Charles Cooper offers architectural paint research to assist clients with listed building consent and provides an evidence-based insight into the decorative archaeology of an historic building, both internally and externally. Samples are analysed by Lincoln Conservation, at the University of Lincoln, using state of the art microscopic techniques. Paint types, colours and more specialised finishes (e.g. gilding, marbling and graining) are identified and precise historic colours quantified to ensure accurate recreations by ourselves (Charles Cooper)”

 

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Lead Paint

 

Lead was traditionally added to paint as both a pigment and a drier. Its toxic properties are well known and it wasn’t actually banned from use in paint in the UK until 1992. So clearly there is still a great deal of lead out there trapped in painted surfaces, particularly in historic buildings. As soon as these layers are disturbed by sanding, burning or cutting, lead may be released into the atmosphere presenting a health hazard to workers, owners and the public. We are all protected by the Control of Lead at Work (CLAW) regulations and have a responsibility to know when lead is present and to what extent. In cooperation with our partners, Charles Cooper are able to offer lead paint analysis by X-Ray Fluorescence and Spectroscopy to help provide a complete and safe service for the decoration of historic buildings.