Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 48
Victorian paint colours:
Being water based, they do not give off toxic emissions such as
VOCs, which are harmful to the health of building occupants
and decorators. They are also very environmentally friendly
and positively contribute to a project’s sustainability.
The Victorian era spanned almost 65 years and in that time
tastes, fashions and technology changed hugely. This period
saw a boom in British housing stock, so it’s unsurprising
that Victorian houses remain one the most common eras
of property in the UK today, especially in towns and cities.
Earthborn colours that would suit a Victorian property
include Humpty Dumpty, Lady Bug and Hobgoblin.
Claypaint, Casein Paint and Silicate Masonry Paint are ideal
for painting lime plaster, lime wash or lime rendered walls.
Earthborn have provided a few simple steps that should be
taken before painting onto a lime surface:
•
It is important to choose a breathable finish so as not to
seal the surface.
•
Lime render or plaster needs to be fully cured. The best
person to advise you is your lime provider, however as
a general guide allow at least 1 month curing time for
every 5mm of thickness. In poor drying conditions this
time may need to be extended.
•
Before painting make sure the surface is stable, not flaky
or powdery.
•
Make sure you choose the correct product and follow
application instructions based on whether it is for
internal or external use.
Lady Bug
Paying homage to the era of your property through your
colour choices can also play an important role in conserving
the history of the building. From Georgian to Victorian,
pin pointing historically significant colour palettes can help
restore older properties to their former glory.
20th century paint colours:
The 20th century saw a boom in the use of ‘colour science’
and ‘colour psychology’ to select interior colours, particularly
in the 1950’s where a scientific approach to design was in
vogue. Hallways were ‘the handshake of the house’ and
should be painted a warm, inviting colour. Places to relax
and heal were often a soothing blue. Places to be productive
were a colour interesting enough to avoid boredom but
calm enough to avoid distraction. Colour recommendations
include Peach Baby, Bo Peep and Cricket.
Georgian paint colours:
In the Georgian period, choosing a colour for your home was
often a matter of price. Colours made from pigments that
were easy to obtain were used to make ‘common colours’ like
stone, earthy yellows, lead grey and white. A more colourful
palette needed more expensive pigments. These ‘fancy’
or ‘party’ colours, such as blossom and pea green, could
be triple the cost, if not more, than the common colours.
Recommended colours from the Earthborn range include
Secret Room, Rosie Posie and Cat’s Cradle.
Splashing
Earthborn’s highly breathable Claypaint is available in over
70 signature shades, that look timeless, particularly in older
buildings. If you are fortunate to have a heritage property, it
is vital to ensure its continued protection for many years to
come.
Cat’s Cradle
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