FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RESTORATION
and CONSERVATION
Q: What kind of artwork do you restore?
Kept Restoration focuses on painting restoration and conservation, with some works on paper. For all other types of work, we are happy to refer you to a reputable restorer.
Q: How long does a treatment take to complete?
Treatment can range from a few days to up to a year, depending on the complexity and scope of a piece. A project timeline will be provided in the proposal estimate following the examination and consultation.
Q: What if my piece can’t be treated or restored?
It’s possible that a painting, photograph or other artwork can be damaged beyond the capabilities of physical conservation, treatment or beyond funds available to restore. In other cases, treatment for certain types of damage may be too dangerous to perform on the original.
For these pieces, we offer digital capture and restoration as a valid alternative. This is especially true when the preservation of the original is the primarily concern for the conservator. Years of experience treating original artworks assure a sympathetic digital restoration, with a balance of conservation treatment and digital restoration.
ART WORK
Q: How do I get a quote?
First, we will need to schedule an initial phone meeting to discuss your piece. Based on the preliminary information, next will be scheduling a comprehensive visual exam in order to assess the possible work needed. Regardless of the piece, examination must be done in person: often subtle and complex clues aren’t apparent in photos or descriptions. The information gathered during the examination helps create a more accurate treatment plan and cost estimate. Proposal reports are emailed, following the examination with required client approval.
Q: Do you authenticate or appraise artwork?
No. Unfortunately, Kept Restoration does not perform appraisals but can provide documentation and diagnostic imaging to be used by an Appraiser.
For a list of appraisers available, check out appraisersassociation.org
MAINTENANCE
Q: What can I do to regularly maintain my piece?
Before doing any type of cleaning to the artwork, it’s important to discuss overall care before attempting on your own. Each piece is unique and some require specific maintenance and care.
For general cleaning tips:
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Always, carefully examine your paintings for loose or flaking paint first. It’s good to dust every 4-6 months. DO NOT USE feather dusters as they can scratch or snag on paintings. Instead, use a soft bristle brush (a white-bristle Japanese-type), sable (like a typical makeup brush) or badger-hair brushes (called “blenders” and used for faux finishes).
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Never try to clean a painting yourself or use any liquid or commercial cleaners on a painted surface. Commercial preparations can cause irreparable damage to the fragile layers of a painting.
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Avoid touching the surface of paintings with your fingers. The natural oils in your skin can also cause damage or leave marks that may appear later.
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Avoid using pesticides, foggers, air fresheners, or furniture sprays near your artwork. It’s good to remove paintings from a room before plastering, painting, or steam-cleaning carpets or wallpaper. Return the artworks only when the walls and floors are completely dry.
Please feel free to Contact Us with any questions following the completed treatment of your piece
HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to email us directly if you have a specific question regarding your piece. Do keep in mind that many of the conservation issues we restore or assess, do require a physical examination to ensure accurate feedback and diagnostics. Most damage to a piece is minimally visible to the naked eye and require imaging testing.