Selecting the right paint for heritage restoration requires meticulous evaluation of the building's history, structure, and composition. The objective is to celebrate and enhance the authentic features rather than conceal or modify them. Shontelle Crosswell, Marketing Head at Dulux New Zealand, advises considering the building's era, prominent architectural elements, and the existing substrates. Ensuring breathability is crucial to facilitate moisture escape and prevent issues like mould growth. Matte or Eggshell finishes are commonly preferred to preserve the building's integrity.
Porter's Paints offers diverse products tailored specifically for heritage restoration. Their Mineral Paint, often hailed as the epitome of exterior paints, boasts breathability, fade resistance, and UV-stable inorganic pigments. A chemical reaction with the substrate forms a robust bond while allowing the unhindered flow of water vapour. For previously painted surfaces, Stone Paint provides a durable matte finish in various textures. Porter's Paints also offers traditional lime washes renowned for their soft, weathered appearance and mild fungicide properties.
Colour selection in heritage restoration necessitates thoughtful consideration. Porter's Paints employs a meticulous manual colour-matching process, collaborating closely with tinters to achieve a close resemblance to the original paint. Their unique tinters enable a broad spectrum of colours, from vibrant hues to subtle grey bases. AquaGild, another speciality product, expertly preserves the authentic appearance of gold accents using automotive-grade, tarnish-resistant pigments.
Throughout the restoration journey, Porter's Paints provides comprehensive support. Their team collaborates closely with architects, applicators, and asset owners, offering tailored assistance such as site visits, consultations, specification writing, visualisations, and on-site troubleshooting. This personalised approach ensures that each restoration project benefits from Porter's legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality.
In essence, restoring heritage buildings with interior and exterior paint necessitates a profound understanding of their historical context, structural intricacies, and desired future outcomes. Porter's Paints, with its expertise and specialised product range, serves as a trusted partner in this restoration endeavour. By prioritising authenticity and delivering tailored support, they contribute to the preservation of these cherished architectural gems as enduring symbols of our built environment.
St James Theatre restoration by Shand Shelton.
Winner of the 2023 Dulux Colour Awards.
Photographer: Paul McCredie