The colour lab

Discover the Colours of the Past

What we offer

Close-up of hands holding and examining a gradient of paint color swatches against a gray background.

Price per sample

Preparing of the sample cross-section, determine colours of first 3 paint layers
80€
Hands holding color swatch samples in a fan shape against a gray background.

Pack B

Preparing cross-section of 10 samples, determine colours of first 3 paint layers + XRD analysis of 1 sample
800€
Hand holding a vibrant paint swatch fan against a curtain backdrop.

Pack A

Preparing cross-section of 3 samples, determine colours of first 3 paint layers
220€
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Pack C

Preparing cross-section of 20 samples, determine colours of first 3 paint layers + XRD analysis of 1 sample + SEM-EDX mapping of 3 samples
1600€

Our techniques

Stratigraphy analysis

— the study of different layers of materials—like paint or plaster—to understand how a building was originally made and how it has changed over time

SEM-EDX mapping

— laboratory method that uses a powerful microscope to show the tiny structure of a material and create a color map of the chemical elements inside it

XRD analysis

— laboratory technique that identifies the minerals in a material by measuring how it scatters X-rays, helping us understand exactly what it is made of

FTIR

– laboratory method that uses infrared light to identify the types of materials in a sample, such as minerals, oils, resins, or other organic substances

EDX

– laboratory method that identifies which chemical elements are present in a material by measuring the X-rays it emits under a microscope.

Raman

– laboratory technique that uses laser light to identify the chemical composition of a material by analyzing how the light interacts with it.

Colour identification

– the process of matching a sample colour to a standardized NCS colour system to accurately define and reproduce the exact shade

Spectral photography

— a method of taking images using different types of light (such as ultraviolet, visible and infrared) to reveal hidden details that cannot be seen with the naked eye

Wood identification

– the process of examining the structure of wood to determine which tree species it comes from, helping us understand its origin and age

ABOUT US

My name is Alexander Pakhunov, I am a conservation scientist specializing in the analysis of architectural paint layers and historic building materials. With over fifteen years of experience and study on more than 100 protected buildings with my team, now I help homeowners and professionals uncover original color schemes and material histories using accessible, cost-effective laboratory methods. My work combines scientific precision with a deep respect for architectural heritage, making advanced analysis available beyond large institutional projects.

TALK TO US

Planning a renovation or research project? Let’s discuss how we can help uncover your building’s history.