Paint Analysis - Colors
   

Frank S. Welsh

[Welsh Color & Conservation] is one of the most renowned and experienced analytical laboratories in the United States specializing in the restoration and preservation of historic finishes primarily related to historic buildings but also to fine art and antiques. The company, provides expert paint analysis and wallpaper analysis for determining original colors and decorative painting techniques, plus pigment analysis and fiber analysis for authentication of fine art.

Paint Analysis - Colors Wallpaper Analysis :  Paint Analysis - Colors
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse:  Paint Analysis - Colors Click here to learn more about our national and international paint analysis projects including Independence Hall, Monticello, the U.S. Capitol, Grand Central Terminal and Fallingwater.
 
The company has been a consultant to architects, engineers, museum administrators, painting contractors, old-house owners, and collectors for more than 45 years. The variety of our paint analysis projects ranges from objects of fine art to historic bridges, lighthouses, vernacular buildings and national landmarks dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Through one of two options we can analyze, determine and authenticate original finishes and color schemes. We can either visit your site or you can use our Sampling Guide - The PaintpamphletTM to take and send samples to us for paint analysis and wallpaper analysis.
 
Endorsements:
  • Welsh is "about the only person in the field who does such a complete job." (Dr. Walter McCrone, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, IL)
  • "With the scientific paint analysis that Frank is doing, we're getting a better insight. Without Frank's analysis, we would not have known what the colors actually were in the 18th century."   (Nicholas Pappas, Architect, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.) 
  • "He's careful and scholarly and uses his process to determine as much as possible. But he doesn't make guesses."  ( Dr. Cynthia R. Field, Director, Smithsonian Institution, Office of Architectural History and Historic Preservation.)
(Source: Thomas W. Sweeney, "Coats of Many Colors", Preservation News, September, 1989.)