Introduction
Oil painting has been used for art dating back to the 7th century, but didn’t become widely used until the 15th century. Access to oil paints gave artists the ability to utilize rich colors in their art work. Which in turn characterized much of the renaissance & baroque paintings.
Oil Paintings need constant attention. If they are left untreated, they will gradually deteriorate through temperature changes, humidity, UV exposure, dust and variety of other variables which can destroy the work in different ways. If you have ever been into a museum & the art work is in a dimly lit room there is a high chance the artwork has been made utilizing oil paints which requires such environmental conditions to preserve the work.
Restoration is central to art conservation efforts in order to preserve cultural heritage. Fixing and maintaining the art increases the value of the work. It allows the community to continue to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance more fully. Bringing awareness to the before & after of art restoration can really highlight the impact that restoration work can have.
Although historic paint restoration is a complex and nuanced process that requires extensive knowledge, experience, and skill. In this blog article we will touch upon the important steps in how one would restore an oil painting.
Assessment and Evaluation
In the meticulous world of oil painting restoration, the journey begins with a thorough investigation of the historic paint surface. This initial step involves assessing the paint’s condition, carefully identifying any signs of damage or deterioration, while trying to unravel the original paint scheme and color palette. These assessments often require a blend of archival research, on-site investigations, and sometimes even laboratory analysis. Particularly for historic buildings or structures, historic paint analysis becomes crucial to determine the feasibility of procedures like paint removal, replication, and restoration. This phase is one of the restoration’s most crucial moments, ensuring that every action is focused on preserving the artwork’s historical integrity while achieving an accurate restoration that honors its original craftsmanship.
Assessing the substrate is a critical step in paint restoration. A sound substrate is essential to ensure the longevity and quality of the restored paint. Before the restoration process can begin, it’s imperative to repair and restore the base layer to its optimal condition. Common issues such as water damage must be resolved thoroughly before proceeding with any further restoration work. By prioritizing the substrate’s integrity, painters and conservators can lay a solid foundation for a successful and durable paint restoration project.
Documented damage on the ceiling mural at the Grant County Courthouse in Elbow Lake, Minnesota.
Cleaning the Painting
Based on the work being restored the conservator will use several different steps to return the paint to its original appearance. Initially the artwork needs to be stabilized where paint coating and layers are detaching then followed with cleaning to remove dirt or grime from the surface. For murals and paintings, varnish removal may be necessary to remove yellowing and to reveal original colors. The removal of varnish from the surface is a key step in painting conservation. Varnishes were originally used by artists to intensify the appearance of pigments on the artwork and also act as a protective coating for the paint surface. Most varnishes have the capacity to be removed without damaging the painting. However, solvent testing would be carried out to determine best removal options. Often, varnish can be separated from the painting using scalpels to fracture varnish off.
An essential technique in this process is cleaning which is used to remove any stubborn stains, varnish or paint layers. The type of solvent or cleaning agent you use will be dependent on the type of material and varnish you are working with. The solvent used for historical preservation must be gentle enough to not harm the underlying paint layers. Typically, these cleaning agents are custom designed for the specific work and are generally have a neutral ph. It is very important to make sure you have a controlled cleaning system in place to avoid damage to paint layers. Having a thorough assessment of the project is extremely important to ensure you are using the correct products on the art work. If not properly assessed this can lead to damage of the artwork due to lack of knowledge.
Repairing Damages
Artwork conservation involves addressing various forms of damage such as cracks, holes, flaking, and areas with missing paint. These imperfections are patched using appropriate materials. Stabilization the process, of halting or preventing further deterioration, plays a crucial role in this process. Once stabilized, degraded or weakened areas undergo consolidation, where new materials are introduced to reinforce and hold them together. These consolidants, also known as adhesives, are carefully applied to ensure they effectively stabilize the painting without compromising it.
Paint flaking and loss on the Overmyer mural at the University of New Hampshire
Varnishing and Final Coatings
Modern conservation Varnish is a mixture of typically an acrylic resin, such as Paroloid B-72. Varnish holds several purposes in paint restoration which include enhancing the colors, protecting the paint layer, and providing a uniform surface finish. This varnish offers UV protection, and is the standard for conservators additionally, choose this varnish because it a reversible and non-yellowing. These features protect the artwork and allow future conservators to remove, if necessary. Removing and applying varnish are major parts of oil paint restoration that need to be thought out to ensure longevity for the painting.
Conclusion
Oil painting, fundamental since the 7th century and transformative from the 15th century with the introduction of oil paints, is susceptible to environmental hazards such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, UV light, and dust. Due to these preservation requirements, oil paintings require careful restoration and conservation efforts to safeguard their longevity and preserve their artistic significance. Restoration involves crucial steps such as stabilization, consolidation, and meticulous cleaning to address cracks, holes, and paint loss, ensuring the artwork’s integrity is maintained and its original beauty revealed.
Throughout the restoration process, meticulous documentation is essential. Conservators record each step, from the initial examination to the final treatment. Detailed notes, photographs, and scientific analyses create a comprehensive record of the artwork restoration. This record is invaluable for future reference and research, providing insights into the piece’s history and conservation. It also serves as a complete log of all work done, ensuring transparency and aiding future conservators who may need to reverse or modify previous conservation efforts.
Art restoration is a complex process requiring extensive knowledge and skill. It involves assessing the artwork, cleaning to reveal original colors, repairing damages with suitable materials, and applying protective varnish. By raising awareness of this process, we ensure these masterpieces continue to inspire us, safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.
