In a message dated 03/28/2000 8:54:00 AM Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Personally, I
 probably would lean toward matching new materials to the condition of the
 existing, but each project has its unique considerations. >>

SOP -- when matching new material to old material match the new to the old as
if the old were cleaned. If, in future, the next team of preservationeers
decides to clean the masonry then they do not have to remove all the new
because it then looks dirty next to the old that is then clean. The majority
public seems to expect buildings to appear harmoniously colored in the short
run, thus when matching new to old the logical conclusion is to clean the old
to match the new old cleaned. This works for contractors as they get paid
extra to clean. Another choice would be to dirty the building, but that does
not appear very popular. The few times I have suggested making a building
dirty as an alternative I have gotten weird looks from customers. I usually
suggest rubbing raw potatoes on masonry in order to induce a biologic patina
that turns black within a few months. Can't say how well it works as I'm
still waiting on a customer to hire us to rub potatoes on their walls. My
GRAND IDEA is to make potatoe juice and use a modified Hudson sprayer for
application.

][<en