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What to Do About Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintings
From:
Scott M. Haskins -- Art Conservation-Restoration, Pets and Heirlooms, Art Damage Scott M. Haskins -- Art Conservation-Restoration, Pets and Heirlooms, Art Damage
For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Santa Barbara, CA
Monday, February 12, 2024

 
lt;stylegt;.fb_iframe_widget span{width:460px !important;} .fb_iframe_widget iframe {margin: 0 !important;} .fb_edge_comment_widget { display: none !important; }lt;/stylegt;lt;pgt;lt;spangt;Have you noticed developing flaking on oil or acrylic paintings in your collection? If so, don't worry! Your paintings are not doomed. Flaking is a common issue that art owners may encounter, particularly with paintings done in oil or acrylic. It's a distressing sight to see paint coming off the surface, but understanding the potential causes of flaking and how to prevent it is crucial for preserving the integrity of your cherished artworks.lt;/spangt;lt;/pgt; lt;div id="attachment_4804" class="wp-caption aligncenter"gt;lt;a href="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Flaking-Paint-on-Mural-Low-Rez.jpg"gt;lt;img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4804" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-4804 size-large" src="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Flaking-Paint-on-Mural-Low-Rez-768x1024.jpg" alt="flaking paint on a mural " height="853" "https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Flaking-Paint-on-Mural-Low-Rez-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Flaking-Paint-on-Mural-Low-Rez-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Flaking-Paint-on-Mural-Low-Rez-640x854.jpg 640w, https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Flaking-Paint-on-Mural-Low-Rez.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"gt;lt;/agt;lt;p id="caption-attachment-4804" class="wp-caption-text"gt;In addition flaking on oil and acrylic paintings, murals can also suffer this type of damage.lt;/pgt;lt;/divgt; lt;h2gt;lt;spangt;Causes of Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintingslt;/spangt;lt;/h2gt; lt;pgt;lt;spangt;Flaking on oil or acrylic paintings occurs when the bond between the layers of paint and the surface they're applied to breaks down. There are several potential causes for this phenomenon:lt;/spangt;lt;/pgt; lt;olgt; lt;ligt;lt;spangt;lt;stronggt;Poor Adhesion:lt;/stronggt; One of the primary reasons for flaking on oil or acrylic paint is poor adhesion between the paint layers and the surface they're painted on. This can happen if the surface wasn't adequately prepared before painting or if the wrong type of primer was used. Without a strong bond, the paint can easily peel away from the surface over time.lt;/spangt;lt;/ligt; lt;ligt;lt;spangt;lt;stronggt;Moisture Damage: lt;/stronggt;Exposure to excessive moisture or humidity is another common cause of flaking lt;a href="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/painting-on-canvas/identifying-and-preventing-water-damage-on-paintings-in-southern-california/"gt;and other problemlt;/agt;s. When moisture seeps into the layers of paint, it can weaken the bond between them and the underlying surface. This is particularly problematic for paintings done on canvas, as the fabric is more susceptible to moisture damage than other surfaces.lt;/spangt;lt;/ligt; lt;ligt;lt;spangt;lt;stronggt;Temperature Fluctuations:lt;/stronggt; Extreme changes in temperature can also contribute to flaking on oil or acrylic paintings. When the materials in a painting expand and contract due to fluctuations in temperature, it puts stress on the paint layers. Over time, this stress can cause the paint to crack and eventually flake off.lt;/spangt;lt;/ligt; lt;ligt;lt;spangt;lt;stronggt;Mechanical Damage:lt;/stronggt; Physical impacts or abrasions can weaken the paint layers and cause them to flake off. This can happen during handling, transportation, or if the painting comes into contact with a rough surface.lt;/spangt;lt;/ligt; lt;/olgt; lt;div id="attachment_5205" class="wp-caption aligncenter"gt;lt;a href="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/heirloom-portraits-.jpeg"gt;lt;img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5205" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-5205" src="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/heirloom-portraits-.jpeg" alt="two family heirloom portraits are pictured. The one on the left depicting a Victorian woman has flaking running across the sitter's face. The portrait of a man on the right needs to be cleaned of grime and other signs of weathering." height="359" "https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/heirloom-portraits-.jpeg 512w, https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/heirloom-portraits--300x210.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px"gt;lt;/agt;lt;p id="caption-attachment-5205" class="wp-caption-text"gt;Two family heirloom portraits are pictured. The one on the left depicting a Victorian woman has flaking running across the sitter's face. The portrait of a man on the right needs to be cleaned of grime and other signs of weathering.lt;/pgt;lt;/divgt; lt;h2gt;lt;spangt;Preventing Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintings:lt;/spangt;lt;/h2gt; lt;pgt;lt;spangt;Preventing flaking requires proactive measures to protect the integrity of the paint layers and the surface they're applied to:lt;/spangt;lt;/pgt; lt;olgt; lt;ligt;lt;spangt;lt;stronggt;Proper Storage:lt;/stronggt; Store paintings in a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity levels. Avoid hanging them in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, or near windows. Many collectors opt to store artwork that is not on display in lt;a href="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/art-antiques-collectibles-storage-at-fine-art-conservation-laboratories/"gt;professional art storage facilities.lt;/agt;lt;/spangt;lt;/ligt; lt;ligt;lt;spangt;lt;stronggt;Gentle Handling:lt;/stronggt; Handle paintings with care, avoiding excessive pressure or touching the painted surface directly. Use protective coverings during transportation and storage to prevent physical damage.lt;/spangt;lt;/ligt; lt;ligt;lt;spangt;lt;stronggt;Regular Inspection:lt;/stronggt; Periodically inspect your paintings for any signs of flaking or deterioration. Early detection allows for prompt action to prevent further damage. If you notice any flaking or other issues, consult with an art conservator for professional advice.lt;/spangt;lt;/ligt; lt;/olgt; lt;h2gt;lt;spangt;Consulting an Art Conservator:lt;/spangt;lt;/h2gt; lt;pgt;lt;spangt;If you encounter flaking on your oil or acrylic paintings, it's essential to seek guidance from an experienced art conservator. They have the expertise to assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate conservation treatments.lt;/spangt;lt;/pgt; lt;pgt;lt;spangt;When discussing flaking with a conservator, provide details about the painting's history, current condition, and any noticeable changes. Clear communication ensures the conservator understands the unique needs of your artwork and can provide tailored solutions to address flaking issues.lt;/spangt;lt;/pgt; lt;pgt;lt;spangt;By understanding the potential causes of flaking and taking proactive measures to prevent it, you can protect your paintings and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.lt;/spangt;lt;/pgt; lt;pgt;lt;spangt;In summary, flaking is a common issue that can affect paintings done in oil or acrylic. By understanding the causes of flaking and taking preventive measures, you can safeguard your cherished artworks and ensure their longevity. If you encounter flaking on your paintings, lt;a href="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/consultations/"gt;consult with an art conservatorlt;/agt; for professional guidance and conservation treatments tailored to your artwork's specific needs.lt;/spangt;lt;/pgt; lt;div id="attachment_3028" class="wp-caption aligncenter"gt;lt;a href="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC03853-low-res.jpg"gt;lt;img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3028" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3028 size-medium" src="https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC03853-low-res-300x200.jpg" alt="a female art conservator applies a treatment to a mural that is laid out on a table" height="200" "https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC03853-low-res-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC03853-low-res-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC03853-low-res-153x102.jpg 153w, https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC03853-low-res.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"gt;lt;/agt;lt;p id="caption-attachment-3028" class="wp-caption-text"gt;Julia Betancor working on WPA murals at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories with Scott M. Haskinslt;/pgt;lt;/divgt; lt;pgt;Do you have questions about flaking on oil or acrylic paintings? Call 805-564-3438 or text at 805-570-4140 or email at flora.faclofficemanager@gmail.comlt;/pgt; lt;h2gt;Do you need help navigating the insurance claim process for artwork?lt;/h2gt; lt;pgt;Fine Art Conservation Laboratories' 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through theamp;nbsp;insurance claim processamp;nbsp;for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work,amp;nbsp;notamp;nbsp;a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind.lt;/pgt; lt;h3gt;This blog post has been syndicated atamp;nbsp;ExpertClick.com.lt;/h3gt; lt;pgt;What does it mean that this article is " syndicated"?lt;brgt;It's a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional "proof" that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.lt;brgt;When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venuesamp;nbsp;for redistributionamp;nbsp;then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site:lt;a href="https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/"gt;amp;nbsp;https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/lt;/agt;lt;brgt;This website's syndication included:lt;brgt;1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.' (different than a ‘news release')lt;brgt;2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.'lt;brgt;3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.lt;brgt;4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.'lt;brgt;5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.lt;brgt;6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)lt;brgt;7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)lt;brgt;8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world's largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.lt;brgt;This article has been syndicated atamp;nbsp;lt;a href="https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/"gt;https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/lt;/agt;lt;/pgt;
News Media Interview Contact
Name: Scott M. Haskins
Title: Author, Art Conservation/Restoration, Pets and Heirlooms, Art Damage, Expert Witness
Group: www.fineartconservationlab.com
Dateline: Santa Barbara, CA United States
Direct Phone: 805-564-3438
Cell Phone: 805 570 4140
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