Impasto can be anything from raised brushstrokes on an antique painting or the work of a palette knife for an incredibly thick application.
Whilst the dynamic nature of impasto can give a strong and visually impressive appearance to a painting, it may also leave it at higher risk of deterioration as time goes on.
Impasto damage and vulnerabilities
Impasto faces several dangers related to its three-dimensional structure. Firstly, it is more likely to be an acrylic painting which typically has no varnish layer to further protect it in the way an oil painting would, allowing the direct surface of an artwork to be stained or contaminated.
Secondly, it is able to collect dust, debris, and airborne particles over time more readily than a flat painting, this can be incredibly difficult to safely clean at home and should only ever be attempted by a professional to avoid breakage to the structure.
Lastly, our conservators often find that the sheer weight of this heavy paint may lead to it falling away from the canvas and deteriorating rapidly through flaking and widespread cracking.
A canvas can bend and move over time, any loosening or pressure may deteriorate the impasto structure further.