Painting Restoration

Sarah Murray is one of the few qualified painting restorers and conservators in San Diego county. Her work in painting restoration and conservation is part of a wider range of art restoration services she provides. Whether you need to clean an oil painting, repair a tear in a damaged canvas, or remove a discolored varnish, Sarah Murray will work on your painting restoration project following very high execution standards and flawless professionalism.

What kinds of paintings do I restore?

My restoration projects mostly focus on paintings. Paintings include works of art on various supports and media, including canvas, metal and wood.  Painted objects can also be treated, including sculpture, furniture etc. I work on single painting projects, as well as entire collections. Contact me for a free consultation to assess your painting restoration requirements.

Painting restoration techniques I use

I was taught Easel Painting conservation at the Hamilton Kerr Institute, and have since worked in museum and private studios, so I have been exposed to many different techniques.  I would say that my priority when working on any painting is to preserve the artwork in its original state as much as possible, to be as non-invasive as possible.  This means the conservation always comes first – stabilizing the support and paint layer, before any cleaning, varnishing or restoration can take place.

• Test paint layers and coatings for compatability with materials considered for use
• Remove only later overpaint and fills from damages, without affecting original paint
• Apply stable, synthetic coatings as varnishes
• Inpaint only areas of damaged paint, never covering original paint

All restoration procedures follow current standards of practice and are consistent with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) code of ethics and guidelines for practice.

What to expect when starting a painting restoration project?

Whenever I work on restoring a painting, I follow a consistent series of steps that I apply to all my art restoration projects. Here’s a brief outline, so you know what to expect when you work with me.

Initially, the work of art will require an Examination Report, in order to prepare a Treatment Proposal.  This is done for no charge, unless a number of pieces are involved or an onsite inspection is required.

All artwork receives an Examination Report, sometimes quite brief depending on the requirements, and a Treatment Proposal with steps for recommended treatment.  Options can often be given, and the Proposal catered to the owner’s budget or request. The Treatment Proposal is submitted to the owner, and any questions discussed and modifications made to the proposal as necessary.

When the painting restoration work is completed, a Treatment Report is prepared and submitted to the owner.  Photographs are often taken during treatment, and they may be available to the owner, upon request. >> Learn more about our restoration work process

Painting Restoration Projects

Here are a few before and after examples of painting restoration projects realized in our studio.

>> See more art restoration projects

Resources on Painting Restoration

>> Art restoration frequently asked questions (FAQs): Read our FAQs to learn more about what’s involved in a painting restoration project.

>> Painting restoration project gallery: Look at some of our recent work on oil painting restorations and more.

>> J.Dewers Custom Framing and Fine Art Services:Sarah Murray Paintings Conservation is located in the same building as J.Dewers Fine Art Services, with whom we work in collaboration on various kinds of projects.

J.Dewers specializes in:  Custom framing/ conservation and restoration of frames and gilded objects such as polychrome sculpture, mirrors and furniture/ collection maintenance, including outdoor sculpture/ handling/packing/installation of art.