Applying handmade verdigris paint at Stratford Hall, Stratford, VA
Who We Are
For over 15 years, Christopher Mills Conservation Services has specialized in conserving and re-creating historic finishes. We are committed to delivering historically accurate finishes and conservation treatments in museum settings while preserving paint history.
Our projects have spanned the East Coast from Florida to Maine, and include notable sites such as The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, and the British Galleries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Our Specialty
We hand-make our finishes, thus preserving the tacit knowledge of the historic trade. We strictly adhere to 18th and early 19th-century methods
for manufacturing finishes, using specific pigments and mediums identified through scientific analysis. Our finishes are applied with period-appropriate tools and in the traditional sequence. The types of finishes we create include hand-ground pigments in linseed oil, limewash, distemper paint, and traditional oil-based stains.
For over 15 years, Christopher Mills Conservation Services has specialized in conserving and re-creating historic finishes. We are committed to delivering historically accurate finishes and conservation treatments in museum settings while preserving paint history.
Our projects have spanned the East Coast from Florida to Maine, and include notable sites such as The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, and the British Galleries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Our Specialty
We hand-make our finishes, thus preserving the tacit knowledge of the historic trade. We strictly adhere to 18th and early 19th-century methods
for manufacturing finishes, using specific pigments and mediums identified through scientific analysis. Our finishes are applied with period-appropriate tools and in the traditional sequence. The types of finishes we create include hand-ground pigments in linseed oil, limewash, distemper paint, and traditional oil-based stains.
Removing paint build up on a cornice in the James Brice House, Annapolis, MD
Prep Work
Prior to applying our finishes, we do extensive prep work while also leaving as much historic material as possible. Our ultimate goal during this process is to provide a stable, even surface for new paint, and reveal detailed moldings. Generally, however, this does not mean stripping surfaces down to the wood, because we believe in the importance of preserving the historic paint layers when possible. Our process includes meticulous attention to the integrity of the substrates, the degradation of surfaces, and planar distortions due to paint buildup.
We remove historically inaccurate fills from wood and plaster, and replace them with reversible materials. Whenever practical, those materials are in kind.
Prior to applying our finishes, we do extensive prep work while also leaving as much historic material as possible. Our ultimate goal during this process is to provide a stable, even surface for new paint, and reveal detailed moldings. Generally, however, this does not mean stripping surfaces down to the wood, because we believe in the importance of preserving the historic paint layers when possible. Our process includes meticulous attention to the integrity of the substrates, the degradation of surfaces, and planar distortions due to paint buildup.
We remove historically inaccurate fills from wood and plaster, and replace them with reversible materials. Whenever practical, those materials are in kind.
Recovered and conserved 1835 woodgraining at Four Mile Tree Plantation, Surry, VA
Decorative finishes
When paint analysis shows the presence of decorative finishes at the period of interpretation, we conduct extensive testing to determine the potential of uncovering these finishes. If it is possible, we carefully remove upper paint layers, then in-paint and conserve what was revealed.
When it is not practical to reveal previous decorative finishes, we work to understand the design and colors involved in order to accurately re-create what was once there.
Check out our Notable Projects Page to learn more about specific jobs
When paint analysis shows the presence of decorative finishes at the period of interpretation, we conduct extensive testing to determine the potential of uncovering these finishes. If it is possible, we carefully remove upper paint layers, then in-paint and conserve what was revealed.
When it is not practical to reveal previous decorative finishes, we work to understand the design and colors involved in order to accurately re-create what was once there.
Check out our Notable Projects Page to learn more about specific jobs