Crawford Conservation, Inc.


ph: 803 647 9581 after Oct 1st: 803 568 5657

Grime & Varnish

 

Over time a grime layer can collect on the surface of a painting, changing the overall tone.  The most common cause of a grime layer is soot from oil heating.

 

        

                During Cleaning                                                    After Cleaning

 

  • Over time natural resin varnishes such as Damar or Mastic discolor, changing the appearance of the original colors.  These varnishes can also become fractured and matte,  not allowing the colors to appear saturated. 

    When there are alternating layers of varnish and grime a painting can appear dark and nondescript.

     

     

     
    Before Treatment 
     

     
    After Treatment 
     

      
  
   

 

 

 

Before Varnish Removal

 

After Varnish Removal 


ph: 803 647 9581 after Oct 1st: 803 568 5657