Oil Paintings on Canvas
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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.
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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.
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Detail of Portrait of M E Witherspoon
by Menzel 1908. Oil on canvas
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TENTING, LIFTING &
CUPPING
Tenting, lifting & cupping of the ground and paint layers can be caused by excessive exposure to moisture, heat and improper storage.
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"The Path" by Caroline Guignard, Oil on canvas
VARNISH
Oxidation also causes varnish to slowly darken.
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G J Stengel 1932. Oil on board
