Restorations and Repairs

What is Restoration/Repair?

Most things “age” and oil paintings are no different. Over time, the vibrancy and physical condition of a painting may become compromised  by many things – the smoke from being hung above wood-burning fireplaces, damage incurred during display or storage, darkening due to the chemical changes of the original protective varnish, and just the slow, progressive deterioration caused by air-born dust. “Restoration” is the general term used to describe a range of processes that can be done to restore and repair an oil painting to its original aesthetic appearance.  In broad terms, these processes include:

• Cleaning of dirt, smoke, grime, and the accumulated “stuff” that adheres to the surface of an oil painting.
• Removal of old varnish. Most oil paintings have had one or more coats of a varnish applied as both a protection for the more delicate painted surfaces as well as for its effect of enhancing colours. Over time, varnish begins to darken. Combined with the accumulation of years of dirt, smoke, and grime, the result is a painting that has become dark, with many details obscured or dimmed.
•  Repair of holes, scratches, peeling, or other damage to the surface of the painting. Many paintings have been damaged by accidents, vandalism, attempts by untrained persons to “clean” it, and poor storage or display. Holes need to be patched, and “in-painting” needs to be done to match the colours and unify the painting to a near-new condition. In most cases, in-painting can not be detected in the finished work.
• Application of new varnish. Similar to the last step when your painting was newly-painted, a varnish is applied to protect your valued art so it is again ready for many more years of display and enjoyment.

What Restoration/Repair services do we provide? 

Condition Assessment

The first step in restoring and/or repairing an oil painting, is understanding what condition the item is in. This includes establishing how and why it has deteriorated and whether the deterioration is active or past.
Our restorers inspect the oil painting in detail. This often requires partial diss-assembly (e.g. removal from frame) or careful non destructive testing. It also includes discussion with you to understand the history of the item, and the conditions in which it has been stored or displayed.

Treatment Options
 
Once we understand the condition of your oil painting, and the probable cause of deterioration, we will work out options for restoration and/or repair.
We will take into consideration the significance of the object (as advised by you), your desired outcome, as well as best restoration  practice and our code of ethics. We will also consider long term implications for the artwork and tell you of issues which we cannot resolve or which may recur in the future.

Quotation
 
We provide a free written quotation for all restoration and/or repair works on oil paintings.
We need to inspect your item, carry out a condition assessment and establish treatment options before we can provide this quotation.

Click here to send a request for a restoration and/or repairs quotation

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PICTURE PERFECT AUSTRALIA undertakes examination and/or restoration and repair treatment of your oil painting(s) at our artists premises under the following terms and conditions:

1. You are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from our premises. We recommend you insure the material against loss or damage during transportation. You can ask us to organise transport on your behalf in which case we will provide insurance during transport.

2. Our estimate is valid for three (3) months from date of issue.

3. GST at 10% applies to all work, inclusive in the price.

4. The estimated cost of treatment is based on preliminary examination. If, upon further examination or during treatment, it becomes apparent that an additional or different treatment is required, we will seek your approval before proceeding. Additional treatments will usually incur additional costs.

5. If it is necessary to alter the proposed treatment once restoration and/or repair, is underway, we will endeavour to contact you before proceeding with the treatment to discuss the changes.

6. When you ask us to proceed with restoration and/or repair treatment, we will request a full payment from you. We will schedule the restoration and/or repair treatment after we receive your initial payment.

7. For work exceeding $5,000 and requiring more than 4 months treatment. We will require 50% initial payment and then we will invoice you for the balance of our fee upon completion of the restoration and/or repair treatment.

8. We can arrange to return your object to you by carrier or post. We will pack the object appropriately. We will charge you a shipping/handling fee. We will consign your object upon receipt of payment for this service.

9. While all care is taken with objects in our possession, we are not liable for any claims for injury, loss or damage.

10. Our work is undertaken in accordance with best practice restoration and repairs procedures.

11. We will correct any defect or deterioration arising from our restoration and/or repair treatment which, in our opinion, has occurred prematurely. Our work aims to improve the signs of deterioration. However, the nature of restoration and/or repair work is such that we cannot guarantee that your object will not be subject to further deterioration following our treatment.