Keystone Preservation Group
Historic Preservation, Architectural Conservation, Scope Consultation, RITC Consulting
Historic Preservation, Architectural Conservation, Scope Consultation, RITC Consulting
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Historic Finishes Analysis
Finishes and coatings are an essential component of the architectural
experience. Whether they be highly decorative finishes such as stenciling,
gilding or wood-graining or simple opaque coatings, architectural finishes help
define the aesthetics of a building's exterior or an interior space. More so than
perhaps any material, finishes are updated and changed in response to
maintenance needs, spatial alterations or the desire for a new palette.
Keystone Preservation Group specializes in the analysis of historic architectural
finishes. Also known as paint analysis, this service is most often provided for
clients who want to restore buildings or significant spaces to a specific historic
period. Paint analysis is also exceptionally useful as a tool to provide
information on changes which have occurred over time. The ability to discern
difference in materials, a knowledge of architectural history and color palettes
from different historical periods, and the ability to interpret aesthetic intent are
critical for any analyst.
Our finishes analyses typically incorporate one or more of the following
analytical techniques:
Polished cross-sections: Samples are embedded in resin, cross-sectioned and
polished before being assessed microscopically. This analytical technique
allows us to clearly distinguish individual paint layers and provides exceptionally
clear photomicrographs.
Basic stratigraphic analysis: Samples are cross-sectioned manually with a
scalpel and assessed microscopically. Manual cross-sectioning provides for a
greater degree of sample manipulation and allows us to evaluate the physical
characteristics of individual layers. This technique allows for larger portions of
each layer to be assessed, something which can be advantageous for accurate
color matching and also for identifying decorative finishes such as graining,
stenciling or gilding.
Characterization of finish layers in Ultraviolet Light (UV) and pigments with
polarized light microscopy (PLM).
Exposure windows: Exposure windows are installed on surfaces where
significant decorative finishes are considered likely and in instances where
cross-sectioning alone would not reveal such evidence. With this technique,
individual paint layers are removed by mechanical and/or chemical means.
Color matching: Finish layers can be matched within a standardized system of
color such as Munsell, CIE L*a*b*, Pantone, etc. Although opinions on the
subject vary, we typically provide matches within the Munsell System of Color,
which has provided unchanging chromatic standards for more than 100 years.
Analytical reports include physical color chips for colors which are determined
to date either to original construction or to the period of greatest historical
significance.
Elemental Analysis: Working in collaboration with materials analysts and other
conservators, we assist with elemental and chemical analysis of pigments and
binders.
Finishes and coatings are an essential component of the architectural
experience. Whether they be highly decorative finishes such as stenciling,
gilding or wood-graining or simple opaque coatings, architectural finishes help
define the aesthetics of a building's exterior or an interior space. More so than
perhaps any material, finishes are updated and changed in response to
maintenance needs, spatial alterations or the desire for a new palette.
Keystone Preservation Group specializes in the analysis of historic architectural
finishes. Also known as paint analysis, this service is most often provided for
clients who want to restore buildings or significant spaces to a specific historic
period. Paint analysis is also exceptionally useful as a tool to provide
information on changes which have occurred over time. The ability to discern
difference in materials, a knowledge of architectural history and color palettes
from different historical periods, and the ability to interpret aesthetic intent are
critical for any analyst.
Our finishes analyses typically incorporate one or more of the following
analytical techniques:
Polished cross-sections: Samples are embedded in resin, cross-sectioned and
polished before being assessed microscopically. This analytical technique
allows us to clearly distinguish individual paint layers and provides exceptionally
clear photomicrographs.
Basic stratigraphic analysis: Samples are cross-sectioned manually with a
scalpel and assessed microscopically. Manual cross-sectioning provides for a
greater degree of sample manipulation and allows us to evaluate the physical
characteristics of individual layers. This technique allows for larger portions of
each layer to be assessed, something which can be advantageous for accurate
color matching and also for identifying decorative finishes such as graining,
stenciling or gilding.
Characterization of finish layers in Ultraviolet Light (UV) and pigments with
polarized light microscopy (PLM).
Exposure windows: Exposure windows are installed on surfaces where
significant decorative finishes are considered likely and in instances where
cross-sectioning alone would not reveal such evidence. With this technique,
individual paint layers are removed by mechanical and/or chemical means.
Color matching: Finish layers can be matched within a standardized system of
color such as Munsell, CIE L*a*b*, Pantone, etc. Although opinions on the
subject vary, we typically provide matches within the Munsell System of Color,
which has provided unchanging chromatic standards for more than 100 years.
Analytical reports include physical color chips for colors which are determined
to date either to original construction or to the period of greatest historical
significance.
Elemental Analysis: Working in collaboration with materials analysts and other
conservators, we assist with elemental and chemical analysis of pigments and
binders.
Polished cross-section: Liberty Hall
Polished cross-section: Hoboken Lib.
Stratigraphy: Fifth Avenue Presbyterian
Exposure: Vail Mansion
Exposure: Fifth Avenue Presbyterian
Exposure: Roseberry House
Exposure: Count Basie
Exposure: Talbot County Courthouse
