Regarding faded prints and paintings – Can they be restored?
Regarding faded prints and paintings, here is a quick answer to a question I get asked often:
By Scott M. Haskins, Art Conservator
I just had a chat with an art owner who asked me the following:
“We inherited three serigraphs (prints) which have become faded due to UV exposure. Is there any art restoration technique to bring back the colors which can be performed? Any suggestions?
Thanks,”
Adam
Here is my answer:
Sorry, Adam, fading is an irreversible, permanent process that changes the nature of the colors and the binders or resins that hold the pigments of the paint together.
Btw, fading of pigments is not only due to ultraviolet rays that are found in the light of day, fluorescent lights or in the tungsten (filament) light. Fading is also caused by the sheer quantity of brightness of light. So, in other words, if you filter out ALL the UV rays, you can still get some fading, though a lot less. I’ve done tests on this in our lab and seen it happen.
Though the colors cannot be restored to their original appearance, some spray treatments of faded paint and inks with resins can intensify the color that remains, however.
I asked esteemed British expatriate, certified art appraiser, Richard Holgate what would happen to the value of a work of art (including prints) if you repainted the faded colors to give them back some “pop.” He said, “If you are thinking that maybe the faded colors could be repainted, consider that the value could go to $zero!”
Art conservation – restoration questions? Call Scott M. Haskins 805 564 3438
Art appraisal questions? Call Richard Holgate 805 895 5121
See numerous short interesting art conservation – restoration videos on YouTube at “bestartdoc” channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestartdoc?feature=mhee Please leave comments and give the videos a THUMBS UP!
Go to http://www.fineartconservationlab.com for a quick tour of a painting conservation lab.
These vegetables in a farmer’s field were faded almost beyond recognition.
Interesting. So having a faded painting adds value to it, Dan? I had no idea.
It is not really a surprise that faded paintings have value. It appears aged and anything aged is worth more.
I also like the appearance of faded paintings, as it gives it that look of it being valued by someone who was around before you were. History is precious.
I totally believe that faded paintings have a lot more value attached to it. It was created sometime in history and anything that has historical value to it is going to be worth a lot.
Tammy, maybe you are mistaking, like, paintings with a yellowed varnish for fading. They are totally different problems or issues. Faded out paintings are changed/damaged where as a dirty picture can be cleaned safely if someone knows what they are doing. Wholesale restoration usually means not respecting the original artist’s work and just repainting it to make it look good.. and so, believe it or not you could loose a lot of money in value for “restoring” or repainting it. Scott did another blog post thats kind of funny on this subject. Go to
What you really need to do is have the painting appraised and find out what it is really worth, faded or not.
There is a difference between dirty paintings with varnish that has aged over time and paintings that have faded. Dirty paintings will be worth something when they are cleaned up properly. But a faded painting has permanently lost some of its original character and therefore has lost some value.
If the painting is dirty, it won’t be worth anything. I am not certain that having a faded looking painting is going to add value to it either. I would think if an old painting was well preserved it would be worth more.
No, sorry. I have a hard time believing that faded paintings add value. If anything, wouldn’t it lower the value? I would think that a painting from 1920 that is preserved is worth more than a painting from 1920 that has been faded overtime.
I would think that an old painting preserved would be worth a lot more than a painting that has faded overtime. I am surprised that anyone would think that the fading adds value.
Tammy you are wrong and I agree with Tim on this.
I had no idea that fading could still happen even if you filter all UV rays out. Interesting.
Yes, its a common misperception about the fading of colors on artwork.
Fascinating info as to what causes fading in paintings. Brilliant Scott.
I have to say I like the look of faded paintings. But that is just me and I think the look of it alone would increase the worth.
“To each his own said the farmer as he kissed the cow.”
Fascinating article about fading. I never really knew what caused the fading in the first place I am embarrassed to admit.
Fascinating article Scott. You do great work.
I read your book Scott. I was very fascinated. I have a painting that I would like you to take a look at. I will be in touch soon.
Interesting article about faded paintings. I personally find value in the appearance of it as the fading gives it that precious historical touch.
The faded appearance certainly gives it that historical look.
I have a few paintings in my home that are historical and faded. I don’t particularly care for the appearance of it so I may get it cleaned up.
I had not realize that fading was not reversible. I will keep this in mind when I purchase a new painting because I never cared for the faded appearance.
Hmmm… yes, maybe historical but it compromises the value and the visual impact that was the artist’s intent.
Thanks Bea. The book, btw, is a reference book so don’t be tempted to say “I read it” and then never pick it up again. Keep it handy for coaching and ideas when it comes to protecting your stuff. ALSO, my YouTube channel, Preservationcoach, has videos for home use and instruction. AND, if you sign up on http://www.sav eyourstuffblog.com or on http://www.pioneerartrestoration.org I will send monthly reminders, videos and tips to remind you to take action and tell you good adventure stories. Stay in touch!
I have watched many of your videos Scott. You are a true expert in your field. In fact I have some paintings that are in need of restoration. I will be in touch soon.
[...] *2 This comment is tied into the paragraph on framing. Use UV filtering glass or Plexiglas type materials. While they can filter out all or most of the UV light, that will NOT take care of ALL THE FADING. Intense light will continue to fade somewhat even after you filter out the UV. See my article at http://tipsforfineartcollectors.org/impact-on-value/regarding-faded-prints-and-paintings-can-they-be… [...]
Yes, I agree. You simply will not know what a painting is worth unless you have it appraised. Great info on fading Scott.