Q RAL?
A Restoration Associates Limited.

Q How long as RAL been in business?
A RAL was founded by Mary Canales Jary in 1985. The company has been in business for 27 years.

Q What is paint analysis?
A Paint analysis is the harvesting of small paint chips that are cast in a clear polyester resin and analyzed under a stereo microscope to determine the original color scheme.

Q Why would an owner need to hire a conservator to compile a paint analysis report?
A To discover and match the original color scheme of the interior and/or exterior finishes of the building. The paint analysis would also discover any type of decorative painted stencil patterns or finishes that may include multiple glazes.

Q Does RAL travel outside Texas?
A Yes, we travel where ever a building needs our expertise.

Q How does RAL discover a historic stencil pattern that has many layers of modern paint applied over the historic pattern?
A This process involves the use of chemicals applied in timed intervals removing each modern layer individually without damaging the original stencil pattern.

Q Restoration or Conservation treatments: Which is more cost effective?
A It depends on the project. The value of the historic paint finishes is priceless. The quality of historic craftsmanship in certain cases can not be duplicated therefore it is worth preserving using restoration treatments and/or conservation treatments.

Q Are tax credits available for 501C3 preservation project?
A Yes, often times historic tax credits are available for the restoration or conservation treatments to be applied to a historic structure. Even through an owner is a 501C3 tax exempt, tax credits can be syndicated and sold which puts money back into the project.

Q What is the difference between restoration, conservation and preservation?
A There is no difference. Restoration, conservation and preservation are all related treatments utilized in historic situations. Restoration may require the reproduction of a design or scheme scheme. This will require research and duplication of lost historic finishes and design elements when restoring a pattern or design. Conservation is the application of technical consolidation treatments applied to historic design elements without reproducing the lost design elements. Preservation is the application of restoration and conservation treatments to historic finishes.

Q What is gilding?
A Gilding is the application of thin metal or gold leaf sheets applied to design elements with the appropriate adhesive.

Q What is the difference between Dutch metal and gold leaf?
A Gold leaf is hammered thin sheets of 22k - 24k gold that is produced in approximately 3" X 3" squares. Dutch metal (Composition leaf) are alloys of various metals that are hammered in approximately 5 1/2" square sheets and has many different shades. Gold leaf ages beautifully and Dutch Metal (Composition Leaf) darkens over time.

Q What is the difference between Mica powder and Metallic powder?
A Mica is a fine ground crystal that is added to a vehicle (mineral or water base) then painted onto a surface. The brilliance depends on the consistency. Mica powder comes in various shades and does not tarnish over time. Metallic powder is finally ground metal alloys that are mixed with a vehicle and applied to a surface. Metallic powder does not blend well with water base products. Metallic powder comes in various shades and does darken over time.