Restoring and Protecting Against Water Damage on Paintings in Rainy Southern California

Have recent bouts of rain in Southern California led to water damage on your cherished paintings? Are you noticing troubling signs such as mold, flaking, blistering, discoloration, or warping on your artwork? Fear not! This article is tailored to assist you.

While rainy weather benefits the environment, it can pose a risk to artworks. Understanding how to identify and prevent water damage is vital for art collectors. Such damage is often subtle, emphasizing the importance of early detection to preserve your valuable pieces. Here's a guide to help you navigate potential risks, safeguard your art, and collaborate with art conservation professionals.

Here’s an example of water damage on paintings: stains, vast areas of fogged or bloomed varnish and crystallization of varnish resin.

Detecting Water Damage:

Water damage to paintings can manifest in various ways, including discoloration, warping, and mold growth. Keep a vigilant eye on changes in the paint surface, like flaking or blistering, as these may indicate exposure to moisture. Discoloration, appearing as yellow or brown stains, is another water damage sign. Check the back of the artwork for mold, thriving in damp conditions. If you notice any of these signs, take prompt action and consult with an art conservation professional.

Preventing Water Damage:

Effective prevention starts with proper storage and display. Ensure artworks avoid direct contact with walls and keep them away from windows and doors where water might seep in. Maintain stable humidity levels in your art storage space, as fluctuations can contribute to water damage. During rainy seasons, use dehumidifiers and inspect the storage area for leaks. Regularly assess your roof and windows to prevent water intrusion.

Climate control is very important for preventing water damage on paintings

Collaborating with Art Conservation Professionals:

If you suspect water damage on paintings or other artworks, promptly consult with an art conservation professional. Each conservation/restoration project is unique, requiring an expert to determine appropriate treatments. Conservators possess the expertise to assess damage extent and recommend suitable restoration measures. When contacting a conservator, provide detailed artwork information, including dimensions, history, current condition, and noticeable changes. Clear communication ensures the conservator understands your artwork's unique needs.

Professional art conservators have the expertise to mitigate the effects of water damage on paintings and other artworks

Tip Summary:

Identifying Water Damage: Learn to spot signs like discoloration, warping, and mold growth.

Preventive Measures: Protect your art with proper storage, stable humidity levels, and regular maintenance.

Consulting Conservators: Engage with art conservation professionals promptly for expert assessment and restoration.

Has the water already gotten to your artwork? Fine Art Conservation Laboratories can help with your insurance claim! 

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind. See this article for a couple short stories about art owners’ journey with insurance claim and fire/ water damage. Please call 805-564-3438 if you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our expert art conservators. 

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Would You Throw This Artwork Away?!

From Trash to Treasure with Conservation

Amazingly, this fascinating piece was found flaking and dirty in the garbage! An inept attempt was made to “restore” it that involved an abundant application of wax to hold the painting together and a wipe with solvent to remove part of the dirt.

The Dumpster Diver who found the painting gave it to a collector who recognized that under the mess of flaking paint, wax, and dirt, there was a quality vintage image. Some research and closer examination revealed the title and date: “The Discussion” from 1929. This discovery encouraged the collector to contact us for a closer examination and professional conservation treatment.

Once the painting was cleaned, FACL discovered the artist Pruett Carter’s signature in the lower right corner. This is a well-known illustrator and finding this information added value to a piece that had been thought to be worthless. Once the conservation work is completed, the artwork will look perfect and will be, once again, a quality work of art.

FACL recommends you get an expert to look over anything before you get rid of works of art, because many pieces can be restored to have significant value.

You can get more interesting stories and tips on our Facebook page, "Fine Art Conservation" and "Save Your Stuff"
See what you can do at home to preserve your stuff at www.saveyourstuffblog.com
Be prepared at work/office with tips from www.saveyourstufffromadisaster.com

Fine Art Conservation Lab 805 564 3438
Personal Property Appraisal 805 895 5121

Flaking, dirty and thrown in the trash, this discovery was a real treasure.

Fake Painting Abandoned By Owner

Here's an interesting story, just happened in our lab yesterday.

A dealer came in the lab to have me look over a painting that I had, once upon a time ago, felt was a fake painting... or at least it wasn't painted by the artist whose signature was showing. It was, in fact, an old painting, probably painted in the 1920's judging by the materials used for construction. Obviously, someone puts a signature on an unsigned painting because they want it to be worth more. But this signature was completely wrong for this painting. The sad thing was, the owner had $30k invested in this painting. Here's a picture of the painting...

 

So, the dealer brought in the painting, I guess to test me if I was consistent. Anyway, the signature was as blatantly fake as it was the first time I saw the painting... and in disgust, the dealer throws his arms up and says, "Well then, just keep it! I don't want it!" 

What? A free 48" x 36" painting from the 1920's? Great! But a word to the wise, if you are a collector, get some help from somebody with eyes and a microscope for these kids of details before you buy.

Collectors should consider other things to take care of their collections. Go to www.saveyourstuff.com and sign up for Free Preservation Tips.