Do you know how to choose the right art restorer?

By understanding the restorer's mindset, you can decide if you're working with the right person.

was spending her free time painting, with a particular focus on the old masters, when the gallery owner said, "You're such a good artist in this style, why don't you just start restoring the art."

Minasyan took this idea seriously and went to England as an apprentice. “I already knew what painting was, I just had to learn the craft side,” she recalls. "I needed to learn about solvents."

Thinners are alcohol mixtures that remove dirt and varnish from a painting. The varnish turns yellow, which is why it needs to be removed and replaced. Restorers must be very careful that the varnish they use only removes varnish or dirt and not paint. “I try the mildest solvent, which is a low-alcohol alcohol, and increase [potency] from there,” Minasyan explains. "It's trial and error."

After talking with Minasyan, we realized that the restoration of a work of art requires careful diligence. Restorers must consider aspects such as time period, materials, canvas type, and cost before they agree to work on a piece.

Here are a few questions a restorer should ask himself before agreeing to restore a painting:

1. When was this work created?

The date a painting was created affects the materials that may have been used on the canvas. The old masters, for example, usually used simple house paint. Minasyan knows mixtures and other materials of that era and works comfortably with them. In some cases, she will come across a modern painting made of mixed materials. “They will have acrylic paint, oil paint, acrylic varnish,” she describes. "The sad thing is that artists don't know the chemistry of their materials well." For example, if you apply acrylic paint to an oil painting, the acrylic paint will peel off over time. In this case, your only chance of recovering it is if you can refer to the image you provided in your account. The restorer may attempt to reapply or recreate the acrylic paint in the original location.

2. Is there an original photo of this painting?

Especially after catastrophic damage, such as a hole or chipped paint (as discussed above), a restorer likes to have a photo of the original painting. This gives a visual representation of the work ahead and the end goal. If Minasyan doesn't have the original photo to reference and the repair needs to be recreated, she will generally recommend that the client return to the artist. If the artist is no longer alive, it is best to contact a gallery that has worked with the artist before. In all cases, it is safer to have a reference photo in case of damage during repair. You can keep them.

3. Do I have experience with similar paintings?

Every restorer should have a portfolio that you can refer to. You want to make sure he or she has experience with similar projects. The best way to make sure of this is to request before and after photos, which is a normal part of the hiring process. For example, a different technique than usual is required.

Canvases have undergone significant changes over the years. For example, all canvases made in Europe before 1800 were stretched by hand. Vintage canvases are much easier to repair when torn because they are loose and easier to put back together. Machine-made canvas breaks with a gaping hole and is more difficult to put back together. “Knowing how to properly close a tear when it is severely stretched is a specialty,” confirms Minasyan. Since she has experience working with old canvases, if a client brings her a hole to repair on a newer canvas, she will usually donate it to her local museum's conservation program.

4. Will my professional insurance cover this painting?

Professional insurance will cover the cost of your painting in case of loss. Like most businesses, restorers have an insurance plan that will protect them in the event of an unfortunate fatal mistake. Be sure to confirm that your restorer has a coverage plan that is large enough to cover your work.

The restoration expert is also required to notify you that professional insurance is not sufficient and you cannot work together on the work.

5. When was the last time this painting was washed?

The museum standard is to clean the painting every 50 years. Lucky by this time turn yellow. In many cases, you can't tell that your painting needs cleaning until you remove the frame and see how flawless the protected edges are.

Restorers, as a rule, give free consultations on the condition of works of art. Minasyan will take photos by e-mail and give you a rough estimate of the work required and its cost.

Work with a restorer who understands the complexity of the project

The key is to work with restoration experts who are confident enough to know their strengths and weaknesses. One of the main things that impressed us when talking with Minasyan was her clear understanding of what she is very strong in. And even more than that, her ability to reference the work when appropriate. This is a testament to the professionalism and trust that have supported her distinguished career. As a collector, you can use this understanding to understand and confirm whether a restorer has the appropriate experience to work with your collection.

Learn the difference between a restorer and a conservator, plus more, in our free e-book.