ABSTRACT Architectural Paint Research (APR) is the archaeological study of interior and exterior applied decoration. Over time, applied layers of paint and other decorative finishes build up on the surface of a built structure, encapsulating microscopic deposits of material evidence. This evidence can be used to inform the phase dating of a structure or illuminate the historic function of a space. It can challenge preconceived ideas of how specific areas were decorated and track the changes in aesthetics over time. It can identify when architects’ ideologies have been balanced by practical considerations. It can provide an insight into the intangible and ephemeral atmosphere that decoration gives to a room. Finally, it can examine the dirt trapped between the layers of decoration and thus categorise the physical environmental conditions that surrounded a building at varying points in its history. Although used in the commercial heritage and conservation sectors, APR is almost completely unknown to building archaeologists. This article aims to introduce APR to a new audience and argues that is an invaluable tool in the archaeological interpretation of buildings.

中文翻译：

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建筑涂料研究与建筑考古

摘要 建筑涂料研究（APR）是对室内外应用装饰的考古研究。随着时间的推移，建筑结构的表面上会形成一层涂漆和其他装饰性饰面，包裹着微观沉积物。该证据可用于告知结构的相年代测定或阐明空间的历史功能。它可以挑战特定区域如何装饰的先入为主的想法，并跟踪美学随时间的变化。它可以确定建筑师的意识形态何时通过实际考虑得到平衡。它可以洞察装饰赋予房间的无形和短暂的氛围。最后，它可以检查被困在装饰层之间的污垢，从而对建筑物在其历史不同时间点周围的物理环境条件进行分类。虽然用于商业遗产和保护部门，但建筑考古学家几乎完全不知道 APR。本文旨在向新读者介绍 APR，并认为它是建筑考古解释中的宝贵工具。