Crawford Conservation, Inc.

Repaint (overpaint) is a paint layer that was applied over the original paint layer to conceal damage.  It generally covers undamaged original paint and was applied in an attempt by the restorer to "make the painting look better" rather than an attempt to retain and preserve the integrity of the existing original paint layer.  Oftentimes this repaint layer is an oil paint medium that darkens as it ages, making it more visible over time.  In the majority of circumstances this repaint layer can be removed, revealing the original paint layer beneath. 

          Before Treatment                  Removal of Repaint                     After Treatment

Losses of the ground and paint layers often require filling, which involves the application of a fill material in each specific area of loss, careful not to cover any original paint.  These fills are then textured to match the surrounding paint texture, prior to inpainting.  Inpainting involves the toning of each loss to minimize their appearance.  This can be done to make the losses disappear.  This is done in stable materials that do not discolor or change in solubility as they age. Inpainting does not cover undamaged original paint. 

                  During Treatment                                                  After Treatment