Key Takeaways
- Inspect before you paint. Older plaster in Asheville homes often has small cracks, loose paint, nail holes, or water stains, normal wear that should be evaluated before any paint goes on.
- Repair damaged plaster first. Cracks, holes, and loose sections need patching and smoothing so the wall is solid and even; fresh paint highlights damage instead of hiding it.
- Watch for lead-based paint. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint underneath, so sanding or scraping should be handled carefully, ideally by an experienced professional.
- Prime for consistency. The right primer evens out porous or patched plaster so the finish coat adheres properly and looks uniform.
- Pick a forgiving finish. Lower-sheen paints tend to work with plaster’s natural imperfections rather than drawing attention to them.
- Work with a specialist. DAB Painting has served Asheville and Western North Carolina since 1993, offering plaster repair, interior painting, and historic home restoration for a lasting, character-preserving finish.
I think we can all agree that one of the best parts about owning an older home in Asheville is all the character that comes with it. The original trim, unique architectural details, hardwood floors, and plaster walls can give a home a look that is hard to recreate in newer construction.
But when it’s time to freshen up those plaster walls and give them a new, clean coat of paint, the process can take a little more work than you may realize.
Plaster is durable, but after decades of wear, old paint, and repairs, it may need some extra attention before you get to begin your paint project. If you’re considering historic home painting in Asheville, here are a few things our team of experienced painters at DAB Painting wants you to know before you start.
Start by Taking a Good Look at the Walls
Before choosing a paint color, take some time to really look at the condition of the plaster you’re going to be dealing with. Older plaster walls may have:
- Small cracks
- Peeling paint
- Loose Paint
- Nail holes and dents
- Water stains
- Uneven patches from old repair jobs
- Powdery areas
A few small blemishes and imperfections are pretty normal in an older home. But bigger cracks, loose sections, or signs that indicate moisture will probably need to be looked at and fixed before any painting begins. This step is a really important part of the process because fresh paint won’t just hide damage. In some cases, it can actually make cracks and bumps look even more noticeable than before.
Repair Cracks and Damaged Plaster First
Expanding on and emphasizing what we said above, if you find cracks or holes, those areas should be repaired before you start painting. Small cracks can be filled and smoothed, and larger areas of damaged plaster will possibly require more extensive repair. The goal is to create an even surface that’s solid without taking away the character of the original wall. We offer plaster repair as part of our restoration services at DAB Painting. You can trust our experienced team to handle all of your plaster and drywall repair needs:
- Drywall & plaster patching
- Drywall & plaster finishing & smoothing
- Drywall & plaster installation
- Repairing cracks around windows & doors
- Replacing missing plaster, drywall or sheetrock
- Painting over newly repaired surfaces
- Residential & Commercial repair and painting services
Know What You’re Working With
Another reason older homes require a little extra care is that you may not know exactly what’s underneath the current coat of paint. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, so sanding or scraping old painted surfaces needs to be handled carefully. Disturbing lead paint can create hazardous dust, which is one reason extensive prep work in an older home may be better left to an experienced professional.
There may also be multiple layers of paint, old repairs, or different coatings underneath the surface. Knowing what you’re working with can help you figure out the best approach before anything gets sanded, patched, or painted.
Use the Right Primer
Yes, we know, primer may not be the most exciting part of painting a room, but with plaster, it can be an important step. Older plaster can sometimes be powdery, and patched areas can absorb paint differently than the rest of the wall. The appropriate primer helps create a more consistent surface and gives the finish coat something to properly adhere to. Primer also helps with stains or making a major color change.
Choose Your Paint and Finish
Once the plaster has been repaired, cleaned, prepared, and primed as needed, you finally get to the fun part: aka the paint!
The right finish will depend on the room, the condition of the walls, and the look you want. Older plaster usually isn’t perfectly smooth, and that’s part of its charm. In some cases, a lower-sheen finish can be more forgiving of those little variations than something highly reflective.
With an experienced interior painter in Asheville NC, like DAB Painting, we can help you choose a product and finish that works with the existing surface instead of fighting against it. We are proud to use premium Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore products on residential homes and commercial properties.
Historic Home Painting in Asheville & WNC
Painting plaster walls can completely refresh an older Asheville home without taking away the details that make it special and the reason you fell in love with the home. Our team has served Asheville and Western North Carolina since 1993 and specializes in residential repaints, interior painting, and historic home restoration. We can help give your home a clean, long-lasting finish.
So, are you ready to refresh the walls in your house? Call us at DAB Painting today to request an estimate for your next interior painting or restoration project.
