WhatsApp usWe are happy to discuss your painting and offer an obligation-free estimate for repair, whether your painting has a small puncture or severe tears.
Torn Painting Restoration
When an artwork is damaged by a tear, whether it is a torn paper artwork or a canvas painting, it faces a high risk of further deterioration. Our professional conservators specialise in canvas painting repairs and tear restoration with expert skill and precision.
A torn, punctured, or disturbed canvas will lead to widespread instability in the paint layer, especially the area around the tear which will begin to crack, flake and fall away.
The longer a torn painting is left without intervention, the more developed the damage may become, thus requiring a more intensive restoration to save it from devastation.
Repairs by qualified conservators
Our professional easel painting conservators are highly knowledgeable when it comes to the repair of torn or punctured paintings, whether this is a tiny hole or large tears across the entire canvas. They will assess every aspect of the damage and put a treatment plan in place. This ensures that all methods are tailored to the needs of the specific artwork, such as the age, canvas type, and additional complexities.
From antique to contemporary art
Whether a painting is antique, modern or contemporary, tear damage can be restored with precise techniques. As we restore with a sympathetic approach, the visual integrity and safe preservation of the artwork will always be at the forefront. A full assessment and bespoke treatment plan will address the differences in materials and texture found across the entire spectrum of art history, from a historic Rembrandt or Gainsborough through to a 21st century Hirst or Hockney.
We approach all paintings with the same care and expertise afforded to a masterpiece. Whether your artwork is of purely sentimental importance or high monetary value, you can rest assured that it is undergoing the very same scientifically led procedure, as performed by conservators in art galleries across the world.
How is torn canvas repaired?
Professional canvas tear repairs are an intricate process as the conservator carefully brings the fibres back together in a thread-by-thread technique, performed under microscope with surgical precision.
To perform most tear repairs with a safe and visually pleasing result, the painting is cleaned and old varnish is removed. Following the thread-by-thread repair, the thin area of lost paint is then lightly filled to bring back texture and stability. Within two layers of isolating varnish, the piece is retouched with tiny amounts of conservation grade pigment.
On some occasions, the fragility of the canvas may mean that the painting needs a new lining to give it further stability following repairs.
All restoration is completed under ethical guidelines as set out by our conservation manager and The Institute of Conservation, of which we are a proud organisational member.
From severe to minor damage
Common causes of torn and punctured paintings are often accidental – in transit, poor handling, falling from height, or pressing against an uneven surface. Malicious damage may also be the culprit, including intentional tears. In our studio, we have also seen tear damage from children and pets, including dart holes, household accidents and deep scratches to the painting surface.
Our conservators can treat…
- Large tears on historic and contemporary paintings
- Small holes or punctures
- Severe tearing across a canvas
- Loose and unstable canvas paintings
- Paint loss surrounding tear damage
- Tears that have occurred recently or historically
- Tears following an accident, flood or fire