Cleaning and Restoring Two Old Paintings
Removing aged varnish and reinforcing weakened edges and canvas supports.
I restored two canvases about 80 years old. Aged varnish and dirt accumulated over decades had dulled their surfaces, but their condition also required structural work: the edges were badly worn and the canvas had lost strength.
Cleaning the surface
I gradually removed the aged varnish and accumulated dirt, monitoring each surface to improve the paintings’ clarity without compromising the original paint layer.
Reinforcing the edges and preparing the support
The fabric was weakened around the perimeter, with areas at risk of tearing. I reinforced the edges with prepared auxiliary fabric designed to withstand canvas tension, secured with a professional heat-activated conservation adhesive. I also secured the corners and sanded the stretcher to properly prepare the support.
The work that stays hidden
Once the paintings are reassembled, much of this reinforcement is no longer visible. The client sees a cleaner surface, but the artwork’s stability also depends on this structural work. Careful cleaning must address the support that keeps the canvas in good condition.
- Gradual removal of aged varnish and accumulated dirt
- Structural edge reinforcement with prepared auxiliary fabric
- Professional heat-activated conservation adhesive
- Securing the corners and sanding the stretcher
Client review - Miquel C. O.
“Excellent restoration, highly recommended
Alex Ihnatenko restored two canvases about 80 years old for me, and the result has been spectacular. He removed all the dirt accumulated over decades and carried out the entire restoration process with great care, bringing them back to life and restoring their original colours. He is a reliable professional, met the agreed deadlines, and the price was very reasonable for the quality of the work. It was definitely worth it. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who has artworks with artistic or sentimental value that need a restoration they can trust.”