How Do Professionals Restore Mold-Damaged Paintings?

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

Restoring Mold damage in Charden professionally

Mold thrives on moist organic surfaces, including canvas, paper, and even hardboard. Mold cleaning experts rely on techniques and materials developed for use on various mediums and finishes when working on paintings.

• Oil paints are durable, but may have unexpected chemical reactions. Exercise caution when using antifungal or cleaning agents.

• Acrylic paints are water soluble and prone to damage while wet. Some acrylics may have a protective varnish.

• Watercolor paint is water-based. Don't use wet cleaning methods.

No matter the paint or medium, you should avoid bleach and be wary of vinegar. Contact a conservator or certified restoration service with any mold cleaning concerns or mold damage inquiries.

Here are a few more methods for cleaning frames, glass, and paintings:

• Clean glass and frames with a solution of one cup bleach to one gallon distilled water. Perform a patch test to avoid damaging a delicate finish.

• Clean stretcher frames or combat mold on the back on a painting with a solution of 70% alcohol diluted in water in a fine mist bottle. You may also use Lysol, but you should avoid dampening the canvas.

• Dab at small mold clusters on the painting with a cotton swab lightly dampened with a mixture of 70% alcohol and water. Start by testing this mixture in an inconspicuous place.

• Brush away dry mold with a soft brush. You may want to keep a HEPA filtered vacuum nearby to suck up dust and spores.

• Use sunlight to dry paintings and inhibit mold. Lay a moldy painting out flat in direct sunlight until completely dry or set up in front of a sunny window. You may repeat this method for two to three days without degrading the paint color.

Use the mold cleaning method least likely to damage each work of art. You may want to rely on a mold remediation service located in Charden, OH.

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