WhatsApp usWe can assist with the care and restoration of oil paintings on copper, as well as other substrates and unusual mediums. Please get in touch today by filling out the form below.
Oil on Copper Restoration
Paintings on copper have unique challenges when it comes to their care, cleaning and restoration. They have a fragile surface that can be easily scratched and abraded, as well as a sensitivity to water and humidity.Â
Sensitive treatments
Like all metal antiques, copper is sensitive to moisture levels and can deteriorate or corrode if met with water or highly humid conditions. This is why our conservation team avoids the use of any water-based solutions in their care of an oil painting on copper, instead opting for treatments that take into account the sensitivity of the copper base.
Our highly trained team can restore:
- Scratches and abrasions
- Flaking and loose paint
- Yellowing and darkened surfaces
- Broken or deteriorating areas
- Unstable frames
We have worked on copper paintings of all eras, including miniatures and larger pieces. Every artwork is gently tested in our studio before a treatment plan is confirmed, ensuring that every step is safe for the materials.
Flaking paint
Any missing areas can have any saved fragments reapplied and the surrounding areas can be consolidated to stabilise the paint layer. If there are no fragments available, our team can sympathetically retouch areas with precisely colour-matched pigments, all of which are suitable for conservation.
Discoloured varnish
As well as restoring flaking and cracked areas, they can also address yellowing surfaces with a professional varnish removal – eradicating any contamination from fireplace soot, smoke, nicotine, or the natural deterioration of traditional varnish.
Varnish removal is important as it removes potentially dangerous particles from the surface. This process can also bring the painting back to its original appearance with bright colours intended by the artist. Our team will then apply a new non-yellowing, UV protective varnish following restoration, this will ensure it has further protection into the future.
