DAVID ARBOGAST

Historic paint analysis is the scientific identification of finishes applied to architectural features at some point in time identified as being historic. This might be the original construction, as is often the case, or some subsequent period in time, usually associated with the life of a historic person or a particular event (e.g. the signing of the Declaration of Independence). It is not limited to paint only, but includes a wide array of other finish types such as varnishes, shellacs, metallic leafs, etc... Historic paint analysis can be used to determine a large amount of information regarding finishes. This includes information regarding surviving colors, original colors, sheen, lead content, finish type, media employed, pigments, application techniques, and weathering characteristics. Typically, however, color determination is the goal of the analysis. There is a common misunderstanding that the surviving color is exactly the same as the original color and that matching that..

Also known as: paint analysis

Primary location: Davenport United States