To most people the process of painting only involves the selection of color, which is usually a means to an end; a protective coating to our homes. But beyond the color and the purpose, it reflects our culture and community and its influences – current and past. It is an expression of ones personality, mood and taste.

This article is about paints: past and present. More specifically historic interior paints and the process of repainting and repairing, from walls to ceiling, doors, molds and trim including metal structures like railings.
Viewed under a high powered boom stand microscope paint can been seen as a dispersion of small solid particles in the form of crystalline. Paint in its initial form is in liquid state when applied to a surface paint solidify and becomes a protective film.
The two types of paint are oil based and water based. Oil based paints where linseed oil is used frequently because of its ability to dry and when thinned with organic solvent is malleable enough for easy spreading and it dries up quickly. For whitewashes and distemper paints the vehicle used for this type is water. The advantage of water based paint is it dries up much more quickly as soon as water evaporates from the paint. This type of binders was widely practiced until the mid-20th century. Modern paints are more complex with more ingredients added.
It is very important to study and investigate when undergoing restoration projects. Specialists are always called to study paint structure and composition. Analysis of paint under a boom stand microscope can give the restorer vital information such as composition, texture and base. In field sampling a specimen is taken from the original paint for analysis in the laboratory using cross section analysis with the help of a boom stand microscope it can determine the age and composition of the material. Chemical staining or subjecting to ultraviolet may follow. Recently boom stand microscopes have been equipped with video capability for historical purposes and can be used as reference for future planning.
A paint investigation or a complete analysis can produce data such as paint layer on surfaces and reveal a great deal about previous restoration that have occurred. With complete investigation a proper match can then be identified. Most of the paint analysis is done under a boom stand microscope which has the ability to magnify nth times better than can be visibly seen by the human eye.
Paint analysis can also determine the types and color of paint such as thin glazes, decorative paints, binders and pigments in the paint. But beyond identification of color a paint analysis can also be recommended when there is paint failure. This can help in planning for future projects as well as not to repeat the same method that has caused failure.
Although paint analysis is costly due to the use of extensive equipment such as x rays and boom stand microscope with video capability, it is vital for a project whether for historic report or for planning.

A treatment may be: preservation wherein the finishes and features are maintained and repaired saving much of the historic paint. Rehabilitation involves extensive use of new paint and repair. Restoration wherein the goal is to bring back as close as possible the original appearance. Depending on the gravity or extensiveness of the state of the project this will dictate the latitude and extent of the treatment. Read more