Can a Mold-Damaged Painting Be Saved?

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Austin, TX home

Now that a mold problem has been discovered in your home in Austin,TX , and mold remediation has begun, don’t forget to have items such as paintings assessed before throwing them away. Often, they can be cleaned and restored, saving precious family heirlooms and memories.

How Mold Can Damage a Painting

A painting with mold damage can have several issues. There may be staining due to the moisture that allowed the mold to grow, the paint may run or bleed, and the mold itself could over time damage the painting and the framing materials.

How To Have Your Painting Restored

Find a company that specializes in mold cleaning of paintings that can examine and determine if restoration is possible. Some companies offer on-site evaluations if it is not possible for you to take your piece to the company’s location. Once the artwork is in the hands of the restoration specialists, several things can take place.

• An initial consultation can determine suitability for restoration.
• If restoration is possible, your painting should then be given a thorough exam. This may include removing it from any framing or stretch bars to ensure a complete evaluation of the damage. There may be a cost for this evaluation.
• An estimate of cost, materials that could be used and a timeframe for how long
  mold cleaning and restoration could take should be provided, reviewed and agreed to if you choose to move forward.

How To Avoid a Moldy Painting in the Future

Once cleaning of your painting has taken place, be sure to have the artwork professionally finished and framed. Make sure to keep the painting in a less humid room in your home, and check the painting every so often to be sure you don’t see any moisture on or around it that could lead to mold in the future.

Although seeing a treasured work of art damaged by mold can be devastating, it is often possible to save your painting from mold damage through mold cleaning so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.