Acrylic paint became widely available to artists in the 1950s and has been a popular medium ever since. While durable, these modern paintings present unique conservation issues that differ significantly from those of traditional oil paintings. As these artworks age, they require specialised knowledge for their care and treatment, making professional Acrylic painting restoration in London a distinct field within conservation.
Unlike oil paint, which forms a hard, impermeable film as it dries, acrylic paint remains thermoplastic and porous. This means it can become soft and tacky in warm conditions and brittle in the cold. Its porous nature also makes it highly susceptible to ingrained dirt, which can become embedded in the paint film over time, posing a significant cleaning challenge that requires expert knowledge.
Cleaning and Surface Issues
One of the most complex tasks in the conservation of acrylic paintings is surface cleaning. The standard solvents and techniques used to remove varnish and grime from oil paintings cannot be used on acrylics. Many solvents that would dissolve old varnish can also dissolve the acrylic paint polymer itself, leading to irreversible damage.
Conservators must therefore use carefully tested, often aqueous-based cleaning systems that can swell the dirt and lift it from the surface without harming the paint layer. This is a slow, meticulous process that requires a deep understanding of polymer chemistry.
This level of expertise is a hallmark of professional fine art restoration in London. Furthermore, some acrylic paintings were left unvarnished by the artist, meaning there is no protective layer between the paint and the environment, complicating cleaning even further.
The Process of Acrylic Painting Restoration in London
Beyond cleaning, other structural issues can arise. While acrylic is a flexible medium, the support, such as a cotton canvas, can still lose tension or suffer from tears and punctures. The repair process for these physical damages is similar to that for oil paintings, involving careful reinforcement of the canvas. However, the retouching phase again requires a different approach.
The pigments used for inpainting must be compatible with the original acrylic paint and must be chosen to age in a similar manner. A significant challenge is matching the colour and gloss of the original, as acrylic paints can change in colour and sheen as they dry, a phenomenon known as colour shift.
The field of Acrylic painting restoration in London is continually evolving as more is learned about the long-term behaviour of these modern materials. Conservators must stay abreast of the latest research to develop and apply safe and effective treatments. When dealing with such works, the expertise found within a studio dedicated to Fine art restoration in London is essential.
This includes understanding the vast range of additives and mediums that artists may have mixed with their paints, each with its own ageing properties. It ensures that these important 20th-century and contemporary artworks are preserved correctly, respecting the unique properties of the medium and the artist’s original vision for future generations to appreciate. This careful, research-led approach defines modern conservation practice.
