The 4th International Architectural Paint Research Conference in 2010 illustrated the developing maturity of a discipline confident in its position within the heritage sector. Specialists in the field discussed ‘Moving the Profession Forward’, ‘The Public Face of APR’ and ‘Decision Making: Communication with Clients and Heritage Bodies’. The papers in this conference volume explore the organisational and financial context in which architectural paint research is practiced, the application of research findings to interpretation and the paint researcher’s role in the decision-making process.