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1 (6/24/2009) Catherine Hostetler - Monroe Primary Center Ext Paint Investigation. pdf SUMMARY About 22 paint samples were taken from various locations that represent the original building's construction date of 1930 and the subsequent addition dates of 1947_ and 1952. The results in this report are based on evidence found by site investigation, studio and lab analysis. In addition to the microscopic investigation, a UV light was used to help determine the paint layer chronology of the windows. The sampling was concentrated on areas that have the most layers of paint and are generally protected from the elements of weather. The conditions of the finishes were about the same throughout the areas. The majority of the surfaces are showing signs of severe cracking and deterioration. The severe cracking can be attributed to the excessive build-up of paint layers that have been applied throughout the years. The thick buildup of oil paint continues to oxidiz a and cross-link over time, resulting in gradual shrinkage of the surface finishes. In addition, as time goes by, the early paint finishes lose their elasticity. When newer coatings are applied, there is a difference in the expansion and contraction characteristics between the old and new. Since the newer paint layers are usually stronger than the binders in the older paint layers, the expansion and contraction of the surfaces can eventuall y pull the layers of paint apart over time. If a new paint coating is applied directly over the cracking paint, it may also fail to adhere to the unstable finishes and deteriorated substrates. In this situation, it is highly advisable for a thorough restoration of the surfaces in question. On most of the samples, the substrates and early coatings showed signs of deterioration . Many samples showed deterioration below the original and subsequent layers. However, a limited chronology of the windows was established and the original historical finishes were determined. The original 1930 color scheme used on the windows was a dark blue -gray. The chronology of the paint layers indicate the gray color scheme was used for at least three decorative periods. The chronology for the 1947 & 1952 periods correlate with the original 1930 period and prove that the gray color scheme was used at least to the 1952 period. After the 1952 gray period, the color scheme was changed to a dark brown. According to the evidence discovered and analyzed, the interpretation of the original 1930 decorative scheme of the exterior metal windows is as follows: • Metal Windows: All metal surfaces were originally painted a dark blue -gray in an oil-based medium. • The coatings appear to have been a gloss finish. • A color match for the original color is Benjamin Moore: #2127-30, Gravel Gray. Humes i Studios, Inc. • 428 Division Street, Crete, Illinois 60417 • Phone& Fax (708)-6724218 Page 3 Page 41