Heritage Painting Sydney – Restoring the Past, One Brushstroke at a Time

“When you restore a historic building, you’re not just preserving bricks and mortar—you’re preserving identity.”

Sydney’s architectural history is rich, diverse, and worth protecting. From ornate Federation homes in Glebe to Victorian terraces in Paddington, our city is full of character properties that deserve more than just a basic paint job. They deserve respect.

That’s where heritage painting comes in. It’s a specialised process—equal parts restoration, craftsmanship, and care. And at Prestige Coatings, we take it seriously. We’ve worked on heritage-listed homes, National Trust buildings, and character-rich residences across Sydney. Every project is different. But the mission is always the same: protect the past, and make it shine for the future.

So, if you’re searching for experts in heritage painting Sydney, you’re in the right place.

It’s not just painting an old building. It’s painting with an understanding of architecture, materials, council regulations, and historical accuracy.

A true heritage painting project involves:

• Colour matching based on original paint schemes or heritage palettes

• Using breathable, non-damaging materials

• Restoring decorative elements like timber fretwork, plaster mouldings, and wrought iron

• Understanding how to work with aged materials like lime render, old bricks, or cedar

It’s careful work. And it requires a team that knows what they’re doing—not just with paint, but with conservation.

Sydney’s heritage homes are governed by local council guidelines, and in many cases, strict controls apply. You can’t simply pick a colour and repaint.

Professional heritage painters work within these boundaries while still delivering outstanding aesthetic results.

Here’s what separates regular painters from heritage specialists like us:

Familiarity with Heritage Overlays

We work with the requirements of local councils, such as the City of Sydney, Inner West Council, and Waverley Council, to ensure colour selections and techniques comply with heritage restrictions.

Material Compatibility

Old homes were built with different materials. Modern acrylics can trap moisture in older renders and timbers. We use breathable systems that prevent long-term damage.

Detail-Oriented Workmanship

Hand-painted trims. Traditional brush techniques. Custom-mixed colours. We match the level of craftsmanship your home was originally built with.

Every home is different, but our process stays consistent. Here’s how we approach heritage projects:

1. Site Inspection & Consultation

We assess the condition of the property, look at previous paint layers, and identify materials used. If necessary, we liaise with council or heritage consultants.

2. Colour Matching & Paint Selection

We use Dulux Heritage, Taubmans Living Design, and other historically informed colour charts. If the original colours are unknown, we recommend period-appropriate schemes based on your home’s era.

3. Surface Preparation

No shortcuts here. We strip flaking paint, repair timber or render, treat rust, and gently sand to avoid damaging delicate surfaces. Lead paint? We test and manage it safely.

4. Primer & Painting

We apply the appropriate primer based on the material—be it timber, masonry, or metal—and finish with premium-quality heritage paints. Two coats minimum.

5. Final Detailing & Walkthrough

We ensure trims, windows, and decorative elements are painted with care. You get a beautiful, period-authentic finish that elevates your home while protecting its value.

Heritage painting isn’t always straightforward. But that’s where experience matters. Here are common issues we solve:

Flaking Paint on Old Render

We gently remove unstable layers and use mineral-based, breathable paints to prevent future damage.

Rotting Timber Windows

We repair rather than replace where possible, using epoxy fillers and wood primers before painting.

Lead Paint

Many homes built before 1970 contain lead-based paint. We conduct safe removal and encapsulation using proper PPE and disposal protocols.

Delicate Lacework and Fretwork

Cast iron and timber detailing is painted by hand for precision. We never rush these areas.

Your home isn’t just a structure. It’s a part of Sydney’s story. Whether you’re restoring a 19th-century terrace or maintaining a 1930s bungalow, heritage painting is a powerful way to protect, respect, and enhance what’s already there.

Prestige Coatings brings experience, care, and craftsmanship to every heritage painting project in Sydney. We understand the difference between painting and preserving. And we know how to do both.

📞 Contact us today for a heritage painting consultation or quote. We’d love to help you bring your home’s history to life—one perfectly painted detail at a time.