The essential tips to optimally protect your precious paintings this summer!

July 22 2024, by Annique van Vugt, 6 min reading time

In this blog post, we dive deep into the world of art restoration and protection. We reveal why it is crucial to restore works of art and provide you with the best strategies to protect your valuable pieces from damage. Discover how to effectively deal with water damage and fire damage, and even better: learn how to prevent these damages with smart, preventative measures!

The past few weeks have been warm and humid in our small country—weather that paintings absolutely do not like. That is why we would like to tell you in this blog how you can protect your paintings and how you can recognize when your painting is due for restoration or refreshment.

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What is the best way to protect your painting?

Protect from sunlight and moisture : In this weather it is important that your painting is not hung in direct sunlight. Sunlight causes the colours to fade. Also avoid humid environments, so that water damage does not affect the paint and the canvas.
Restore and refresh damaged paintings : If the painting is fading, yellowing, dirty or damaged, it is best to have your painting refreshed or restored by a certified restorer or an organization that works with certified restorers. A refresh or restoration will provide the painting with extra protection against discoloration, dirt and damage.
Use museum glass for optimal protection : In addition to the location, the frame is also important in protecting the painting. We recommend using museum glass for optimal protection. Museum glass appears almost transparent and hardly reflects. In addition, the glass protects against dust, dirt, damage and UV radiation. Do you also want museum glass for your painting?

Then click here .

Refresh vs. Restore: What's the Difference?

Refreshing: When a painting is refreshed, superficial dirt and contamination are removed and the work is provided with a new layer of (final) varnish. Refreshing is therefore a minor intervention, but with a great effect. Your painting will once again have a fresh look without any drastic changes being made.

Restoration: When restoring a painting, the restorer will not only remove the dirt, but also replace the varnish and repair any damage to the paint. This process is more thorough and returns a painting to its optimal condition. Restoration ensures that not only the appearance, but also the structure and durability of the painting are improved.

When is your painting ready for a makeover?

Your painting needs a makeover when there is dirt and/or contamination on the work. A restorer removes these impurities, making the painting look fresh again and better protected against possible damage. This light intervention can significantly extend the life of your artwork and make the colours shine again.

When is your painting ready for restoration?

Your painting is due for restoration when it looks yellow, shows damage, cracks appear, or the varnish layer is dirty. In these cases, the restorer will remove the varnish layer and, if necessary, repair damage to the paint. A new layer of varnish is then applied, which will restore the painting to its optimal condition and protect it well against future damage.

What is repaired during a restoration?

Yellowed paintings: The yellowed varnish layer is removed and replaced.
Craquelure and paint damage: The restorer fills cracks and repairs damaged paint.
Water Damage: Water damage can manifest as discoloration, staining, or warping of the canvas. Restorers treat these problems by cleaning the affected areas and, if necessary, stabilizing the canvas.
Fire Damage: Fire damage can cause smoke stains, soot deposits, or thermal damage. Restorers remove soot and smoke residue, treat thermal damage, and restore the paint layer if necessary.
Tears: Tears in the canvas are repaired by reinforcing the edges and, if necessary, adding pieces of canvas for stability.

Recognition and repair of water damage and fire damage

Water Damage: Look for discoloration, staining, or warping of the canvas.
Fire Damage: Look for smoke stains, soot deposits, or cracked paint.

We would be happy to tell you more about how to recognize this damage and how the restorer repairs this damage.

Water damage

Water damage can be recognized by a white haze over the varnish. The clearer this white haze, the more damaged the work is.

Water damage restoration process:

Removing the varnish layer: The restorer starts by removing the damaged varnish layer.
Inspection of the paint layer: Next, the paint layer is checked to see if it has been damaged.
Restoration of the paint layer: If there is damage to the paint layer, it will be carefully restored.
Applying a new layer of varnish: Finally, a new layer of varnish is applied to protect the painting again.

Tip for works on paper: Did you know that for works on paper, such as watercolors and gouaches, you can put the works in the freezer in case of water damage? This reduces the chance of further damage!

Fire damage

Fire damage can be recognized by small paint bubbles.

Restoration process in case of fire damage:

Flattening Paint Blisters: The restorer begins by gently flattening the blisters by applying heat.
Soot Removal: After the bubbles are flattened, the soot is removed with aqueous solutions.
Adjusting pH: The restorer must carefully adjust the pH of the solution to effectively remove the soot, as each fire damage is unique.

Fire Damage Challenges: Fire damage is one of the most difficult types of damage to repair because the heat of the fire can discolor the paint. While the restorer can restore the work to good condition, the colors may not be able to be completely restored to their original state.

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After reading this blog, do you notice that your painting is in need of a makeover or restoration?

Then you have come to the right place. We work together with several restorers who are members of the Vereniging Restauratoren Nederland. Our experts can repair all the damage mentioned in this blog and return your painting to its original state.

For more information about the steps and options, click here .

For free advice about a makeover or restoration, call us on +31 6 27181999 or email Paul@artdumay.com .