Do You have Damaged or Soiled Artwork? We can help!!
Do you own artwork that no longer looks how the artist intended? Perhaps it is soiled of the ages or it has smoke damage. Torn canvas you received as an heirloom, or it is artwork that you once loved. Or perhaps your artwork is just damaged, such as chipped paint or broken molding (frame).
Please, Do Not Throw it out. We can fix it all, from any Era to any Nation. We can clean artwork, re-weave torn canvas, touch up chipped paint and we can restore molding (frame) back to what it used to be. Even if it is missing a piece. We can also clean some mildew damage. (Do not touch mildew with your bare hands; it can cause damage under your fingernails.)
We can turn your artwork back into what the artist intended. There are certain items such as those that were created by the Old Masters, where it would cause more harm to repair it as it may decrease the value. However, on these specific pieces of artwork, we can at least clean them.
Our appraiser has been trained in Restoration in Italy!! She is talented and has completed many Restoration cases. We have a team of experts that may also be help when needed. Check out our Restoration Page to learn more.
Here are things you can do YOURSELF to help prevent damage to your own art:
- Cleaning Your Artwork 1.) Artwork under glass: Do Not spray Windex or some other cleaner onto your artwork while it is hanging on the wall. You do not want the liquid to drip down into the cracks of the molding. Once under the glass it can cause liquid damage, paint / ink damage, and / or mildew. The glass will hold the moisture in causing a perfect atmosphere for mildew.
If you use a cleaner to clean your glass then your first step is to take the artwork off the wall. Then spray the cleaner onto your rag, make sure the rag will not scratch the glass. Then carefully wipe the glass clean. Your last step is to carefully re-hang your artwork. If the painting is over large, then follow item under 2.) then dampen your rag and carefully wipe the artwork while it is hanging on the wall. 2.) Dusting your artwork: You will be surprised what a good dusting can do for your artwork. Take a duster and go over the molding (frame) and gently go over your canvas. Softly go over it again and again. You should see a difference, especially if your artwork is rather dusty.
- Hanging your Artwork
1.) Do not just hang your artwork on a nail. Make sure you have the wire on the back of your artwork and make sure your nail is in a stud.
2.) Don’t hang it in direct sunlight or under just any light bulb. The heat or light will cause sun-fading. Check your wattage, the lower the better. Then you can always hang it above your artwork casting the right amount of light on your artwork, so you and your guests can see it.
- Moving Your Artwork 1.)Placing it into your vehicle ~ depending on the size and type of art there are different ways you can place your artwork in your vehicle so it will Not get damage. 2.)If you have multiple pieces of art, place them back to back and front to front. Again, make sure the edges and borders do not push into the canvas. If your artwork is differing sizes where you cannot escape leaning the frame of one onto the canvas, then get cardboard and place it in the middle of the two items. 3.) Depending on the size of the artwork make sure you use the proper equipment when moving the artwork. Is it over large? Get a cart / dolly when moving it around. When you pick up your artwork, make sure you do it correctly. If you hurt your back then you might tend to drop your artwork, possibly causing damage. You are more important, the best way to take care of yourself and your artwork is to bend your knees when picking art from a lower area and again bend your knees when putting the package back down.
- Storing Your Artwork 1.) If you are storing artwork in a Storage Facility or in your Garage, then there are a few things to think about:
Temperature Control: if the facility is known for drastically changing temperatures 30 degrees either way then it will provide an atmosphere for your artwork to grow mildew. Especially the closer you live to the ocean. The wet humid air can easily cause mildew if not controlled. Find a storage unit that is temperature controlled. They are all over San Diego country.
When stored make sure your artwork is properly packaged. If you are storing it in your garage keep it away from anything that can leak or cause water damage. Don’t store your artwork on the ground. If you do, make sure it is packaged in a wooden box with Styrofoam corners.
Give us a call if you would like to learn more or set an appointment: 619/929-6192.