Painting an Edinburgh Period Property

Older surfaces need an individual assessment

Georgian and Victorian interiors can combine original lime-based plaster, later gypsum repairs, multiple paint layers and fine architectural details. Treating every surface as new plaster risks poor adhesion or visible defects.

The first stage is to identify loose coatings, movement cracks, stains, previous fillers and areas affected by moisture. Preparation and primers can then be matched to what is actually present.

Protect the details that give the room character

Cornices, ceiling roses, shutters, sash windows, deep skirtings and staircases require patient preparation. Heavy paint build-up, failing joints and mixed substrates often need different treatments within the same room.

Application method also matters. Brush and roller work offers control in occupied rooms; spraying can be suitable for detailed joinery or larger empty refurbishments when the area can be fully protected.

• Assess plaster and previous coatings
• Repair without softening crisp moulding details
• Plan access to tall walls and ceilings
• Use appropriate paint systems for the surfaces

Plan the whole sequence

Decoration should follow disruptive building work, plaster repairs and joinery changes. Coordinating the sequence reduces damage to completed finishes and provides the drying time needed before final coats.

A detailed quotation should describe the rooms, surfaces and preparation rather than using one vague line for the entire property.