SOURCE is based in Galveston, TX and has been operating since 1990. We are a full service decorative finishing firm. We specialize in paint analysis and restoration and replication of historical decorative finishes and materials.

What is Paint Analysis?

At the beginning of the restoration process we are called in by the client to uncover and evaluate layers of paint to find what the previous finishes on surfaces were during a certain period in time- whether that be at the completion date of the building, or at a later Target Restoration Date. Usually the Target Restoration Date is preset by the architect or historical agency before we arrive, based on the known history of the building. Sometimes the discovery of decorative arts can change the known history because most finishes are flat and can be covered over by layers of paint or even removed and plastered over. This is where the paint analysis is important. By excavating the layers of paint on surfaces and cross-referencing with other architectural elements we can give a decorative history of the building. Working in conjunction with the architect, who tells the architectural history of the building, we can combine our efforts and give a Full Narrative. This full narrative is very important for the future of the restoration project. Given the full architectural and decorative narrative the client can then start the restoration process with all the facts in place and most importantly -NO SURPRISES.

Knowing that there are two stories to a building, it is important that the paint analysis person be brought in as early as possible on a project. We prefer to be brought in before even a selected demolition is done, because many times the clues get erased during that process. For instance, calcimine or distemper paint used during the turn of the century was very unstable. Having very little binder, it was historically meant to be removed with warm water before recoating. Imagine trying to find an historical color after it has been completely wiped away. Using state of the art light microscopy and careful excavation and examination techniques, we have been very successful in unearthing hard to find finishes even when historical walls have been removed during later remodels.

What are Finishes?

The term finish can be a catch-all term for anything applied to the surface of a building. Finishes can be as simple as a single layer of paint, or stain, or varnish on any given surface or even some of the more decorative finishes involving layers, for instance Faux wood-graining, Faux Marbling, Stenciling, glazes, and metal leafing.

Because we are a decorative finishing firm and specialize in creating finishes, we are more apt to recognize finishes for what they are- whether they be transparent layers of glazes applied to emulate natural materials like faux wood graining or various types of coverings like Anaglypta used to enhance a surfaces three dimensional character. Call us or leave us a message and letís get started on your restoration project.

Historical Note

With the industrial revolution and the age of pluralism tons of experimentation was done with materials and finishes. Some were wide spread and sold out of catalogs for instance stenciling designs and even manufactured paints, while others were very specific to a region and created by local craftsman.

Style and design was very regional also. Texas was settled by German, Polish, and Wendish and Spanish peoples to name a few and much of the early decoration on our public buildings reflects the European influences these people brought with them. Much of the decorative art we find was crafted by people who were in fact European Masters. Texas grew very quickly with the ambitions of all these immigrants and there was more of a tendency to move into the future than to save our historical past. This decorative history is important to find and to preserve. Glossary of Terms