MORE Realty
Al Cronemiller
Licenced in the State of Oregon
Historic Restorations Don’t Forget This!
If you are anything like me, I love old houses, especially Craftsman Style.
The Craftsman era began in force right after the first World War 1 in about 1919, up until that point the war effort took up the time of many.
Restoring a Historic Home can be fun, there is one thing you want to be careful with and that is Lead base paint was used on all of them. It wasn’t until 1978 that lead base paint was outlawed, however they began to eliminate this paint about 10 years prior to this.
With that being said, if you are caught by the Environmental Protection Agency not properly containing the dust or paint chips you could get a huge fine. It is normally a neighbor that will turn you in.
Just take this easy step.
They have classes around that only take about 4 hours to complete. The cost is a little over 200.00 but it is well worth it, here is why.
Lead base paint is especially tough on kids up to the age of 8. A kid’s body chemistry thinks lead base paint is calcium, so they will absorb all they can get. In many cases this will lead to learning disorders if to much is taken in.
After the age of 8 their body does not need as much calcium and the less they will likely absorb.
When doing any preparation before you paint, and lord knows there is bunches of that in a restoration, make sure you have a hepa-vac attached to your sanding tool’s, so all dust is taken into containment and can be properly disposed of.
Normally a vibrating orbital sander works best.
In class you will learn how to properly install plastic barriers and ground cover, so you are able to deal with the wind, if any, and have a means of gathering all the paint chips to stay in compliance.
A heap-vacuum is a special vacuum that has high tech filters in it. Lead base paint removal is all about containing paint chips and dust.
Like I said above, Craftsman homes all have lead base paint as do the hardwood floor’s clear coat. The same precautions should take place when finishing them.
Historic Restorations can be tons of fun. To bring back the original luster of thies homes and give them a new lease on life is very fulfilling.
The Craftsman era had so many wonderful colors, all very soft and inviting. If you are a purist like I am, special attention should be taken to choose the right colors. Many time’s you can have a 3-4 color paint scheme for your exterior. If you have high ceilings you can install a picture rail down about 2 feet from the ceiling and 2 tone your room for extra character.
I will normally install crown molding so that I am able to get a nice contrast on the trim and the wall paint, making things look more authentic or period.
Regardless of what direction you should go, I feel bringing your home back to its original luster is super important. I know the house will love it also.
Check out the old homes in towns throughout the Willamette Valley here: www.homesforsalesalemoregon.net and contact me at al@cronemiller.com I would love to help.
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