Our Historic Home Process
- Historic Assessment: We evaluate the age and condition of your walls, identifying plaster type, existing layers, and any structural concerns.
- Stabilization: Loose or crumbling plaster is repaired and stabilized before any wallcovering work begins.
- Surface Preparation: We apply appropriate primers and skim coats designed specifically for plaster substrates.
- Material Matching: We source wallpapers that complement your home's era, whether Victorian, Craftsman, Colonial, or mid-century.
- Careful Installation: Using techniques appropriate for plaster walls, we hang wallpaper with extra attention to adhesion and pattern alignment.
- Preservation Documentation: We photograph before, during, and after stages for your records.
Preserve Your Home's Character
Let us help you update your historic home while honoring its architectural heritage.
Working with Older Walls and Plaster
Unlike modern drywall, plaster walls in historic homes have unique characteristics that affect wallpaper installation. Plaster can be uneven, may contain horsehair or lime, and often has multiple layers of paint or previous wallpaper. Our team understands these challenges intimately.
We begin every historic project with a thorough wall assessment, testing for moisture, checking plaster adhesion to the lath, and identifying areas that need repair. This careful preparation ensures your new wallpaper adheres properly and looks beautiful for years to come.
Preservation Mindset
We approach every historic home with respect for its original craftsmanship. When removing old wallpaper, we take care not to damage underlying plaster or decorative moldings. If we discover original wallpaper layers during removal, we document them and can preserve samples for your records or for historical reference.
Materials and Surfaces
- Lime plaster walls: Require breathable adhesives and careful moisture management
- Horsehair plaster: May need stabilization before wallpaper application
- Previously papered walls: Old adhesive residue must be completely removed
- Period-reproduction wallpapers: Historically accurate patterns from specialty manufacturers
- Hand-printed wallpapers: Artisan-made papers that replicate original techniques
Pricing Factors
- Extent of plaster repair and stabilization needed
- Number of existing wallpaper layers to remove
- Specialty material costs (period reproductions, hand-printed papers)
- Architectural complexity (crown molding, wainscoting, arched doorways)
- Accessibility and working conditions in older structures
Timeline and Preparation
- Historic projects typically require 1-2 extra days for wall preparation
- Allow 2-4 weeks lead time for specialty wallpaper orders
- Remove fragile items and antiques from the work area
- Ensure adequate ventilation for primer and adhesive curing
Schedule Your Historic Home Consultation
Our specialists understand the unique needs of older properties.
Why Choose Us for Historic Homes
Our team has extensive experience working with historic properties throughout the San Antonio area, including homes in New Braunfels and San Marcos that date back over a century. We combine traditional techniques with modern materials to deliver results that are both beautiful and long-lasting.
Areas We Serve
Historic Home Wallpaper FAQ
