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.

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What is a wax lining?

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.

   
What is a hot table?

Hot Table

A vacuum table that allows the conservator to heat a painting, under pressure, to a desired temperature so that it can be re-lined or treated.

   
What is a strip lining?

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.

   
Do they use varnish on paintings?

Varnish

Varnish is sprayed on a painting after it has been cleaned and restored; it forms a protective layer on the front of the painting.

   
Who can help me care for my art?

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.

   
Are there different types of varnish?

Varnish

There are different types of varnish: Gloss, Matte and Semi-gloss. The type of varnish used will depend on your personal preference.

   
What is a finishing varnish?

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.

   
When should I reframe my art?

Reframing

Works on paper that have been framed for over 15 years sould be checked for conservation and if necessary reframed. More valuable pieces that have been glued down or have other conservation concerns can be addressed by a good restorer.

   
What is inpainting?

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.

   
Shall I trust the restorer?

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 do they clean a painting?

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.

   
How do I keep my art clean?

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.

   
What is BEVA glue?

BEVA Glue

This is a glue that is used in the re-lining process. The advantage of using this glue is that it is fully reversable.

   
What is a treatment?

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.

   
What is a humidity treatment?

Humidity Treatment

A process that uses humidity (chemical/water mixture) to relax structural cracks in a painting.

   
What is a re-lining?

Re-lining

If a painting has been damaged, it might need to be re-lined. This is a process in which the back of the old canvas is attached to a new canvas to give it support.

   
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Guru Spotlight
Patricia Walters-Fischer