This paper is an introduction to the benefits of incorporating period industrial literature into conservation research. Conservators of post-WWI art regularly work with objects containing industrial materials of unknown composition and behavior. Period publications offer unique insight into material properties and formulations that may be at odds with preservation goals. Industrial literature is an accessible and informative resource, and should not be overlooked by the modern materials conservator. This paper reviews the available mid-century literature related to zinc oxide-containing house paint, as a case study in the assessment of industrial literature and its value to conservation efforts. The research and related bibliography are the result of a Conservation of Museum Collections postgraduate fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. A literature search initiated in the early stages of the fellowship revealed only a small number of relevant articles in the existing conservation literature. An expanded search identified a wealth of period industrial literature. Patterns within the literature became apparent, and an informed examination of the assembled articles revealed unique and useful information. This resource was instrumental to the final outcome of the project. This paper reflects the focus of its associated fellowship research: mid-century, American, oil-based zinc oxide house paint.