwork, and by generating airborne lead paint dust which is an environmental health hazard.
  • The rotary action of a disc sander scrapes wood across the grain, gouging and exposing end grain. This can lead to increased moisture absorption, which decreases the life span of your paint finish.
  • The action of the disk sander mars forever architectural details such as balustrades, columns, doors, windows and siding.
  • Disc sanders can generate lead dust, which causes a number of harmful health effects such as brain damage in children.