Heritage Home Painters in Napier & Hawke’s Bay
Heritage homes need a bit more care than a standard repaint. We work on older villas, bungalows and Art Deco homes across Hawke’s Bay, taking the time to protect the character of the property, not just cover it in fresh paint.
With older timber, detailed trims and layers of existing paint, preparation matters. We slow the job down where it needs slowing down, and we focus on the details that make a heritage home look “right” when it’s finished.
Service areas: Napier • Hastings • Havelock North • wider Hawke’s Bay
Why Heritage Homes Require a Specialist Painter
Older homes are built differently, and they’ve usually been painted many times over. That changes how we approach the job.
On heritage properties we commonly see:
Multiple historic paint layers (often with older repairs underneath)
Aged or fragile timber that needs a careful approach
Ornate trims, mouldings, and detailed joinery
Napier’s coastal exposure and strong sun, which can punish the wrong system
A higher chance of lead-based paint in older coatings
When paint needs stripping, it’s not a “get the grinder out” situation. We use the right tools to remove coatings safely and precisely, without chewing up old timber or turning the place into a hazardous dust storm.
Types of Character Homes We Paint
We regularly paint:
- Colonial Villas
- Bungalows
- Art Deco homes
- Historical cottages and workers’ homes
Hawke’s Bay has a lot of character housing, and we’re very familiar with the styles and materials you typically find here.
Our Heritage Painting Process
Heritage work is all about preparation and respect for the original materials. Here’s how we run it:
Detailed assessment at quoting stage
We look closely at the condition, existing coatings, and the parts of the home that need extra care.Careful preparation and repair identification
We’ll identify what needs attention and what sits outside painting scope (for example, timber repairs). If a builder is needed, we’ll tell you early so the job stays clean and planned.Gentle but thorough sanding and surface prep
Older timber and older paint systems need the right touch, careful prep, not brute force. Where stripping is required, we use purpose-built stripping tools (including systems like the PaintShaver Pro) to remove coatings cleanly and consistently.Lead-safe precautions where required
If lead is likely, we plan the work accordingly and keep things tidy and contained.Precision finishing on detailed trims and mouldings
This is where heritage homes can look amazing - sharp lines, tidy edges, and careful work around the details.Final walkthrough and quality check
We do a proper final pass and touch-ups, so the finished job looks consistent across the whole home.
Lead Paint & Safety Considerations
Lead paint can be present in older homes, particularly pre-1980 properties, and especially where multiple repaints have built up over time.
We don’t treat it like a scare campaign, but we do take it seriously. If lead is suspected or confirmed:
We use sensible precautions to reduce dust
We keep the work area contained and tidy
We talk you through what we’re doing before we start
We plan the job to suit families living in the home (where needed)
If you’re unsure whether lead paint may be present, we can discuss the options during the quote.
Recent Heritage Projects in Hawke’s Bay
We’ve completed heritage painting work across Napier, Hastings and wider Hawke’s Bay - from villas and bungalows through to Art Deco homes that need a careful, prep-heavy approach.
Rather than cramming every job onto this page, we keep our latest examples in one place. You can view recent heritage-style projects, before/after results, and finish details on our Projects page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not always. It depends on what’s failing and what’s still sound. We assess the existing paint system and recommend the approach that makes sense for longevity - not just the most extreme option.
Where stripping is needed, we use purpose-built tools (including systems like the PaintShaver Pro) so coatings come off cleanly without damaging the timber.
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If lead is suspected or confirmed, we use lead-safe precautions and plan the work to reduce dust and keep the area contained. We’ll explain the approach clearly before we start.
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It varies based on condition and the level of preparation needed. We’ll give realistic timeframes at quote stage, then keep you updated as the job progresses.
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Sometimes, yes - especially for high gables, second storeys, or tricky access. We’ll advise what’s needed for safety and to get a clean result.
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Yes. We can match existing heritage tones, or help you choose colours that suit the era and style of the home.
Get a Quote for Your Heritage Home
Send through a few photos, or book a walkthrough. We’ll give you a clear, honest quote and a plan that suits the home.