Historic buildings are invaluable repositories of cultural heritage, often concealing compelling narratives beneath the painted surface. Hidden original decoration or faint traces of initial architectural finishes offer crucial insight into a building’s past and the decorative traditions of its era. Bringing these concealed findings to light is essential for preserving the authenticity and history of these structures. |
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A core component of Canning Decorative Building Arts’ historic building conservation and restoration services is the investigation and exposure of underlying historic decoration and architectural finishes. |
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The Historic Paint Investigation Process: |
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The most efficient way to determine the presence of covered historic finishes is through a structured Historic Paint Investigation. This multi-faceted process aims to systematically understand the building's history and uncover the original color palettes and design schemes. |
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1. Archival Research: Setting the Context |
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The initial phase involves thorough archival research to establish the building's construction history and its original aesthetic intent. This includes reviewing primary source documents such as: |
- Original work specifications and contracts
- Historic photographs and renderings
- Contemporary news articles and architectural publications
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Example: Our restoration work on the Philadelphia Academy of Music was informed by early documents that provided context for the original aesthetic vision. |
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(Left) Historic paint exposure done at the Philadelphia Academy of Music (Right) Historic decoration reinstated after restoration. Photo Credit © Robert Benson. |
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2. On-Site Exploration and Paint Exposure |
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Following archival research, on-site paint exposures (or "paint reveals") and sample extractions are performed. |
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- Paint Exposures (aka Paint Reveal): These are typically intended to mechanically or chemically remove over-paint layers to reveal the original paint scheme. The specific method is determined by the condition and composition of the existing finishes.
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Documentation: In areas of complex layering, such as at the Academy of Music, Canning Decorative Building Arts analyzed up to 16 layers of paint. Aggressive exposure methods were sometimes required to reveal faintly ghosted patterns. These patterns are then meticulously traced, measured for placement, and documented for general color identification (e.g., blue, red, green).
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3. Paint Microscopy and Analytical Testing |
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Strategically extracted paint samples, capturing all layers from the substrate, are then subjected to detailed laboratory analysis. This testing employs various methods to identify the complete stratigraphy of the sample: |
- Optical and Fluorescent Microscopy
- Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR)
- X-Ray Fluorescence (FRX)
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These techniques provide definitive information on color, medium, material composition, and the presence of hazardous components. The results include specific color identification referenced against industry standards such as Munsell, RAL, and CIE L*a*b*. |
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4. Final Reporting and Interpretation |
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The concluding step involves the preparation of a comprehensive summary report synthesizing all findings from the archival review, on-site exploration, and paint microscopy results. This collective data is carefully examined and interpreted to inform the client's restoration programming and aesthetic decisions. |
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A Unique Advantage in Conservation |
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Canning Decorative Building Arts is uniquely positioned in the field due to its passion for precision and extensive practical knowledge. Our team is often consulted by colleagues to weigh in on complex findings, thanks to our deep understanding of the how, why, and where decorative paint schemes were originally installed.
For Canning Decorative Building Arts, every investigation is both a scientific endeavor and an act of stewardship. Uncovering historic decorative schemes allows us to reconnect with the original designers and artisans, ensuring that the art and intent of history remain visible and thriving for future generations. |
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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| How to Repoint Historic Mortar Joints |
When it comes to maintaining historic buildings composed of stone, repointing mortar joints is one of the most critical tasks to prevent further wear and structural damage. Mortar joints are the spaces between bricks or stones that are filled with mortar. Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water, where additional materials like lime, gypsum, and polymers can be added to enhance the durability and weather resistance of the bond. Over time, mortar joints can deteriorate due to weather, pollution, moisture, and structural movement. Left unaddressed, failing mortar joints can lead to many structural issues, mainly water infiltration and instability. In this blog, learn the importance of repointing mortar joints in preserving historic stone buildings and preventing structural damage.
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| Preservation Trades and Crafts |
As noted by Vitruvious in his Ten Books on Architecture, “the architect should be equipped with knowledge of many branches of study and varied kinds of learning, for it is by his judgement that all work done by the other arts is put to the test.” The architect’s education must be diverse for reasons of both purpose and construction; he or she must understand the purpose of the commission, be it a church, school, government building, or home, as well as understand how the necessary trades come together in order to build. In this blog, discover how artisans and craftsmen restore and preserve architectural beauty through trades of plasterwork, gilding, woodwork, and more.
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Canning Decorative Building Arts was recently featured in Preservation Magazine, 5 Historic Places That Highlight the Time-Honored Practice of Gilding, written by Meghan Drueding, discussing the respected practice of gilding. In the article, President and Principal Conservator at Canning, David Riccio, explains the intricate timing and detailed work it takes to execute proper architectural gilding, referencing our work done at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. At the Mellon Auditorium we performed restoration of the finishes for the walls, columns, entablatures, and the ceiling, which included gilding, inpainting, plaster repairs, decorative and general painting, etc. To read the article, visit this link.
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Canning Decorative Building Arts recently attended the 2025 Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) Annual Conference from November 13 - 15th, where we were also a proud sponsor for the new Craft Trades Spotlight & Exhibitor Showcase Area. On the second day of the conference, Canning's Principal, David Riccio, gave a successful presentation during the Exhibitor Showcase on Plaster Stabilization. Shown are pictures from the conference featuring the Canning team and our booth. We had a great time meeting students, craftspeople, artisans, and everyone alike who all share a passion for historic preservation. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. We hope to see you all at the 2026 Annual Conference!
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The Frick Collection in New York has undergone multiple expansions over the years, and during the most recent one we performed plaster restoration and decorative painting in parts of the Historic Gallery Spaces, Grand Stair Ceiling, Breakfast Room, Gold Room, and the Auditorium. This included conducting a historic paint analysis, general and decorative painting, and restoring and repairing ornamental and flat plasterwork. The museum reopened back in April, 2025, and can be visited and appreciated by the public once again. To learn more about The Frick’s Renovation and Enhancement Project, visit this link. To read Luxury Experience's article, The Frick Collection, NYC, NY, USA - Much more than a World-Class Museum, written by Debra C Argen & Edward F Nesta, click here.
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We're honored to have been chosen to help preserve Clark's Block Concert Hall in Natick, MA. Over the last few weeks, Canning's Principal, David Riccio, experts from Consigli Construction, and Architect Steve Gerrard from Annum Architects have completed their first walk-thru of the space. The Concert Hall was built in 1874 and was once the heart of Natick's social scene. After 1950, the space was unfortunately abandoned, leaving it in disrepair. The Friends of Concert Hall have been supporting the idea of restoring the space, in hopes of providing the community a stunning venue for events. To learn more about this project and Canning's role in it, take a look at this video of our first walk-thru. All images in the video are concepts under consideration and nothing is final.
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Preservation Pennsylvania hosted their 2025 Historic Preservation Awards on October 16th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Canning Decorative Building Arts' restoration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus received the 2025 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Construction Award for Restoration, which was celebrated at the award ceremony that we were also a proud sponsor of. This project focused on the preservation of the historic fabric of the building’s interior, including the materials of decorative paint, fine art, wood, plaster, and marble. Featured is Canning's Principal, David Riccio, and Father Dwight Schlaline and Deacon Christopher Livelsberger at the award ceremony. Thank you to all who attended and made this a memorable event.
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On Saturday, October 11th, we joined Preservation Connecticut for a tour of the restored Waterbury City Hall, where Canning's Principals, John Canning and David Riccio, and DeCarlo & Doll's architect Bob Grzywacz, presented on the Waterbury City Hall restoration. Canning did extensive repairs to the ornamental and flat plasterwork in the north building, including courtrooms and the former mayor’s offices. As well as reinstated the decorative finishes and historic color scheme throughout the interior, bringing back the original splendor of the Cass Gilbert design. Featured is John Canning presenting. Thank you to everyone who supported us and made this event possible!
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Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok!
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Check out a portion of the paint exposure process, which is done to reveal historic decoration hidden underneath layers of overpaint. |
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We understand the importance of sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field. Besides the monthly newsletter and blogs we post, we also develop and share downloadable resources to help guide you in your conservation, preservation, and restoration projects. Check out the Resources page and see if any of the resources can help answer some of your questions and provide a better understanding of some of the intricacies in the preservation field.
Check out our Featured Downloadable Resource below. |
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As a national nonprofit preservation organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more or get involved. |
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The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission.
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION #PerfectingPreservation #jcanningcrew |
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