Painted Surfaces Laboratory
During the Master’s program first year of study an introduction to the examination of painted surfaces through polarized light microscopy and cross section analysis is provided during the paintings conservation block and elective coursework.
Second-year students majoring in painted surfaces will complete conservation projects on paints that have been applied to leather, bone, ivory, wood, plaster, and/or metal substrates. Issues pertaining to the documentation, analysis, preventive maintenance, display, consolidation, cleaning, and compensation of decorative paints on these types of painted substrate materials are emphasized. Three to four objects are examined and treated during the second year of study. Additionally, architecturally engaged fine art materials (e.g. faux-painting, wall stenciling, metal patination, painted wallpapers, etc.) and their unique historical, aesthetic, and preservation needs are addressed. Students complete reconstructions of historic painted and decorative finishes. At least one of the major projects required is an intensive architectural paint study requiring a detailed paint report on an historic structure. This study allows the student to master the various research and analytical skills necessary to produce a document of sufficient quality for inclusion in an historic structures report (HSR). In doing so, archival research, paint sampling, microscopy, colorimetry, and other appropriate or allied analytical techniques are required.
M.S. students majoring in painted surfaces are supervised by Richard Wolbers.
