Oil Paintings on Canvas
Removing grime and yellowing varnishes reveal details in a painting. We also can restretch a painting or make repairs to the canvas or the paint. A full structural stabilization might involve lining techniques.
CRAQUELURE
Craquelure comes in two types: drying cracks, which are cracks in the paint layer caused by gradual drying; and aging cracks, which run through all layers, from the paint to the canvas.
Mid 19th century portrait, artist unknown. Oil on canvas. Private collection
REVERSAL
Reversal of prior restorations often involves removing wax resin and glue linings and re-lining or re-weaving with non-penetrating synthetic adhesives and materials.
SURFACE GRIME
Surface Grime is an accumulation of airborne pollutants that dull the surface.
William Aiken Walker (1839-1921). Cabin Scene. Oil on academy board. Private collection.
TEARS
Oxidation, exposure to atmospheric oxygen, causes the canvas to lose its elasticity and become brittle.
Detail of Portrait of M E Witherspoon
by Menzel 1908. Oil on canvas
TENTING, LIFTING &
CUPPING
Tenting, lifting & cupping of the ground and paint layers can be caused by excessive exposure to moisture, heat and improper storage.
"The Path" by Caroline Guignard, Oil on canvas
VARNISH
Oxidation also causes varnish to slowly darken.
G J Stengel 1932. Oil on board
