Artworks Art and Frame Restoration

Artworks started cleaning, varnishing and restoring oil paintings shortly after opening its doors in January 1985. We take great care with this process knowing what each painting means to the customer who brings it. Below, we gladly share with you some of what the restoration process may entail:

Steps to Restoring an Oil Painting

1. Cleaning - the use of emulsion cleaners to remover grime & dirt that has accumulated on an old painting. It is applied with a cotton ball in a horizontal position, covering no more than about 4” x 4” at a time. (Note to our customer: The common practice of using soap and water is a dangerous one and should be avoided at all cost. The water seeps through minute cracks & penetrates into the canvas, which in turn allows the paint to start peeling off.)

2. Removing Old Varnish - after the removal of surface grime, some paintings may require the removal of old picture varnish. This can be a relatively simple process or difficult, according to the type of varnish and its age. The old varnish is removed using cotton swabs with a wooden handle, using a rolling motion to mop up the old varnish. This is a time consuming and delicate process.

3. Removal of Repainting - the process of cleaning out any painting done by a former restorer, or just plain “would-be-artist”. A long wave ultraviolet light is used to inspect and detect overpainting.

4. Repairing - this process includes patching and mending of any tears or broken places in the old painting. The process uses a wax/resin compound used by many restorers. A wax/resin saturated linen patch is used to repair the tears.

5. Inpainting - the process of matching the colors of the repaired spot to the surrounding area. Usually, applied after a layer of varnish has been added.

6. Varnishing - the application of thin, uniform coats of natural damar picture varnish. A smoother job of varnishing is accomplished if both painting and the varnish are warmed prior to application. Each coat should be allowed to dry at least three to four days between applications. Two coats are done in this fashion with a third coat done six months later.

All restoration bids are itemized with each item individually priced. This allows our customer to pick and choose exactly what they want done and know exactly what they will pay for the work. We encourage all our customers to call or visit at anytime during the restoration process to check on their painting as it is being restored. The final product is usually quite dramatic with many customers being overwhelmed with their newly restored work of art. Call, come by or email us with any questions you may have about our restoration services.

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The Restoration of Vintage Picture Frames

As with oil paintings, the restoration of old picture frames can be a long and detailed process. In most cases, the restoration usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks at a minimum. A frame restoration may include a single repair (such as a broken corner) or a complete frame remake, which may include casting, sanding, carving, rejoining, gilding and finishes.

What follows is some pricing components that may be included in the restoration of a vintage picture frame:

1. Molding/Casting missing pieces…. Charge is per/casting
2. Rejoining open corners…..Charge is per corner determined by frame size
3. Securing loose or broken pieces….Charge is by the foot
4. Recreate missing pieces or parts of frame….Charge is by the hour
5. Sanding, striping, staining and/or painting….Charge is by the hour
6. Metal or Gold leaf charge….Charge is per foot
7. Antiquing…. Charge is per foot
8. Gilding (application of the leaf)…..Charge is per foot
9. Documentation (history of restoration process)…..Single charge

All price quotes are free of charge. Come by or email us with your frame restorations needs.

Our Philosophy on Frame Restoration

99.9% of all frames brought to us for repair and/or restoration have a history that is very personal and dear to those who own or acquire the frame(s). Each person has an idea of what it is that will make their frame perfect for them. A little touch up here! Some sanding and replacing a missing part there! Our aim is do as much or as little as it will take to give our customer that perfect frame.