Analytical and Consulting Services Welsh Color and Conservation

analysis of all types of finishes, accurate color evaluation, and consulting services and workshops for the architect, contractor, historic site administrator, and homeowner. The following sections begin to explain what these services can involve. If you would like to speak with someone about the specifics of your project, please contact us by E-mail or phone (610) 525-3564. Click on a link below to go directly to your topic of interest.

Research &
Analysis

Typically, we visit the building to conduct an overall investigation and sampling of the interior and/or exterior. In this approach, the most thorough and accurate evaluation of historic finishes can be

accomplished.

However, for those who need only a few samples analyzed and do not require our expertise for an on-site investigation, samples taken by others are frequently received for microscopical analysis. For such projects, our publication: Paint Sampling Guide, which is a "how-to" booklet, gives instruction on investigation and sampling procedures.

Laboratory analysis is done with stereomicroscopes, polarized light microscopes and spectrophotometers to assess and identify:

Layering sequences: to distinguish primes, finishes, dirt layers and decorative painting.
Types of coatings: such as oil, distemper, whitewash, latex,
varnish, shellac and wallpaper.
Colors: matched to both CIE L*a*b* and to Munsell color
systems.
Composition:
--Pigments: from paints on any surface, including wallpapers.
--Fibers: from rag or wood pulp wallpapers and other types of wall coverings.
Particles: starches, metals, molds.
Appearance: reflectance or gloss level.
Relative age of each coating.

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Color
Evaluations

To better serve our clients in the important area of color, we provide color samples with all of our reports. We are an authorized distributor of Munsell Color Products.

We provide a Color Matching Specification with each one of our reports which can be used to specify all of the necessary details for accurately matching new paints to the original colors we identify in the lab.

For quality assurance in a restoration project, we act as an independent testing lab to assess and evaluate the new paint color matches prepared by paint companies or painters. We do this visually and spectrophotometrically, and issue Certificates of Color Match.

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	Consulting Services			We prepare and/or review painting specifications for restoration projects. We develop historically accurate color schemes for projects where
				there is no paint evidence. We give instructions for application techniques and procedures for special finishes. Top of Page

	Workshops			We prepare and conduct workshops for development of paint investigation and sampling techniques for historic sites.
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