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Art/Technology/How to preserve an oil painting

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Expert: - 11/24/2010


Question
Hello and thank you for your time. My question is about an old oil painting I have, the paint is starting to peel and flake off in places. Id there anything I can do to prevent further deterioration?
Thanks

Answer
first i must apologize as this will be brief do to a severe hand injury.  Ideally the painting should be laid flat and put in stable environment as changes in temp and RH will cause flaking.  that will prevent further decay, however any intervention should be handled by a professional paintings conservator or you risk permanent damage.  this is not the sort of thing an amateur can repair easily.

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Tom Riddolls M.A.C.

Expertise

As a conservator my focus is on the preservation/care of art objects as opposed to their value. I may assist in the identification of materials used in art making and some of the techniques in traditional art production. Please do not ask me about non-traditional medias such as computer software used to create "modern art". My three areas of specialty are: -European painting and sculpture (1600-1800) -The artifacts and documents of United Empire Loyalist (1770-1850) -Classic Fishing tackle (1850-1960) anything outside these areas may receive vague answers that merely point you in a fruitful direction.

Experience

I am a practising conservator and curator

Education/Credentials
I have a Master's degree in Art Conservation

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