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Overpaint Removal

Many paintings have been previously restored. Often, during these older non-professional restorations, paint was freely applied. In extreme cases entire areas or figures are covered or altered to meet the taste of the restorer or owner. In such cases it is possible that the overpaint can be removed to reveal the original paint layer. This begins with small tests to determine the solubility of the overpaint and the condition of the original paint. If successful, the removal of overpaint can greatly improve the appearance and value of an artwork.

After

Before

988.96.2 "Maria Sutherland"
(oil on canvas), circa 1805–1806
by William Berczy (German, 1744–1813)
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario
www.rom.on.ca

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