The Traditional Paint Forum

Joint TPF / SPAB Technical Day
Traditional Lead Paint: Issues & Alternatives
Monday 12th October 2009 at
St Sepulchre – without – Newgate, 10 Giltspur, Holborn Viaduct, London

Recent changes in the EU REACH regulations mean that the continued availability of White Lead pigment (Basic Lead Carbonate) is at best uncertain. White lead paints have been the work horse for the protection and decoration of buildings throughout Britain for centuries and it was the earlier threat to their supply in the 1990s that lead to the creation of the Traditional Paint Forum.

This Technical Day will look at the history of lead paints and why they continued to be the paint of choice for historic and listed buildings even when other “safer” alternatives were available. Then using a panel of distinguished experts, we will discuss the various alternatives presently available and try to asses their suitability from both the practical and the aesthetic point of view.

This is a very important topic to anyone involved with the decoration and preservation of historic and listed properties and will set the scene for a debate over the very nature of traditional paints and their future in our more environmentally responsible future. Further information and booking details can be obtained from the SPAB website

Traditional Paint Forum 2009 Conference
“Gilding the Lily” to “Any Old Iron”: Protecting and Decorating Metal with Traditional Paints
Friday 13th November 2009 at
The Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road London E2 8EA

The theme of this years Conference is almost as big as the title. Paints have always been used to protect and also decorate metal, but the many different types of metals such as steel, cast iron, lead, bronze, aluminium, galvanised iron and more all require that the specifier has knowledge of all the paint types available to him. Speakers will cover a range of materials and their use on objects as diverse as delicate statuary and clocks to massive iconic structures like the Forth Bridge.

But traditional paints can also be used to imitate metals and there will be a chance to see practical demonstrations of skills such as gilding and bronzing. Finally there will also be an opportunity to spend time in the Geffrye Museum itself which shows the changing style of the English domestic interior in a series of period rooms from 1600 to the present day. We are also planning some interesting trips on the Saturday which we hope will include a metal worker’s studio and a foundry.

More information will be circulated when details are finalised but in the meantime please note this date in your diary. Bookings and enquiries can be made via this website.

To improve fire protection in historic houses, the use of intumescent paints and varnishes on doors is currently being recommended as they increase fire protection afforded by the doors by 30 to 60 minutes. The paints and varnish systems, supplied by Envirograf, are available in clear and opaque formulations as well as matt and glossy finishes. Whilst appreciating the need and value of these systems, the National Trust has been undertaking solubility testing to assess their solubility in terms of removal should this be necessary due to improper application or possible deterioration with time. The tests involve coating a number of small test panels, trialling different solvents to assess the solubility of the coating system and artificially ageing samples to determine if the solubility of the coatings increases with time. For historic doors, the ability to remove the coatings safely should this prove necessary is an important consideration as historic finishes might be damaged during the removal process. Once the tests have been completed and evaluated, the results will be made available.

Historic Painting Methods
The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex
Wednesday, April 29th – Friday, May 1st 2009

The course is a mix of lectures, tours, demonstrations and hands-on experience, covering the historic use of colour and decoration on both interiors and exteriors. Contributors include Ian Bristow, author of Architectural Colour in British Interiors 1615-1840 and Interior House-painting Colours and Technology 1615-1840, James Ayres, formerly Director of the John Judkyn Memorial in Bath, Sibylle Heil and Dr Kathryn Davies. Day one covers techniques, day two interiors, and day three exteriors and finer craft-painting.

New Members and Members who have not yet renewed their subscription for this year may do so by Standing Order. This will ensure that you retain your membership and the saving of time to the committee will be greatly appreciated. You can find the Standing Order form and instructions here

Please note: Each issue of SMUDGE is written, in turn, by a member of the Traditional Paint Forum, subject to the control of the Committee. The information is provided in good faith. It is not necessarily the view of other members of the Forum; it is offered only as a contribution to the ongoing debate.