Flaking paint repair on oil paintings becomes necessary when the bond between paint layers weakens. Understanding the causes of this deterioration helps explain why professional intervention is essential for preserving affected artworks.

The structure of an oil painting consists of multiple layers. The support, whether canvas or panel, is covered with a ground layer, followed by the paint film and often a protective varnish. Each layer responds differently to environmental changes.

Common Causes of Paint Flaking

Several factors contribute to paint instability:

1. Temperature fluctuations cause layers to expand and contract at different rates

2. Humidity changes make canvas slack or taut, placing stress on the paint film

3. The binding medium becomes brittle with age as the oil oxidises

4. Poor technique during creation, such as applying paint over insufficiently dry layers

5. Physical damage from knocks or impacts that dislodge paint

6. Previous restoration attempts using inappropriate adhesives or excessive heat

The paint film that was once supple becomes rigid over decades. This loss of flexibility makes it prone to cracking. These cracks can develop into areas of lifting and flaking paint that require attention through Flaking paint repair on oil paintings.

Oil painting restoration in London often reveals technical issues during examination. Incompatible materials used by the artist or structural weaknesses in the original construction may only become apparent when the painting is studied closely by a conservator.

Once flaking begins, it can spread if not addressed promptly. The surrounding paint may also be under stress, and the loss of one section can trigger further deterioration in adjacent areas. Professional Oil painting restoration in London stabilises these vulnerable zones.

Modern consolidation techniques use reversible materials and controlled application methods. This approach reattaches loose paint to the support whilst avoiding the damage that older restoration methods sometimes caused. Prompt treatment prevents minor flaking from developing into significant paint loss, preserving the image for future generations.