Defect Atlas — Decorative Finishes & Coatings

Detachment of small fragments of paint film from the substrate or from an underlying paint layer.

Lifted, curled or detached flakes across part of a surface; sometimes with cupped or tented edges; exposed substrate or earlier paint visible at losses.

Loss of adhesion to substrate or underlying coating, moisture movement and incompatibility between layers can be associated.

• extent and distribution of flaking
• approximate size of typical flakes
• whether flakes appear actively lifting or stable
• character of the exposed surface beneath

“Flaking paint was recorded across the lower 600 mm of the panel, with curled flakes up to approximately 10 mm across exposing an earlier paint layer beneath.”

Detachment of paint in larger sheets or strips rather than discrete flakes.

Lifted sheets or ribbons of paint film, sometimes retaining several layers; exposed substrate or earlier scheme visible at losses.

Loss of adhesion across an extended area, moisture between layers and applications over poorly prepared surfaces can be associated.

• extent and pattern of peeling
• approximate size of detached areas
• number of layers visible in the detached film
• any evidence of moisture beneath the peeled area

“Peeling paint was recorded across the sheltered face of the door, with sheets up to approximately 80 mm across lifting from the substrate and revealing two earlier paint layers.”

Raised bubbles within the paint film, indicating localised loss of adhesion.

Domed or raised areas in the paint film, intact or broken, sometimes containing moisture or staining.

Moisture beneath the coating, application over contaminated surfaces and incompatible layers can be associated.

• size and distribution of blisters
• whether blisters appear intact or broken
• presence of moisture or staining at broken blisters
• underlying surface where exposed

“Blistering paint was recorded on the south-facing rail, with intact blisters up to approximately 5 mm across distributed across the upper face.”

Linear discontinuities through one or more layers of the paint film.

Fine to wide cracks, sometimes following the grain of the substrate, sometimes through several layers; cracks may be straight, branching or directional.

Ageing of the paint film, movement of the substrate and applications of brittle coatings over more flexible layers can be associated.

• pattern, orientation and approximate width of cracks
• whether cracks pass through the full thickness of the film
• association with substrate features such as joints or grain
• any evidence of associated lift along crack edges

“Cracking of the paint film was recorded across the architrave, with fine cracks broadly aligned with the grain of the underlying timber.”

A pattern of wide, interconnecting cracks giving the paint film an appearance similar to alligator skin.

Broad polygonal cracks dividing the surface into discrete islands, sometimes with raised edges and visible underlying layers between islands.

Differential movement between an aged upper layer and an underlying layer of differing flexibility, and applications over incompatible or insufficiently cured coatings, can be associated.

• extent and scale of the alligatored pattern
• depth of cracks where visible
• character of any underlying layer exposed between islands
• association with particular orientations or exposures

“Alligatoring was recorded on the door panel, with broad polygonal cracks dividing the surface into raised islands up to approximately 30 mm across.”

Loss of cohesion within a paint film resulting in powdery surface material.

Soft, dusty or chalk-like surface that marks easily on light touch; sometimes with associated loss of colour intensity.

Binder breakdown, weathering and moisture exposure can be associated.

• extent of powdering
• whether the surface marks on light contact
• any associated loss of original colour
• comparison between exposed and sheltered areas

“Powdering of the paint film was recorded across the upper sections of the panel, with surface material transferring readily to a gloved fingertip on light contact.”

Formation of a fine, loose powder on the surface of a weathered paint film.

Pale, dusty bloom on the surface that transfers readily to a finger; sometimes with associated dulling of colour and gloss.

UV exposure, binder degradation and long-term weathering of exterior paints can be associated.

• extent of chalking across the element
• association with sun-exposed orientations
• transfer of powder to a light wipe
• any associated loss of gloss or colour

“Chalking was recorded across the south elevation, with a fine pale bloom on the painted boards transferring readily to a light wipe.”

A limewash layer that has lost cohesion and breaks or powders readily on light contact.

Soft, granular or dusty limewash surface; pale powder visible on adjacent surfaces or on a light wipe.

Weathering, repeated wetting and drying, and original application conditions can be associated.

• extent and location of friable areas
• thickness of limewash where visible at losses
• presence of powder on adjacent fabric
• association with exposure or shelter patterns

“Friable limewash was recorded across the exposed face of the wall, with surface material readily transferring to a light wipe in the upper third.”

Areas where the limewash layer has been lost from the substrate, exposing earlier limewash or the underlying surface.

Patches of paler or differently coloured surface where the most recent limewash is missing; sometimes with visible layer edges at the perimeter of losses.

Weathering, water run-off, abrasion, salt activity and earlier cleaning campaigns can be associated.

• extent, location and pattern of loss
• number of layers visible at losses
• character of the exposed surface beneath
• association with run-off pathways or accessible heights

“Limewash loss was recorded along the splash zone of the wall, with the most recent layer absent across an area approximately 1.2 m long and exposing earlier ochre limewash beneath.”

Powdering or loss of cohesion of a soft distemper layer.

Powdery or dusty surface that marks readily on contact; sometimes with associated colour loss; transfer of pigment visible on adjacent fabric or fittings.

Inherent characteristics of soft distemper, ageing, moisture exposure and abrasion can be associated.

• extent of powdering
• transfer of pigment on light contact
• association with accessible or handled areas
• any visible loss of colour or detail

“Distemper powdering was recorded across the ceiling surface, with pigment transferring readily on light contact and a fine dusting visible on the cornice below.”

Discolouration or marking within a distemper surface that disrupts the visual continuity of the finish.

Darker patches, tide marks, streaks or localised discoloured areas within the distemper field; sometimes with associated salt or moisture indicators.

Moisture movement, salt activity, leaks, dust accumulation and earlier overpainting can be associated.

• extent, shape and intensity of staining
• location relative to potential moisture or salt sources
• any associated tide marks or salt deposits
• whether the staining appears stable or recent

“Distemper staining was recorded across the ceiling adjacent to the chimney breast, with a darker patch approximately 400 mm across and a faint tide mark at its lower edge.”

Darkening or yellow-brown discolouration of a clear or pigmented varnish layer.

Yellow to brown cast over the underlying surface; sometimes more pronounced in sheltered areas or where the original varnish remains intact.

Ageing of natural resin varnishes, UV exposure and oxidation can be associated.

• extent and intensity of yellowing
• uniformity across the surface or concentration in particular areas
• association with sheltered or exposed orientations
• effect of yellowing on legibility of underlying decoration

“Varnish yellowing was recorded across the panel, with a uniform yellow-brown cast obscuring the original colour balance of the painted scheme beneath.”

A milky or hazy bloom on the surface of a varnish layer.

Pale, cloudy or whitish haze obscuring the gloss and clarity of the varnish; sometimes patchy, sometimes general.

Moisture exposure, condensation history and ageing of the varnish film can be associated.

• extent and distribution of bloom
• intensity and uniformity
• association with locations of moisture exposure or condensation
• effect on visibility of underlying decoration

“Varnish bloom was recorded across the lower section of the panel, with a milky haze partially obscuring the underlying paint layer.”

Cracking through a varnish layer, sometimes in characteristic patterns.

Network of fine cracks across the varnish surface, sometimes following an aged craquelure pattern; underlying paint may or may not be affected.

Ageing of natural resins, movement of the substrate and differential response between varnish and paint can be associated.

• pattern and density of cracking
• whether cracks pass through varnish only or also through paint layers
• any associated lift along crack edges
• extent across the element

“Varnish cracking was recorded across the panel face, with a fine network of cracks confined to the upper coating and not visibly extending into the paint beneath.”

Loss of varnish from part of the surface, exposing the underlying paint or substrate.

Patches where the varnish layer is missing or thinned, often with sharper colour or duller surface beneath; sometimes with visible varnish edges around the loss.

Abrasion, earlier cleaning, solvent action and weathering can be associated.

• extent, shape and location of loss
• character of the exposed surface
• evidence of associated handling, cleaning or wear
• comparison with adjacent areas where varnish is intact

“Varnish loss was recorded around the handle, with a worn area approximately 60 mm across exposing the underlying painted surface.”

Localised pale, opaque areas within a clear coating, often associated with moisture or solvent exposure.

Whitish or grey-white patches within the clear film; sometimes with diffuse edges; underlying decoration partially obscured.

Moisture contact, condensation, solvent exposure and earlier cleaning can be associated.

• extent and shape of blanched areas
• association with locations of past wetting or cleaning
• whether the blanching appears uniform or patchy
• effect on visibility of underlying decoration

“Clear coating blanching was recorded along the lower edge of the panel, with a band of whitish opacity approximately 40 mm wide consistent with past wetting.”

Loss of part of an applied decorative scheme, including coloured fields, borders and figured elements.

Areas where the decorative layer is absent, exposing an earlier scheme, ground or substrate; sometimes with surviving scheme remnants at the edges.

Past overpainting and stripping, water damage, abrasion and earlier interventions can be associated.

• extent and pattern of loss
• evidence of original scheme at edges and in protected areas
• character of the exposed surface beneath
• presence of any preparatory drawing or layout lines

“Decorative scheme loss was recorded across the upper field of the wall, with the original stencilled border surviving only at the corners and a plain ground exposed across the body of the area.”

Loss of gilded surface from a gilded element, exposing bole, gesso, ground or substrate.

Patches where gold leaf or applied gilding is absent; underlying red, yellow, ochre or white bole or ground often visible; sometimes with surviving gilding at protected edges.

Abrasion, water damage, earlier cleaning and ageing of adhesive layers can be associated.

• extent and location of loss
• character of the exposed underlying layer
• presence of surviving gilding in protected areas
• any evidence of earlier in-fill or regilding

“Loss of gilding was recorded across the cornice mouldings, with red bole exposed across the upper face and surviving gilding confined to the recesses.”

Wear and thinning of a gilded surface without complete loss.

Polished or worn areas of gilding with reduced lustre, sometimes with the ground showing faintly through; concentrated at handled or exposed points.

Use, handling, dusting and earlier cleaning can be associated.

• extent and location of abrasion
• concentration at handling points or exposed surfaces
• comparison with protected areas
• evidence of earlier touch-up

“Gilding abrasion was recorded across the front face of the handle, with the underlying bole showing faintly through a worn area approximately 50 mm long.”

Loss or fading of stencilled decorative detail within an applied scheme.

Incomplete or interrupted stencilled motifs; faint outlines where the figure has been partially lost; sometimes with surviving complete motifs in protected areas.

Abrasion, water damage, overpainting and earlier cleaning can be associated.

• extent of stencil loss across the scheme
• completeness of representative motifs
• evidence of layout or registration marks
• any surviving complete motifs in protected positions

“Loss of stencil detail was recorded across the dado, with the border motif legible only in fragments and complete examples surviving behind the radiator.”

Loss or partial loss of a painted inscription, lettering scheme or commemorative text.

Incomplete or partially legible letters; ghost outlines where the paint has been thinned or lost; sometimes with surviving complete words in protected areas.

Weathering, abrasion, earlier cleaning and overpainting can be associated.

• extent of the inscription remaining
• legibility of representative letters or words
• presence of any ghost outline assisting reconstruction
• any associated photographic or documentary record

“Loss of painted inscription was recorded across the lower line of the panel, with the first three words legible and the remainder visible only as a faint ghost outline.”

Loss or disruption of decorative graining, marbling or other imitative finishes.

Areas where the imitative figure is missing, thinned or interrupted; underlying ground colour often visible; sometimes with surviving figure in protected areas.

Abrasion, earlier cleaning and overpainting can be associated.

• extent and pattern of loss
• character of the underlying ground
• comparison with protected sections retaining the original figure
• evidence of earlier touch-up or rework

“Loss of graining was recorded on the door panel, with the figured upper coat thinned across the central field and the buff ground showing through.”

Loss of decoration concentrated at points of regular use or handling.

Worn, thinned or lost decoration at handles, edges, thresholds and other contact zones; sometimes with concentric or directional wear pattern.

Use, handling, cleaning and friction can be associated.

• location and extent of worn areas
• depth of loss into the coating sequence
• evidence of earlier in-fill or repainting at the worn area
• comparison with adjacent, less-handled surfaces

“Abrasion at the handling point was recorded around the door knob, with concentric wear across an area approximately 120 mm in diameter exposing two earlier paint layers.”

Discoloured areas within or beneath a coating that may be associated with moisture movement through the fabric.

Darker patches, brown or yellow staining, sometimes with diffuse edges or pronounced outlines; concentrated at known moisture sources.

Rainwater penetration, plumbing leaks, condensation and rising moisture can be associated.

• extent, shape and location of staining
• association with potential moisture sources
• whether the staining appears active or historic
• any associated salt deposits or coating failure

“Damp staining was recorded on the wall adjacent to the rainwater pipe, with a brown discoloration approximately 300 mm across and diffuse edges.”

A distinct horizontal line marking the upper limit of moisture rise within a coating or substrate.

Sharp or diffuse linear band, often darker above or below, sometimes with associated salt deposits or coating failure along the line.

Rising moisture, evaporation patterns and salt deposition at the drying front can be associated.

• location and approximate height of the tide mark
• sharpness or diffuseness of the line
• presence of salt deposits at the line
• extent along the wall

“A tide mark was recorded at approximately 350 mm above floor level, with a faint band of salt deposits along the line and powdering of the limewash above.”

Linear staining on a coated surface associated with rainwater run-off pathways.

Vertical or diagonal streaks below cills, projections or leak points; sometimes darker, sometimes paler than the surrounding surface.

Rainwater run-off concentration, blocked drainage and detail design can be associated.

• location, length and direction of streaks
• source above the staining where identifiable
• association with detailing or blockage
• any coating breakdown along the run-off pathway

“Water run-off staining was recorded below the cill, with three vertical streaks extending approximately 800 mm down the painted render.”

White, crystalline salt deposits emerging through or beneath a coating.

White fluffy, powdery or crystalline deposits on the coating surface; sometimes with associated disruption of the paint film around the deposit.

Soluble salts mobilised through the substrate by moisture movement can be associated.

• extent and distribution of efflorescence
• association with moisture sources or drying patterns
• presence of associated coating failure
• whether deposits appear active or historic

“Salt efflorescence through the coating was recorded across the lower wall, with white crystalline deposits emerging at several points and associated flaking of the paint film.”

Surface marks associated with repeated condensation on a coated surface.

Run marks, mottled darkening, mould spotting or pale haze on cold faces or in poorly ventilated areas.

Cold surfaces, high humidity, poor ventilation and use patterns can be associated.

• extent and pattern of marking
• association with cold faces or upper corners
• presence of mould spotting at affected areas
• any reported pattern of condensation in the space

“Condensation marking was recorded across the upper corners of the room, with mottled darkening and isolated mould spotting on the cooler external angles.”

Loose surface accumulation of dust and particulates on a coated surface.

Even or patchy darkening of the surface that may lift on light contact; concentrated on horizontal or sheltered faces.

Atmospheric particulates, indoor dust generation, ventilation patterns and cleaning history can be associated.

• extent and distribution of soiling
• concentration on particular orientations or details
• whether the deposit lifts on light contact
• comparison with cleaned or protected areas

“Surface soiling was recorded across the moulded cornice, with darker dust accumulation on the upper faces and minimal accumulation on the soffit.”

Dirt that has become embedded within the surface and no longer lifts on light contact.

Persistent darkening, sometimes following surface texture; not removable on light wiping; sometimes more pronounced in recesses and tooled detail.

Prolonged exposure, surface texture, binder breakdown and earlier incomplete cleaning can be associated.

• extent and pattern of ingrained soiling
• concentration in tooled detail or recesses
• comparison with protected areas
• evidence of earlier cleaning campaigns

“Ingrained dirt was recorded across the carved frieze, with persistent darkening in the recesses of the moulding and partial removal evident on the prominent faces.”

Soiling associated with atmospheric pollution accumulated over extended periods.

Dark deposits, sometimes as discrete crusts, sometimes as general darkening; concentrated on sheltered exterior surfaces.

Local and historic air quality, exposure history, surface texture and cleaning history can be associated.

• extent and intensity of soiling
• concentration in sheltered zones
• presence of discrete crusts versus general darkening
• comparison between sheltered and washed surfaces

“Atmospheric soiling was recorded across the painted external elevation, with darker crusts concentrated beneath the cill and paler washed areas across the exposed face.”

Black or dark grey deposit on a coated surface associated with combustion sources.

Black or dark grey film or build-up, sometimes concentrated above fireplaces, flues or candle positions; sometimes as discrete linear marks.

Past or present combustion, flue performance, candle use and ventilation can be associated.

• extent and location of soot deposits
• association with fireplaces, flues, candle positions or vents
• intensity and thickness where assessable
• whether deposits lift on light contact

“Soot deposit was recorded above the fireplace opening, with a dark fan-shaped accumulation across approximately 1.5 m of the chimney breast.”

Colonisation of a coated surface by algae, lichen, moss or higher plants.

Green, black, orange or grey growth across the surface; sometimes patchy, sometimes general; concentrated on damp or sheltered orientations.

Moisture retention, sheltered orientation, surface texture and proximity to vegetation can be associated.

• type of growth where identifiable
• extent and pattern of colonisation
• association with moisture sources or shelter
• any apparent effect on the coating beneath

“Biological growth was recorded across the north-facing painted render, with a green algal film across the lower 1.5 m and isolated lichen colonies at higher level.”

Discrete spots of mould growth on a coated surface, often associated with elevated humidity.

Small dark spots, sometimes haloed, distributed across cold or sheltered surfaces; sometimes more visible under raking light.

Elevated humidity, condensation history, poor ventilation and substrate dampness can be associated.

• extent and distribution of spotting
• association with cold or shaded surfaces
• size of typical spots
• any reported history of humidity or leaks

“Mould spotting was recorded across the upper wall, with discrete dark spots concentrated in the corner and faint halos around individual spots.”

Loss of bond between a coating and the substrate to which it was applied.

Lifted, detached or hollow-sounding coating across an area; clean substrate visible where coating has detached; minimal coating residue on the exposed substrate.

Poor surface preparation, applications over damp or contaminated surfaces and incompatibility between coating and substrate can be associated.

• extent of detachment
• whether the coating has actually lifted or sounds hollow
• character of the exposed substrate
• any visible coating residue on the substrate

“Adhesion failure was recorded across the lower panel, with a hollow-sounding area approximately 200 mm across and minimal coating residue visible at the edge of a recent loss.”

Loss of internal cohesion within a single coating layer, causing it to break apart within its own thickness.

Coating layer that breaks within itself, leaving partial thickness on the substrate and partial thickness on the detached piece; sometimes with powdering through the layer.

Binder degradation, weathering and original mix or application conditions can be associated.

• extent of cohesion loss across the element
• whether breaks pass through the full layer
• evidence of partial coating remaining on the substrate after loss
• comparison with sound areas of the same layer

“Cohesion failure was recorded within the topmost paint layer, with detached fragments retaining only part of the original layer thickness and similar partial residue on the substrate.”

Loss of bond between adjacent layers within a multi-layer coating system.

Detachment occurring cleanly between layers, leaving one or more intact layers on the substrate and others on the detached piece; layer boundaries often visible at the loss edge.

Incompatibility between layers, application over insufficiently cured underlying coats, and applications over contaminated surfaces can be associated.

• extent of intercoat loss
• which layers remain on the substrate and which detach
• evidence of contamination or surface treatment between layers
• number of layers identifiable at the loss edge

“Intercoat failure was recorded across the door panel, with the topmost two layers detaching cleanly from an underlying layer that remained intact on the substrate.”

Coating campaigns applied over earlier schemes, partially or fully concealing the original decoration.

Visible later coatings over earlier work; layer edges or earlier scheme remnants visible at losses; sometimes with mismatched colour or texture relative to associated original elements.

Past redecoration campaigns, change of use and routine maintenance can be associated.

• number of overpainted layers visible at losses
• extent of original scheme remaining at edges and protected areas
• any visible difference in colour, gloss or texture between layers
• evidence of preparatory work between layers

“Overpainting was recorded across the wall, with at least three later layers visible at a recent paint loss and a fragment of an earlier polychrome scheme surviving behind the picture rail.”

Application of a coating that does not appear physically or chemically compatible with the underlying surface or scheme.

Visible adhesion or cohesion problems concentrated where the later coating sits over a particular underlying material; sometimes with characteristic patterns of failure following the underlying scheme.

Modern impermeable paints applied over traditional limewash, distemper or porous substrates can be associated.

• type of later coating where identifiable
• type of underlying surface
• pattern of failure relative to the underlying material
• extent of associated coating breakdown

“Incompatible coating was recorded on the limewashed wall, with a later impermeable paint flaking concentrically and the underlying limewash visible at losses.”

Earlier coating campaign now showing widespread failure, distinct from older paint layers beneath.

Most recent coating exhibiting flaking, peeling or detachment across significant areas; earlier layers beneath often appearing more stable.

Coating choice, application conditions, surface preparation and underlying scheme can be associated.

• extent of failure of the most recent coating
• relative condition of underlying layers
• any documentary record of the last redecoration
• implications for assessment of underlying historic scheme

“Failed previous coating was recorded across the door, with the most recent gloss layer detaching in sheets while earlier layers remained adhered to the substrate.”

Modern paints used in locations where they appear unsuitable for the substrate or for the historic significance of the scheme.

Bright, high-gloss or plastic-textured finishes inconsistent with surrounding original work; sometimes with associated failure or visible mismatch at junctions.

Recent redecoration choices, off-the-shelf product selection and lack of specification can be associated.

• location and extent of the modern paint
• evidence of mismatch with adjacent original work
• any associated coating failure
• implications for any earlier scheme beneath

“Inappropriate modern paint was recorded on the dado, with a high-gloss white finish across an area approximately 4 m long contrasting with the matt limewashed wall above.”

Brush marks or application texture from a later coating disrupting the visual continuity of an original scheme.

Visible brush strokes, ridges or roller texture at variance with the smoother or directionally consistent original finish.

Later redecoration campaigns and modern application methods over hand-applied original work can be associated.

• extent of areas showing later application texture
• direction and character of marks
• comparison with adjacent original work
• any associated coating failure

“Brush mark disruption was recorded across the panel face, with bold horizontal strokes from a later coat overlaying the more uniform original finish.”

Hardened or bonded surface deposit on a coated surface, distinct from loose soiling.

Raised, crusted or hardened material adhering to the surface; sometimes following soiling patterns, sometimes localised.

Atmospheric deposition, splashed materials, biological activity and earlier cleaning can be associated.

• extent, location and thickness of accretion
• evidence of associated coating damage
• any apparent source of the accreted material
• whether the accretion conceals underlying detail

“Surface accretion was recorded across the lower face of the column, with a hardened deposit up to approximately 3 mm thick concealing the original moulding profile.”

Surface residue consistent with applied wax, polish or earlier coating maintenance.

Glossy, semi-transparent surface film, sometimes patchy, sometimes pooled in detail; may dull and gather soiling over time.

Past use of waxes, polishes or proprietary maintenance products can be associated.

• extent and distribution of residue
• evidence of pooling in carving or moulding detail
• any visible soiling attached to or embedded in the residue
• effect on legibility of underlying decoration

“Wax residue was recorded across the carved panel, with semi-transparent pooled material in the recesses and a faintly dulled finish across the prominent faces.”

Residue from tape, labels, fixings or earlier conservation treatments adhering to the surface.

Patches of sticky, glossy, discoloured or hardened residue; sometimes with associated soiling embedded in the material; sometimes with sharp outline of original tape or label.

Past use of tapes, labels, fixings or temporary conservation treatments can be associated.

• extent and location of residue
• evidence of original tape or label outlines
• any associated discolouration of the surface beneath
• implications for handling of any underlying decoration

“Adhesive residue was recorded on the door, with a rectangular patch approximately 80 by 50 mm of discoloured sticky material consistent with a previously applied label.”

Discrete patches of differing tone or surface character associated with earlier cleaning trials.

Geometric or irregular patches of paler or differently surfaced material against the surrounding finish; sometimes annotated, sometimes unrecorded.

Earlier cleaning trials by conservators, contractors or maintenance staff can be associated.

• location, size and shape of test patches
• evidence of associated documentation
• any visible variation in technique between patches
• comparison with adjacent untreated surfaces

“Cleaning test marks were recorded on the left margin of the panel, with three rectangular patches of differing tone arranged in a column and no associated documentation visible on site.”

Surface features that may indicate earlier cleaning has gone beyond removal of surface soiling and affected the original finish.

Loss of original surface texture, exposed substrate, thinning of paint layers, exaggeration of tool marks, or visible step at the edge of cleaned areas.

Aggressive cleaning techniques, abrasive methods and overuse of solvents can be associated.

• extent of affected area
• evidence of original surface character at adjacent uncleaned areas
• any step or edge between cleaned and uncleaned zones
• exposure of substrate where coating was previously continuous

“An overcleaning indicator was recorded across the lower panel, with a clear edge separating a noticeably paler cleaned area from the surrounding original finish.”

Linear damage to a coated surface from impact with a sharp or hard object.

Linear cut or gouge through one or more coating layers, sometimes exposing substrate; sometimes with associated paint lift along edges.

Accidental contact, maintenance activity and use can be associated.

• length, depth and location of the scratch
• number of coating layers affected
• whether substrate is exposed
• any associated paint lift along the scratch edges

“An impact scratch was recorded across the upper rail, with a linear cut approximately 120 mm long passing through the topmost two coating layers.”

Surface scuffs and rub marks from contact with objects, equipment or use.

Greyish or dark rub marks on the coating surface, sometimes with associated coating loss; concentrated at contact heights and corners.

Furniture contact, equipment movement, foot traffic and handling can be associated.

• location and extent of scuffing
• concentration at contact heights or corners
• any associated coating loss
• evidence of repeated contact

“Scuffing was recorded along the lower wall, with grey marks approximately 200 mm above floor level consistent with furniture contact.”

Loss of colour intensity in a coating exposed to light.

Paler colour relative to areas of the same scheme protected from light; sometimes with sharp boundaries where furniture, fittings or framing have shielded the surface.

Light exposure, especially direct sunlight, and pigment characteristics can be associated.

• extent of fading across the element
• presence of shielded reference areas
• estimated magnitude of colour change where comparison is possible
• association with windows or light sources

“Fading was recorded across the south-facing panel, with the field colour visibly paler than the original shade revealed behind a recently removed fitting.”

Change in hue of a coating beyond simple lightening, including yellowing, greening, browning or pinking.

Visible shift in hue relative to protected reference areas or to documentary record; sometimes uniform, sometimes localised.

Pigment changes, binder yellowing, environmental exposure and chemical interaction with overlying or underlying layers can be associated.

• direction and intensity of the colour shift
• uniformity across the element
• comparison with sheltered or protected areas
• any associated coating change

“Colour shift was recorded across the painted panel, with a yellow-brown cast over the original cool grey visible by comparison with the area beneath the removed fitting.”

Uneven fading across a coated surface, often following light or shading patterns.

Variable colour intensity across the surface, sometimes following the outline of shadows, fittings or windows; sometimes patchy without clear pattern.

Variable light exposure, partial shading by fittings, blinds or earlier furniture arrangements can be associated.

• pattern and distribution of fading
• association with light sources, shading or removed fittings
• any visible outline of past furniture or framing
• comparison with consistently shielded areas

“Differential fading was recorded across the wall, with a rectangular zone of more saturated colour matching the outline of a previously hung picture.”

Surface features that may indicate exposure of a coating to elevated temperature.

Bubbled, scorched, discoloured or charred areas; sometimes with associated loss; concentrated near heat sources such as lamps, radiators, flues or fittings.

Proximity to heat sources, past lighting or heating arrangements and accidental exposure can be associated.

• extent and location of affected area
• proximity to known or removed heat sources
• character of associated coating change
• any evidence of scorching of the substrate

“A heat damage indicator was recorded above the wall-mounted lamp, with a discoloured fan-shaped patch and isolated blistering of the paint film.”