Dartecor was founded by Leonel da Costa, a conservator-restorer with over 15 years of experience dedicated to the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage.
Holding both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Conservation and Restoration from the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, Leonel combines rigorous scientific training with hands-on artisanal expertise developed through the restoration of more than 1,700 works of art.
His professional journey includes interventions in some of Portugal’s most significant heritage sites, including the Church of Clérigos in Porto, Lamego Cathedral, and Funchal Cathedral, as well as numerous private collections, sacred art pieces, paintings, sculptures, and historical objects.
This direct contact with historic artworks and restoration methodologies provided a rare depth of knowledge about pigments, binders, supports, varnishes, and material behaviour over time.
It also revealed a critical gap in the contemporary fine art materials market: the lack of truly professional-grade oil paints capable of delivering the chromatic richness, permanence, and workability demanded by serious painters.
Dartecor was created to fill that gap.
Every paint is handcrafted in Portugal using carefully selected raw materials, traditional manufacturing methods, and a high pigment concentration to ensure:
– exceptional colour intensity
– superior workability
– archival permanence
– material integrity over time
More than a paint manufacturer, Dartecor is a bridge between historical knowledge and contemporary artistic practice.
Through close collaboration with artists, specialised workshops, and continuous research into traditional painting materials, the brand is committed to empowering painters with both the tools and knowledge required to create with confidence.
Our mission is to elevate contemporary artistic creation through uncompromising material quality.
Our vision is to give artists complete trust in the materials they use, allowing technique and creativity to flourish without limitation.
