PRIMUM NON NOCERE OIL PAINTING CONSERVATION
You must be visiting this site because you live in the Charleston, South Carolina area and have an oil painting with one or more of the following problems that require the diligence of a skilled conservator:
- It has accumulated many years worth of oil, smoke and dirt and badly needs cleaning. You might have become used to its appearance, but you will be surprised at how much brighter and crisper it will look.
- It was coated with varnish in the past, and over the years the varnish has become yellowed or brown, seriously obscuring the subject. With the varnish removed, the painting will be amazingly brighter, and you will be surprised by the details that emerge from the gloom.
- It has suffered damage--be it from abrasions, punctures or tears. These can be mended, reinforced with patches applied to the back side, and "inpainted" to make a seamless and invisible restoration.
- It is missing paint, maybe from stress and abrasion, or from water damage. This can also be inpainted for an equally invisible outcome.
- The surface of the painting is dull and its gloss is uneven. This is often the case after restoration. A coat of modern synthetic varnish can restore gloss and depth.