Historic Home Painting in Richmond and Mechanicsville, VA
Why Hire a Historic Painter?
As a local Richmond historic painting company, we can help you restore your historic property to its original charm. Each of our historic craftsmen has a passion and respect for historic properties and brings careful attention to their work. By observing the intricate details and era- specific materials used, our experience will return your property to its former glory.
Whether your historic building is in need of a minor touch up or major renovation, our certified team at Widespread Solutions is here to help.
Planning work on an older property? Read our guide to what an experienced historic painter inspects before repainting, including surface condition, compatible preparation, repairs, and protection of original details.
The proof is in the paint.
We take great pride in our work, and our projects show it.
The Branch Building
Saint Ann’s Catholic Church
The American Civil War Museum
Roseville Plantation
St. Paul’s Church
Auburn
Richbrau
St. Stephens Church
Scotchtown
RMC President’s House
RMC Schmidt House
RMC Rhodeen House
Hanover Tavern
John Marshall House
The Tuckahoe
The Branch Building
EXTERIOR
The Branch Building is in the heart of Richmond VA. It was built about 1886, and is a four-story, four bay, brick building with a cast iron front. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The cast iron was sourced from the local Tredegar Iron Works. These elements are the signature of many awesomely constructed historic buildings in Richmond VA
We were tasked with the washing, restoring and painting of the building’s facade.
Access was extremely tricky due to the location and the fact we had to account for high pedestrian traffic throughout the project.
Read More
We constructed overhead protection safety scaffold to protect pedestrians. W also used a 60′ articulating boom lift to complete the project from street level.
The building was hand washed, fully primed and finish coat applied until coverage achieved per manufacturers requirements.
We restored all windows by removing failed glazing and reinstalling new.
We applied OSPHO (phosphoric acid rust inhibitor to ALL rust; allowed at least 24 hours for the product to activate prior to installing primer coatings.
We used Bondo for metal repairs at iron locations where details had rusted or failed.
The finish coat was meticulously brush applied due to the varying colors @ the column caps. The custom ornamental iron at these locations was detailed using a gold and black color scheme. The pictures really show the magnificence of the project!
Products used:
Sherwin Williams Pro Industrial Enamel
Sherwin Williams Pro Industrial Waterborne Alkyd Urethane
Specialty Paints applied @ gold-colored areas
Bondo was used at iron repair
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond’s historical painting experts!
Saint Ann’s Catholic Church
EXTERIOR
Step into the narrative of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church, a cherished historical gem that has evolved alongside the vibrant Randolph-Macon College campus in Ashland Virginia. Built-in 1892, this church stands as a testament to the passage of time, embracing a new purpose as a rehearsal space and recital hall for the esteemed Randolph Macon College music department.
Widespread Solutions was bestowed with the great honor of painting the exterior of this architectural gem. Their skilled hands and meticulous attention to detail breathed new life into the church’s facade, preserving its historical integrity while rejuvenating it for its modern purpose.
Read More
Once a place of worship, Saint Ann’s Catholic Church had served as a spiritual sanctuary for the faithful community for generations. Its hallowed halls echoed with prayers, hymns, and moments of contemplation, creating a sacred haven where countless souls sought solace and connection with the divine.
As the years unfolded, the landscape of Randolph-Macon College transformed, and the decision was made to integrate this historical masterpiece into the campus grounds. Recognizing the church’s architectural significance and the potential it held for artistic pursuits, the college repurposed the building to become a unique rehearsal space and recital hall for its renowned music department.
Within the resplendent walls of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church, a new chapter began to unfold. The air once filled with prayers, now resonates with melodies and harmonies that bring life to the space. Musicians from all walks of life, students and professionals alike, enter the church’s doors to rehearse, refine their craft, and share their musical talents with the community.
Today, Saint Ann’s Catholic Church stands as a beautiful blend of past and present—a symbol of reverence for history and a celebration of the arts. Its weathered exterior tells stories of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of time. Its interior, now filled with the melodies of the music department, resounds with a renewed sense of purpose and creativity.
Need your space painted?
We’re Ashland’s historical painting experts!
The Tuckahoe
Exterior
A fresh coat of paint makes a big difference. Clear, clean logos, and crisp, distinct lines make an eye-catching visual, even from afar.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond commercial painting experts!
The American Civil War Museum
EXTERIOR
Preserving History: The American Civil War Museum, a symbol of Richmond’s past built in 1818, this stately home witnessed the pivotal events of the American Civil War. Its walls resonate with stories of leadership and the pursuit of independence. A timeless testament to our nation’s complex history.
Widespread Solutions was honored to be chosen to be part of their exterior restoration project we carefully painted the exterior of this historic home honoring its timeless beauty for generations.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
Roseville Plantation
EXTERIOR
Historic buildings require extra attention and care when selecting materials and techniques. Our team has the expertise and respect to restore your historic site to its former glory, just like this beautiful Federal style home and grounds.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
St. Paul’s Church
EXTERIOR
Historic buildings require extra attention and care when selecting materials and techniques. Our team has the expertise and respect to restore your historic site to its former glory, just like this stunning historic church.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
Auburn
EXTERIOR
Historic buildings require extra attention and care when selecting materials and techniques. Our team has the expertise and respect to restore your historic site to its former glory, just like this beautiful Greek Revival style house.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
Hanover Tavern
EXTERIOR
Historic properties require extra attention and care when selecting materials and techniques. Our team’s expertise and passion brought this historic tavern back to its prime.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
St. Stephen’s Church
EXTERIOR + Interior
Churches and cathedrals offer so much to so many, which is why our team’s attention to detail and extra care is such a good fit. We are respectful and passionate about restoring sacred spaces.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
Historic Scotchtown
EXTERIOR
Earlier this year we had the privilege of working for Preservation Virginia. We were recruited to restore the exterior of America’s most prized landmarks: Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown. Our expertise and experience in historic restoration made us perfect for this project.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
The American Civil War Museum
EXTERIOR
Preserving History: The American Civil War Museum, a symbol of Richmond’s past built in 1818, this stately home witnessed the pivotal events of the American Civil War. Its walls resonate with stories of leadership and the pursuit of independence. A timeless testament to our nation’s complex history.
Widespread Solutions was honored to be chosen to be part of their exterior restoration project we carefully painted the exterior of this historic home honoring its timeless beauty for generations.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
RMC | President’s House
EXTERIOR
Historic properties require extra attention and care while offering stunning architectural details to highlight and showcase. Our team’s expertise and passion brought this series of historic homes at Randolph-Macon College back to its prime.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
RMC | Schmidt House
EXTERIOR
Historic properties require extra attention and care while offering stunning architectural details to highlight and showcase. Our team’s expertise and passion brought this series of historic homes at Randolph-Macon College back to its prime.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
RMC | Rhodeen House
EXTERIOR
Historic properties require extra attention and care while offering stunning architectural details to highlight and showcase. Our team’s expertise and passion brought this series of historic homes at Randolph-Macon College back to its prime.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
RICHBRAU
Exterior
A fresh coat of paint makes a big difference. After a bit of a facelift, this old warehouse storefront is full of character. Our experience in commercial and historical painting made us a perfect fit for this project.
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
John Marshall House
EXTERIOR
Built in 1790 the John Marshall House is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark at 818 East Marshall Street in Richmond, Virginia. It was the home of Chief Justice of the United States and Founding Father John Marshall, who was appointed to the court in 1801 by President John Adams.
We had the great fortune of restoring the exterior of this Downtown Richmond gem. The project was specifically challenging due to location & reconstructing/ matching historical exterior finish elements. The home is also surrounded by a bustling downtown, VCU Medical College/Hospital and is adjacent to the City of Richmond John Marshall Courts building. Access, conveyance was NO small task. We engaged the use of a X600AJ Compact Crawler Boom Lift to reach all elevated areas.
Read More
The scope of work included:
– Carpentry: Trim removal and replacement; custom milled soffit, fascia and rake boards were made specifically by a local millwork to match the unique profile. The knives that cut the wood to craft the profile were made specifically for this home and the millwork was matched perfectly!
– Joint reconstruction/restoration: Previously installed silicone caulking @ the window frame/brick joint was removed, and Natural Hydraulic Lime 3.5 was used to infill the joint. This application promoted the reproduction of historical era construction/sealants; see pictures.
– Window restoration, glass replacement & glazing: Window sashes were completely removed, and meticulously shop restored, over 30 panes of era specific bubble glass was shipped in from Maryland. Each window was re-glazed using Sarco type M Multi glaze. Following shop prime and painting, we re-installed.
– Shutters: We removed, repaired & painted ALL shutters at our shop. What a true joy to work on an element of this home that was completely & originally constructed using dowels as the fasteners. No nails found on these historic (ancient!) shutters; we took great care when repairing rotten areas.
– Exterior surface prep and painting: The home was soft washed hand tooled prepared. One full coat of primer was applied to ALL substrates and finish coat applied until manufacturers recommended coverage was achieved. The home ABSOLUTELY popped upon completion. Sherwin Williams Prep Rite Pro Block primer was used, and Duration Satin was the topcoat.
The owners’ rep is quoted: “Your team is amazing and I wanted to thank you and your team for the work at the Marshall house. Johnny in particular was great to work with; the work is absolutely outstanding.”
Additional products used:
Sherwin Williams Prep Rite Pro Block- substrate primer
Sherwin Williams Duration Satin- substrate finish pain
Need your space painted?
We’re Richmond historical painting experts!
Historic Painting
Widespread Solutions is a National Preservation Institute, Historic Property Management certified company.
As a local Richmond historic painting company, we can help you restore your historic property to its original charm. We have an unparalleled eye for detail and a true respect for historic homes. Each of our historic craftsmen has a passion for historic properties and brings careful attention to their work.
If your historic building is in need of a touch up or repair, the proven team at Widespread Solutions is here to help.
Widespread Solutions is a proven Richmond painting contractor serving Richmond, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Newport News, and surrounding areas.
Common questions about historic painting
How is historic painting different from regular painting?
Historic painting often requires more careful prep, sensitivity to older materials, repair coordination, finish decisions, and respect for the character of the home or building.
Can Widespread Solutions work on historic homes in Richmond and Central Virginia?
Yes. Widespread Solutions can support historic homes and buildings with interior painting, exterior painting, prep, wood repair coordination, and preservation-minded project planning.
Do historic projects need extra surface preparation?
Often, yes. Older paint, wood, trim, plaster, moisture exposure, and previous repairs can all affect the prep plan before new paint is applied.
Can you help preserve original trim and details?
Yes. The team can discuss how to approach trim, doors, moldings, porches, and other details so the work supports the character of the property.
Do you provide custom estimates for historic painting?
Yes. Historic painting should be estimated around the actual building, access, prep needs, repair concerns, and finish goals rather than a one-size-fits-all price.
