Structural work - before Tear repair and retouch: A heavy object fell through the front of this painting, resulting in a large tear and extensive paint loss.	Structural work - after The tear was repaired, the large loss filled, and the missing area inpainted
Structural work - detail Detail of damaged area after tear repair and filling	Structural work - detail Detail of damaged area after treatment
Surface Cleaning This painting was in the home of a heavy smoker for many years. The deposited nicotine was removed with pH-adjusted water.	Surface Cleaning This painting was in the home of a heavy smoker for many years. The deposited nicotine was removed with pH-adjusted water.
Surface Cleaning The effloresence on the surface of this painting produced a haze that obscured the clarity of the colours, and it was removed with a dry cleaning technique. The left hand side has been cleaned.	Surface Cleaning The coffee splashed on the painting was removed with a wet-cleaning technique.
Surface Cleaning Painting during surface cleaning, showing the amount of dirt removed.	Removal of discoloured varnish The discoloured varnish was removed with solvents, and a new, non-yellowing varnish applied.
During varnish removal The discoloured varnish was removed with solvents, and a new, non-yellowing varnish applied.	Treatment of cracked paint - before Raised cracks caused by a poorly tensioned canvas being in contact with the central stretcher bar
Treatment of cracked paint - after The edges of the cracks were flattened and consolidated, and the cracks filled and retouched. The painting was given a stretcher-bar lining to help protect the paint layers from further cracking	Flaking and loss - before The artist re-used an old canvas, and a layer of dirt on the original paint prevented the new paint from adhering properly to the underlying layer. This resulted in severe flaking and loss
Flaking and loss - after The flaking paint was consolidated, the loss filled, and the missing area inpainted	Severe blistering and flaking The artist used incompatible materials that resulted in severe blistering and flaking. The problem was compounded by the fact the painting was hung above a radiator and was exposed to fluctuating temperatures. The blistering paint was successfully flattened and consolidated.
Blistering paint The artist used incompatible materials that resulted in severe blistering and flaking. The problem was compounded by the fact the painting was hung above a radiator and was exposed to fluctuating temperatures. The blistering paint was successfully flattened and consolidated.	Scratch - before The painting had a large scratch across its centre, which was retouched
Scratch - after The painting had a large scratch across its centre, which was retouched	Consolidation of flaking paint The combination of matt paint and the presence of exposed canvas in this painting meant that the consolidant used to adhere the flaking paint had to be carefully chosen so as not to affect the gloss or saturation of the original paint or the canvas.
Retouched scuff - before This large painting had suffered a typical scuff damage along its bottom edge, likely caused by a bag brushing against it.	Retouched scuff - after This large painting had suffered a typical scuff damage along its bottom edge, likely caused by a bag brushing against it. The scuff was retouched.
Replacement of old retouching This old retouching was discoloured, and the fill too smooth in texture	Replacement of old retouching The old fill and retouching were removed and replaced with a textured fill; the new fill was retouched to blend in with the surrounding area
Treatment of mold damage - before The painting had been stored in humid conditions, and was disfigured by black mold spots	Treatment of mold damage - after Most of the mold was removed, and the appearance of the spots improved by retouching
Treatment of water stain - before The appearance of the water staining was improved by retouching.	Treatment of water stain - after The appearance of the water staining was improved by retouching.
Repaired dent and scuff - Before This painting fell against a piano, leaving a dent and a large, scuffed deposit of piano lacquer.	Repaired dent and scuff - after The dent was treated first, most of the lacquer was removed with solvents, and the remaining marks retouched.
Padded backboard Small scale paintings like this can benefit from a padded backboard	Padded backboard Polyester wadding is adhered to a lightweight backboard
Padded backboard The backboard is attached to the back of the painting: the polyester wadding sits just shy of the back of the canvas, and provides a cushioning effect to the painting	Stretcher-bar lining Polyester sailcloth is fed behind the stretcher bars, pulled taut, and attached the reverse of the stretcher
Stretcher-bar lining A stretcher-bar lining is an excellent preventive measure suitable for larger paintings. It protects the reverse of the canvas, and also prevents the canvas from contacting the stretcher bars; this helps to protect paintings from the knocks and vibrations associated with handling and transportation