Paint It Right

Join us for this hands-on, one-day workshop designed to equip professionals and enthusiasts with the skills and knowledge needed to preserve the beauty and integrity of historic homes through proper paint systems and techniques. Led by Scott Sidler, a third-generation painter and preservation expert, this course offers a detailed overview of historic paint systems, effective paint removal methods, surface preparation, and the safe application of modern coatings on historic substrates. The course provides a deep dive into the challenges associated with historic materials and offers valuable guidance on lead-safe work practices and durable, historically accurate materials for long-lasting preservation.

This course is designed for professionals and enthusiasts who seek to enhance their knowledge of paint systems for historic buildings and improve the quality of their restoration projects.

This 1-day, hands-on workshop delves into the nuances of preserving historic buildings through expert knowledge of paint systems and techniques. The course explores the evolution of historic coatings, focusing on traditional paints such as linseed oil and lime washes, and provides insights into the challenges faced when applying modern paints to these materials. Participants will learn to identify common issues like peeling, adhesion loss, and bubbling, and gain essential tools for diagnosing these failures.

A key feature of the workshop is hands-on skill-building. Attendees will actively engage in lead paint testing, as well as practice various paint removal techniques on both wood and masonry substrates. This will be complemented by in-depth demonstrations of infrared/heat gun and chemical stripper applications, all while observing critical lead-safe work practices.

Proper surface preparation, including wood consolidants and epoxy repairs, will also be covered to ensure long-lasting and authentic finishes. Finally, participants will receive guidance on choosing appropriate paint products, color matching, and mastering hand painting and sprayer techniques.

By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with the skills necessary to tackle paint restoration challenges, ensuring that historic homes are preserved with the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and durability.