3.3.4 On Wooden Surface Re-Painting

In the ICOMOS Principles for the Preservation and Conservation/Restoration of Wall Paintings, Article 5 pointed out that “Natural aging is a testimony to the trace of time and should be respected.Irreversible chemical and physical transformations are to be preserved if their removal is harmful… Aesthetic reintegration contributes to minimizing the visibility of damage and should primarily be carried out on non-original material.”^[73]As the Beijing Document has declared, “Architectural surfaces and their finishing layers, with historic, aesthetic and technical qualities, represent an essential component of the visible part of monuments.”^[74]The best way to care for these surfaces is through regular maintenance.As we know, architectural painting, especially wood component painting, serves not only as an art deco, but protects wood from physical and chemical damage.Due to the effects of weathering and natural wear and tear, the finishing materials used cannot remain intact over a long period of time.The natural materials used need repairing and restoration for the long-term preservation of the wood materials used in construction.Article 7 in the Qufu Declaration states that “the role of architecture painting is to protect the wood and beautify the building.At the same time, it also shows the architectural level and the function of the building… If the remaining architecture painting has completely lost the original function and has no artistic value, it should be re-painted.The restoration should pay attention to the ‘four originals’ and cannot be used to change the original historic state, only to preserve it.”^[75](https://www.daowen.com)

In the repainting process, the Beijing Document points out that “all painted surfaces should be first investigated by means of scientific analysis to reveal all possible information concerning the original materials and techniques, past interventions, current condition, and decay mechanisms on both macro and micro scales.Appropriate traditional technologies and craftsmanship should be used whenever feasible.”^[76]Therefore, repainting should follow the authenticity of the structures historic state which includes the original materials, patterns, crafts and be developed through proper professional consultation.At the same time, Article 31 in Principles for the Conservation of Heritage Sites in China highlighted that “it is not permissible to redo decorative painting for new or cosmetic purposes.”^[77]Any work performed should be in the interests of restoration, not further development, which may result in destruction of the original cultural and societal value of the site.