West Orange City Zoning Code

Paint. Painted, well-finished wood and metal were the most characteristic finish materials of the late nineteenth and early 20th century. Painted wood that has been properly prepared and finished presents a handsome, extremely durable and colorful surface for all buildings.

Semi-gloss alkyd enamel paint, when applied to a properly prepared surface, forms the best protection possible for wood and metal. Semi-gloss finish is recommended because it is easily cleaned, it enhances the color, yet does not severely highlight defects or surface irregularities. Labor is the costly factor in painting. Buying good quality materials insures a lower labor cost over a long period because of the extended life that can be expected from good quality materials.

Painting is as difficult to do well as any other aspect of the building trades. A roller does not yield the kind of finished, silky-painted surface that a good china bristle brush produces in the hands of a skilled craftsperson. The last coat of paint is the first thing seen. Good craftsmanship in this final step will guarantee a noticeable quality appearance.

Recent years have seen the popularity of unpainted, unfinished wood increase. Unfinished woods tend to have a more rustic look, which is less appropriate in the traditionally business-oriented mercantile section of West Orange than it would be in the more rural areas of town.

Well-finished materials give a more formal, "dressed" appearance to a portion of town where this "dress" has traditionally been the case.

Color decisions, although very subjective, can use objective criteria for narrowing choices and reducing the possibility of random and harmonious selection.

Color Surfaces. Color can be applied to almost any material and surface; walls, roofs, doors, windows, fascias, downpipes, cornices, lintels, brackets and sills. Generally two basic colors need to be selected: the base color which is the predominating amount of color and usually will be applied to walls and the accent color for trim, hardware, doors, etc.

Traditional Base Colors. Much of the color in downtown is the original color of the buildings. These durable colors are in the natural materials themselves, such as brick and stone. The natural color of brick and stone is beautiful and appropriate to downtown West Orange. Painted brick may be restorable by chemical washing, hand cleaning or sandblasting. Sandblasting may cause a resultant course and porous surface.

Brick and stone begin to define a family of colors that go well with them. Colors which are natural or muted such as beige, terra cotta, brick-red, blue gray, warm gray, etc.

The selection of a base color is also affected by considering how large a surface it is going to cover. A bright or loud color is difficult to harmonize with its neighbors as it screams for attention. This type of glaring obtrusion is not respective of its surroundings and creates a color rudeness.

Surrounding Natural Color. Another guide to colors that go well with natural materials are the colors found in the landscape around West Orange. The dark green of forests, the gray brown of mountains, all relate well to bricks and masonry. Large areas are quickly made handsome by using these subdued and respectful natural shades of color.

Deep and Pastel Colors. Strong deep color such as navy blue, dark green and chocolate brown can be used effectively on buildings. Their relation to the block should be carefully studied however to prevent them from creating a dark "hole" in the building plane.

Pastel colors are used in more tropical areas because they tend to look weak in winter. Colors containing violet tinting quickly fade and chalk. They are not recommended because of their higher maintenance.

Trim and Detailing. Wood and metal trim surrounding surfaces, doors and windows allow the use of a second color.

The color used to border a wall surface can create different effects. This color can be on first and second floor cornices, window sashes and trim frames. A light to medium light color such as off-white creates a snappy, crisp, clean look. Dark brick-red, black and deep tones go well with red brick and natural stone to create a rich harmonious blend. Windows should be considered as black volumes. A light color will feature them; a dark color will subdue them. Light colors on window sashes reflect more light into an interior and require more cleaning. Window lintels, sills and sashes should be painted a different color than their wall surface.

Contemporary aluminum door and window frames should seldom be left as unfinished silver aluminum color. Bronze or black anodized or painted finishes are recommended.

Bright Color. Bright and glossy colors can be used as focal points such as a door, architectural and window pinstriping, and details, such as focal points of stamped steel facades. White is the brightest of all colors and should be used with careful consideration of its glare and effect on surrounding buildings. White always required high maintenance.

Faddish color schemes such as psychedelic combinations of color and design are inappropriate to the Township's character and heritage. Respect of it with regard to color application will yield better, more honest solutions. People sense an artificial or misplaced decor. If it is necessary to reflect a business in exterior decor, it is best confined to signage.