Inquiring readers, Patrick Baty has written a fascinating article, The Paint Detective on the methods he uses to identify and examine early paint layers.
Paint sampling, Image, Patrick Baty
These images in his account demonstrate the methods he uses to analyze the paints. First, he takes small samples, which he sets in resin and cuts through to examine under various microscopes.
Spencer House Painted Room, Gilding. Image, Patrick Baty
He carries out pigment analysis and scans the samples under the electron microscope. These actions (and more) and documentary evidence lead him to restore the colors of rooms and houses as they once were (or close to it.)
Hampton Court, Tijoy Screen, Image Patrick Baty
Read Patrick’s other posts on this blog:
Jane Austen's World 