The main aim of this research is to survey the general colour scheme for private dwellings inVisby, built 1860–1930. During this period the visual appearance of the town of Visby changedsubstantially, since the increased local production of lime led to the plastering of many woodenbuildings. Which colour schemes were chosen for the different building types of the historic centreof Visby, and which colours came to dominate the time period? The methods used for answeringthese questions have partly been field studies on site and sampling of selected buildings, andpartly critical reading and observation of iconographic material (paintings, drawings, aquarelles,postcards and photographs). The field study includes about 45 objects, in which a number ofsamples are taken from each building element (mouldings, plaster, windows and doors). Thesamples were first analysed ocularly as cross sections. A selection of cross sections have then beenanalysed by means of scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results show a unitary colourscheme, based on earth pigment and carbon black. The dwellings erected during the 19th centuryin Visby, represent a significant part of its building stock, and the lack of scientifically groundedresearches makes implementation of adequate maintenance difficult. It also appears that a largenumber of these dwellings have recently been (or are soon to be) restored, causing a serious lossof primary source of information, as well as affecting town and streetscape with new colourings.