Who knows how to repair a torn canvas?

Mary Sparrow · 03-07-2005, 10:28 AM

Now this is wierd, I was just coming to ask this exact question. My holes are slightly smaller, but look the same, and unfortunately they are both is obvious spots, I don't know if you will be able to see them with the image sized down or not.

Vianna Szabo · 03-07-2005, 11:21 AM

Hi Mary

Looks like we received a dose of bad canvas karma. That is a lovely painting you're working on, I hope it can be fixed. Any ideas out there?

Mary Sparrow · 03-07-2005, 11:30 AM

I wish I could take credit, this was painted by Gian Cassone, I ended up with a few of his portraits that he had in a closet and, well, they need a little TLC.

Chris Saper · 03-07-2005, 12:02 PM

HI Vianna and Mary,

I moved this thread over to Restoration, as I hope it will get more atttention there.

Vianna what a lovely piece! I'm sure there is a way to repair it, I just don't happen to know it. This is definitely one of the reasons to paint on a rigid surface.

Vianna Szabo · 03-07-2005, 12:43 PM

Your right Chris, This is definitely one of the reasons to paint on a rigid surface. Do you have a favorite?

Vianna

Chris Saper · 03-08-2005, 08:39 PM

Vianna,

I've been using the www.newtraditionsartpanels.com L-600 - there'a lot of info on the Forum , just give it a quick search.

I just received some realgesso panels from Howard Daniel ( Rob Howard's son.) They feel like ivory and I can hardly wait. They will send free little samples.

Jean Kelly · 03-09-2005, 01:12 AM

I don't know if this method will pass museum standards, but as an old sewing expert I would repair it with a linen patch on the back. There are a number of fabric glues on the market which you would apply to your linen patch (make sure you get a permanent glue, not a temporary one). Then press your patch onto the back side of the painting and smooth it with your fingers to flatten it. You may need to use an iron to help you flatten the fibers on the front. But do this from the back side with a press cloth. Trim any loose threads from the rip before you do this.

As I said before, this may not be the archival method, but it's what I would do, and I've done it many many times in my old business (custom bedrooms).

Jean