Original materials—stone, wood, metal, mortar, plaster, and paint—are essential to a historic building’s authenticity and visual impact. Preserving them requires uncovering and identifying original finishes which are often concealed by later repairs and renovations.

Onsite probes and laboratory examinations conducted by EverGreene’s conservators, coupled with archival research establish the presence and condition of historic materials, ornament, finishes. Paint analyses reveal the historic color palettes, which have often changed over time. Technical investigative expertise is amplified by the skills of our studio painters, who utilize their training in traditional techniques and materials to bring the investigation findings to life.

By carefully analyzing the collected data and evidence, an understanding of the historic fabric of a building, a piece of art, or artifact, becomes clearer and may identify potential causes of deterioration. Based on the results, our conservators develop conservation strategies for the most effective and appropriate materials and methodologies to mitigate further deterioration and damage as well as to guide restoration and design approaches.