Restoration/Conservation Tips
Read these 16 Restoration/Conservation Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Framed Art tips and hundreds of other topics.
Wax Lining
This is a process that uses wax to re-line a painting. Since the development of BEVA glue, this process is not used that often.
Strip Lining
The process of attaching a strip of new canvas to the edges of the old canvas so a painting can be properly re-stretched. This process is not necessary if a painting is going to be re-lined.
Finding one
There are restorers/conservators throughout the world and many are very good at what they do. Do your homework, contact your local dealers and get their recommendation, search the Internet and be sure to compare prices. You will find that you will often get the best job, at the lowest price when you go to a big city. Remember that competition keeps the prices down.
Varnish - Finishing
Finishing varnish is the final layer of varnish that is applied to the work. This is done after the entire restoration process is complete.
Inpainting
This relates to the areas in the painting that needed to be painted in order to match the existing colors. This is usually done to cover a damaged area.
You Have Found One - Now What?
Bring the work of art to the restorer so they can examine it. Ask questions about the condition of your painting and try to learn what caused the damage so you can prevent it from happening again. And most important, get an estimate and a detailed explanation of what they are going to do.
How They Clean a Painting
A skilled conservator will use a mixture of different chemicals to remove the old varnish and any old inpainting from the work.
What to do
If you have determined that your work of art needs some care, there is only one thing you should do.... consult a professional. The restoration/conservation of a work of art is a very delicate procedure and should only be attempted by an expert in the field. I also believe that as the owner of any work of art, you are its caretaker for the time you own it and it is your responsibility to take care of it for the benefit of future generations. You are caring for a piece of history.
Treating a Work of Art
To treat a painting, the conservator places the work of art on the hot table and sprays it with a checmical mixture. The work is then heated under pressure and allowed to dry. The work is then re-lined.
Humidity Treatment
A process that uses humidity (chemical/water mixture) to relax structural cracks in a painting.
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| Tammi Reynolds |
