Oil on Panel Restoration

Panels face a variety of issues as they age, as well as threats from their environment. We can restore panel artworks following exposure to water, fire, mould and pests, as well as accidental breaks and instability. Our conservators are experienced in the sensitive repair of all materials.

Paintings on panel face unique challenges due to their materials. Left untreated, paint can entirely lift and flake away due to a gradual movement of the surface.

Panel disturbances

An oil on panel can deteriorate and become completely lost following these issues:

High humidity and water exposure
High heat and fire exposure
Surface contaminants (such as smoke and nicotine)
Rapid changes in atmosphere
Mould growth
Woodworm and past infestations
Splits and cracks

This damage can be restored in our studio using bespoke treatments for each individual painting, including those with aspects of gold leaf and tempera.

Discoloured panel paintings

Common causes of yellowing or darkened oil paintings on panel include the natural decay of traditional varnish, fireplace soot and smoke or nicotine.

Varnish removal allows for the artwork to appear as the artist originally intended and eliminates any threat from toxic particles the surface may be harbouring.

Historic paintings intended for worship often become discoloured due to candles and incense over many decades or centuries. Orthodox icons are typically composed on panel and require specialist cleaning methods to prevent loss of detail, whilst retaining their aged quality.

Conservation Treatments

All issues faced by panel paintings can be resolved with trained restoration procedures in our studio. This includes the following treatments:

Restoring breakages to the wooden panel
Stabilising the paint layer and reapplying loose pigments
Filling and sensitively retouching lost areas of paint
Clearing woodworm infestation and filling holes
Removing old and discoloured varnish layers
Removing surface dirt and contamination
Stabilising hanging apparatus or providing bespoke framing options

Contact Our Team Today

We are happy to advise on all paintings, including historic and modern works on panel. Please fill out the form below and we will respond with a treatment plan and estimate.

From our customers

The restoration was done carefully and sympathetically so as not to compromise the original integrity and age of the painting. The old frame was also given much-needed attention to the same high standard. The company arranged the collection and return of the picture which made the process very easy for me. I would heartily recommend Fine Art Restoration Company.

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You don’t really own old family paintings, you are merely a custodian, so having them restored can be a nerve-racking experience. That is why I went with an expert team I could trust to restore a painting that is very dear to my heart. The restoration is superb and my family will continue to enjoy the results for generations to come.

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