The different stages of an intervention

diagnosisEach artwork is thoroughly examined for an accurate evaluation of its condition and the estimated materials needed for the conservation and restoration of the painting. Every treatment needs special products and techniques, depending on the necessary actions to be taken. The chosen method should treat the object without taking any risk for its future existence. Detailed photographs document the condition of the artwork before, during and after the treatment.

cleaningCleaning a painting consists mostly of removing surface dirt, discoloured varnish or several wrongly fixed or even oxidized overpaint layers. What does not belong to the painting should normally be removed, sometimes, however, it should stay.

Superficial cleaning: removing the surface dirt.

Removing the layer of varnish: removing the discoloured varnish, having lost its transparency or presenting irregular spots. Varnish removing can be done partially or completely, depending and taking into consideration the necessary treatment, after examination.

consolidationPaintings may need structural work. Secure the structure is an absolute priority. Consolidation in conservation techniques means improving and strengthening the firmness of the materials, like worm infested or moulded wood, fixing of lifted paint layers etc.

Fixing: consolidating the adhesion of a paint layer on its support, or reestablishing the cohesion of a fragilized paint layer.

Relining: conservation treatment consisting to bond the painting on its reverse to a second canvas in order to protect or to consolidate it.

Engel-Pak XXth - detail of a lifted part before, during and after treatment.

filling-up lossesWhen retouching, different degrees of invisibility can be obtained. Conscious that missing aeras of the painting are irreplaceable, only a certain "soften-up" of the disturbing losses can be reached. Depending the state of the painting, "illusionist", "partial", "pointillist" or "rigatini" techniques can be chosen.

Dutch school XIXth - detail of a tear before, during and after treatment.

varnishingVarnishing is applying a protective layer of varnish on the paint layer. Its purpose is to unify the painting's appearance and to increase its profoundness.

Descent from the cross XVIth - during varnishing, Museum of Ath.