How to Identify and Prevent Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintings in Las Vegas

What Causes Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintings?

Flaking on oil or acrylic paintings happens when the bond between the paint layers and the surface of your artwork weakens. Here are the most common culprits:

Poor Adhesion

Paint adhesion problems often occur when the surface wasn’t prepared correctly before painting. Without the proper primer or surface treatment, paint layers are more likely to peel or separate over time.

Moisture and Humidity

Even in a desert climate like Las Vegas, moisture can find its way into artwork through improper storage or plumbing leaks. Excessive humidity can cause the canvas to absorb water, weakening the layers of oil or acrylic paint and leading to flaking.

Temperature Fluctuations

Drastic changes in temperature, like moving artwork between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor heat, can cause materials to expand and contract. This movement stresses the paint layers, resulting in cracks and flaking.

Physical Damage

Rough handling, abrasions, or improper transportation can weaken your painting’s surface. Even small mechanical stresses, like bumping the edge of a frame, can cause paint layers to chip away.

How to Prevent Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintings

1. Store Paintings in a Controlled Environment

Las Vegas’ hot, dry climate can be tough on artwork. To prevent flaking, store paintings in a climate-controlled room where temperature and humidity levels remain stable. Avoid hanging art near windows, bathrooms, or kitchens where moisture can accumulate.

2. Handle Paintings with Care

Always use gloves or clean, dry hands when handling paintings. Avoid touching the painted surface directly, as oils from your skin can break down the paint over time. During transportation, use protective coverings to prevent scratches or other damage.

3. Regular Inspections

Make it a habit to inspect your paintings for early signs of flaking or cracking. Identifying damage early allows you to address the problem before it worsens.

4. Professional Preventative Measures

Consider adding a protective varnish or anti-UV coating to your paintings. These layers can shield your artwork from dust, sunlight, and other environmental factors.

What to Do If You Notice Flaking

If your painting is already showing signs of flaking, here’s what you should do:

• Stop Handling the Painting: Further touching or moving the painting may cause additional damage.
• Document the Damage: Take detailed photos of the flaking for reference. This is particularly helpful if you need to file an insurance claim for art restoration.
• Contact a Professional Art Conservator: DIY restoration attempts can do more harm than good. Reach out to a qualified art conservator in Las Vegas to evaluate the painting and recommend tailored restoration solutions.

How Professional Art Restoration Can Help

At Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL) in Las Vegas, we specialize in painting restoration for oil and acrylic works. Our team uses cutting-edge techniques to address flaking and preserve your artwork's beauty.

The Restoration Process

• Assessment: We evaluate the extent of the flaking and determine the best approach for conservation.
• Stabilization: Loose paint is carefully secured to prevent further flaking.
• Cleaning: Dirt, grime, and old varnishes are removed to reveal the original colors.
• Inpainting: Our conservators seamlessly restore missing sections to match the original artist's intent.

Why Trust FACL in Las Vegas?

With over 45 years of expertise, FACL is the go-to choice for art restoration near Las Vegas. We have experience working on everything from fine oil paintings to contemporary acrylics, ensuring that your artwork receives the utmost care and attention. Whether your painting has minor cracks or significant flaking, we’re here to help.

Preserve Your Artwork for Future Generations

Flaking on oil or acrylic paintings can be a distressing issue, but it’s not the end of the road for your cherished pieces. By understanding the causes, taking preventative measures, and consulting with expert conservators, you can restore and protect your paintings for years to come.

Do you have questions about flaking or cracking oil paintings or other art-conservation related topics? Call FACL, Inc. today!