I just saw the most beautiful terra cotta painting project I've ever seen, or could ever imagine, in downtown Kansas City, MO.  I didn't see the "before" condition, so I have to assume that what was going on was truly warranted, but the workmanship and look were totally convincing.  I didn't find out what paints the guys were using, but they seemed to know what they were doing, and they were working for a local restoration firm.  I actually think they were using conventional acrylic paints, but couldn't confirm.  The painted terra cotta was truly indistinguishable from any intact uncoated pieces.  They were not painting the mortar joints, so there was a very real effect of individual masonry units, and the mortar joints had been repointed so neatly you could not tell if any had not been repointed, or if they were all in original condition.  Painting work was not one monochromatic coat, but a succession of daubed or sponged on paint over a base coat.  The finished effect was rich and glossy, like new, which I imagine was the goal.  The building had enough other features that retained the old patina, and the project is a contribution to the downtown fabric, fronting on the Convention Center Mall.  

Anyone seen it?  I'd post a photo, but that is against the rules...

Ilene R. Tyler, FAIA
QUINN EVANS | ARCHITECTS
219 1/2 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI  48104
ph: 734 663-5888
fx: 734 663-5044



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