Austin Texas Art Restoration

Q: What issues does tape pose to artworks?

A: Tape can cause discoloration, staining, and become permanently attached to the paper substrate of your work of art over time, causing permanent damage if it is removed incorrectly.  Over time, the adhesives in most pressure-sensitive tapes will degrade and often discolor.  This is particularly evident with some of the older variations of Scotch tape that used rosin in their adhesive formulations.  As the tape ages, it begins to cross-link with the cellulose molecules, eventually becoming permanently married to the paper itself. 

Q: What techniques are used to mitigate tape damage?

A: There are two components to tape, the carrier and the adhesive attached to it.  The carrier in essence serves as a vehicle for the tape, but it also creates a cohesive unit that will hold together and lend some strength to any tape repairs that have been performed.  Tape carriers can be comprised of plastic as well as linen. Conservators often remove the carrier mechanically, but frequently solvents are necessary as well.  We also use solvents to gently dissolve the adhesives. This process requires a thorough understanding of the complex chemistry involved and a delicate, experienced touch to prevent solvent penetration that could harm the artwork further.

Kelsey Conservation, Austin, Texas

Q: Why is the removal of artwork backing necessary?

A: Backings, often made from acidic materials, can cause deterioration over time. Works of art on paper are often adhered to backing boards in preparation for framing and display.  Backing materials commonly used include a variety of boards and even sheets of wood.  Whether the boards used were archival to begin with or not, over time as they age, they will become acidic.  Wood is by its very nature acidic to begin with.  As the backing ages, the acidic compounds in the backing will migrate into the work of art, often causing staining and discoloration.  The removal of acidic backing attachments is essential for almost any effective & thorough conservation treatment.  Removal of the backing will allow the work of art to be washed and treated to reduce stains, as well as treated to reduce acidity and provide an alkaline buffer. 

Q: How is a backing removed safely?

A: The process of backing removal can involve carefully detaching the backing material mechanically, often layer by layer, to avoid damaging the artwork. It can also involve immersion in a targeted solution of solvents that will allow it to release successfully from the work of art.  Any backing removal treatment must be performed with great care, and always under the watchful eye of a skilled conservator.

Kelsey Conservation, Austin, Texas

Q: What is inpainting, and when is this technique used?

A: Inpainting is the process of retouching areas of a work of art on paper that have lost media, such as pastels, watercolors, gouache, or lithographic inks.  The intention of the inpainting process is to restore the original appearance of the artwork, allowing areas of damage or loss to blend sympathetically with surrounding imagery.  The inpainting treatment is performed after stabilizing the artwork and infilling any losses to the paper support, thus ensuring a stable surface.

Q: How do conservators ensure inpainting remains true to the original?

A: Conservators use artist grade pigments and materials, closely matching the original artist’s technique and color palette. This meticulous process ensures that the inpainting is virtually undetectable and blends well with the original media.

Kelsey Conservation, Austin, Texas

Q: Why is flattening and acidity reduction important for works of art on paper?

A: Over time, paper-based artworks can become cockled and distorted due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity in their environment, while acidity from poor quality framing materials can cause yellowing and embrittlement.

Q: How are these issues addressed?

A: Flattening involves carefully humidifying and then pressing the artwork under controlled conditions to remove planar distortions. Acidity reduction involves deacidification processes that neutralize acids and add a protective alkaline reserve to the paper, extending the artwork’s lifespan.

In conclusion, artwork restoration is a delicate balance of art and science, requiring a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and the original artist’s intent. Through these specialized restoration treatment approaches, conservators ensure that works of art can continue to tell their stories and enrich our cultural landscape for generations to come.

Kelsey Conservation, Austin, Texas

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