AboutSara Tro Expertise I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 4 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
Expert: Sara Tro Date: 5/9/2008 Subject: Restoration of Pryography artwork
Question I have a beautiful woodburned portrait that I inherited from my father of his childhood home in Sweden. It is about 1-1/2 by 2-1/2 feet in size and seems to be covered with a thin coating of sealer. I plan to hang it in our home but I would first like to eliminate whatever dust and grime has accumulated on the surface of the portrait since my father received it 57 years ago. I would like to know if there is a special paste wax and/or cleaner that I can use that will not damage the surface of the portrait and,at the same time,will enhance the beauty of the piece. I know absolutely nothing about art preservation so I would deeply appreciate any advice that you could give me. The portrait is burned onto a single piece of wood,but I do not know what type of wood was used.
Thank you!
Answer hi Dean!
thanks for writing!
It sounds like you have a really amazing piece, and I'm so glad you asked about this before trying to clean it on your own. You're right to be nervous, as sometimes sealants or varnishes will react to a chemical in a cleaner or something.. You wouldnt want that!
So,as this is not my area of expertise, I would direct you to my friend Danny at Phoenix Art Restoration in Shoreline WA. You can find his business on google easily, and give him a call. He's a restoration genius and will give you some great advice, or can work on the piece for you.
I wouldn't want to give you the wrong product or info, and have it ruin your antique piece! (good idea!)
Please let me know if you don't reach Danny, and I'll fascilitate that connection:)
best of luck
Sara
