DURHAM, Conn., October 14, 2026 - Connecticut's historic Colonials, Capes, Victorians and other older houses help define communities across the state. Their age, however, can create added considerations when homeowners prepare for interior or exterior painting.

Connecticut DPH says roughly 70% of Connecticut housing predates 1980. Because residential lead-based paint was banned for consumer use in 1978, many Connecticut homes fall into the age range where lead-based paint may be present.

Custom Colonial Painting, a statewide Connecticut painting contractor based in Durham, says homeowners should consider the age and condition of a property before sanding, scraping, or otherwise disturbing older painted surfaces.

According to a company representative, “Older homes often require more attention to what is already on the surface before new paint is applied. The goal is to understand the condition of the coating, identify repair needs, and follow the appropriate preparation practices for the property.”

Why 1978 Matters When Repainting an Older Home

The federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for residential use in 1978. Homes built before that year are therefore more likely to contain lead-based paint, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What the EPA RRP Rule Requires

EPA guidance for renovation repair and painting contractors explains that paid contractors performing covered work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing must follow the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.

The rule requires covered firms to be certified, a certified renovator to be assigned to the project, and workers who disturb painted surfaces to be trained in lead-safe work practices intended to minimize exposure to lead-contaminated dust. EPA specifically lists painters among the trades subject to the rule.

When Lead-Safe Requirements Become Relevant

A pre-1978 construction date does not mean that every home contains lead-based paint. It does mean that the property's age, the condition of existing paint, and the type of preparation being performed should be considered before work begins.

Five Questions Homeowners Should Ask Before Painting

Custom Colonial Painting recommends that homeowners begin with five practical questions:

When was the house built? A pre-1978 construction date may indicate that lead-based paint is present.

Will existing coatings be disturbed? Sanding, scraping, cutting and repairs can disturb old paint.

Is the paint deteriorating? Peeling, cracking, chipping or damaged coatings may require additional preparation.

Is the contractor prepared for covered lead-safe work? Homeowners should verify appropriate certification when the RRP Rule applies.

Are repairs needed before coating? Rotten wood, failed trim, moisture problems and other substrate issues should be addressed rather than simply covered with new paint.

EPA advises owners of pre-1978 homes to hire lead-safe certified contractors for renovation, repair and painting projects. Connecticut DPH guidance for homeowners renovating older homes likewise explains that renovation and painting activities can create hazardous lead dust when surfaces containing lead paint are disturbed.

Surface Preparation Still Drives Paint Performance

Lead-safe considerations are only one part of repainting an older home. Older houses can have multiple generations of coatings, patching materials, caulk, repaired trim and weathered substrates.

Custom Colonial Painting's exterior preparation process includes cleaning, addressing loose or rotten wood, caulking and sealing openings, sanding where appropriate and priming before finish coats are applied. The exact process depends on the substrate, existing coating and current surface condition.

Custom Colonial Painting lists its Connecticut contractor credentials, including EPA Lead-Safe certification and Connecticut home improvement contractor registration, HIC #0630904.

Experience With Connecticut's Older Housing

Custom Colonial Painting has served Connecticut homeowners since 1999. With multiple crews operating across the state, the company brings extensive experience to thousands of homes, encompassing projects for Capes, ranches, condominiums, and a wide variety of other residential properties.

For homeowners considering a repaint, the company says the practical starting point is not simply choosing a new color. It is understanding the home's age, determining what preparation is required, and making sure the work follows appropriate lead-safe requirements when they apply.