Enhancing Oil Paints with 3D Laser Scanning

oil painting

A deeper look into how art was created

3D laser scanning has entered our world at full force and created one of the hottest topics in the technology field.  This tool was initially created in the 1960s but only recently gained adoption throughout several areas. It has become one of the most advanced tools on the market, and it will grow to be worth a few billion because it is steadily gaining adoption.

Many people may find it surprising that technology has now entered art. People are now using 3D laser scanning for art and to restore historical paintings. Using this technology, researchers can learn how someone painted a specific scene. They are able to tell which layer was put on first, and which was put on last. Researchers are also able to determine what type of materials were used in a painting.

3D laser scanning opens up many possibilities to learn new things. We can dive deep in the past with this technology learning the techniques of the old painting masters. This unique tool allows us to view each individual brushstroke and each color as it is added. As 3D laser scanning grows around the world, more people will use it to understand art and particular artist’s styles.

How 3D laser scanning works

3D laser scanning takes rapid photos of an object and collects information rapidly. It projects lasers all over an item and collects data from the cloud points that the laser picks up. The data collected can help determine what material something is, a texture, a color, and anything in between, making it perfect to use to examine art pieces.

The coolest thing about 3D laser scanning is that once the information is saved, it can never be deleted. This makes it one of the best tools to use as a future reference. It can also be shared as a 3D image at any time to multiple people all over the globe. Over the last few years, it has grown in uses.

Many people are using 3D laser scanning for various things other than art. They are using it to study for homework, students have found apps that use this technology on a basic level, for a study aid. Police have started using this technology to stop traffic accidents. Forensic investigators are using it to investigate and document a crime scene.

Why this technology is great for art

3D laser scanning allows for guests at any given museum a chance to view the object or painting on a deeper level. Having a virtual or a replicated version of a painting can allow someone to see individual brushstrokes. This is something that museums would not typically allow a person to do. It is a completely noninvasive way to replicate and share information about art and paintings.

Final thoughts

As this technology grows, we will continue to find uses for it. As more museums adopt, 3D laser scanning guests will be able to dig deeper and fully be immersed in a masterpiece. They soon will be able to see a painting from every angle, every side, and truly understand what it took to get the final results that they see before them.

Keep reading: more articles about 3D scanning