Many common questions about South Florida Art Conservation, LLC.’s art restoration and conservation services are answered below. If your question is not answered, please call us at 561 557 4036 or use the contact form to email us your questions about your needs.
What is South Florida Art Conservation?
At SFLAC, we specialize in the preservation, conservation, and restoration of cultural and historical treasures. Serving museums, libraries, archives, and historical societies, as well as independent art professionals and private and corporate collectors, we provide expert care to safeguard your valuable collections for generations to come.
What objects does SFLAC treat?
SFLAC conservators specialize in the treatment of a wide variety of artworks and cultural objects, including paintings, works on paper, documents and ephemera, sculptures, as well as archaeological, decorative, and historic objects across diverse materials.
How can I get something treated at SFLAC?
SFLAC accepts works of art by appointment only. To have an object examined or treated, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office at 561‑557‑4036 or via email at info{@}sflac.net. For additional questions, you will be referred to the appropriate conservator.
How to Have Your Artwork Treated by SFLAC
There are four main steps to have your artwork treated by our conservators:
1. Examination of Artwork
All items must first be examined by a SFLAC conservator. During this assessment, the conservator will document the condition of your piece, perform any necessary tests, and determine the appropriate conservation treatment. You will then receive a written Condition Report, Treatment Proposal, and Estimate.
2. Approving the Treatment
Review the Condition Report and Treatment Proposal carefully. Sign and date the appropriate lines and return them to us along with the deposit fee. Once received, your artwork will be scheduled into our conservation workflow.
3. Conservation Treatment
Treatment begins when your piece reaches the conservator’s queue. All work follows the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
4. Completion and Pickup
After treatment, you will receive an invoice for our services. Once payment is received, you may pick up your artwork from our facility or arrange for return shipment. Alternatively, you may pay at the time of pickup—please schedule an appointment with SFLAC if you choose this option.
How much do treatments cost?
Treatment cost is based on the amount of time and materials required by your specific artwork, not on the value of the artwork itself. Every conservation treatment is a new approach and depends upon the individual piece and its conservation needs. We cannot provide an exact cost estimate without physically seeing the piece. Nevertheless, we can offer you a ballpark estimate if you provide a description of the piece as well as photos of front and back and details of damaged areas. Once the actual item is examined we will provide a firm estimate.
Do you charge for restoration or conservation estimates?
The cost of treatment is determined by the time and materials required for your specific artwork, not by its market value. Each conservation project is unique, tailored to the individual piece and its specific needs.
While we cannot provide an exact estimate without physically examining the artwork, we can offer a ballpark estimate if you supply:
- A description of the piece
- Clear photos of the front and back
- Details of any damaged areas
After the artwork has been examined by a conservator, we will provide a firm, detailed estimate for the treatment.
How do I pack and deliver my object to SFLAC?
We strongly recommend that private owners personally deliver their works to SFLAC. If third-party delivery is necessary, please use professional shipping services.
For objects that are too large, heavy, or fragile to transport safely, an on-site visit can be arranged.
Please note: shipments cannot be accepted without prior arrangement. Contact our office to schedule delivery or discuss shipping logistics.
How long will the restoration take?
Most conservation treatments can be completed within two -three months, though more complex projects may require additional time. Rush requests can sometimes be accommodated for an additional fee.
Why Collectors Consult Conservators?
Collectors typically engage an art conservator to:
- Perform conservation treatments when needed
- Periodically monitor an artwork’s condition and recommend environmental adjustments
- Conduct routine maintenance on sensitive pieces
- Assess condition before acquiring new works of art
Major museums, with in-house conservation staff, routinely submit potential acquisitions for assessment. This step is even more critical for private and corporate collectors, as individuals may not have the expertise to ensure a well-informed purchase or to determine whether an artwork can be properly maintained.
Will SFLAC Appraise my Artwork?
No, SFLAC does not provide appraisals. According to the AIC Code of Ethics, it is considered a conflict of interest for conservators to appraise works they are treating. The value of an artwork should not influence the scope or cost of conservation or restoration work.
Should I get an appraisal? Where?
Art appraisals can be highly subjective and vary widely. Their reliability improves when the appraiser has strong expertise, compares the artwork to known sales (especially works by recognized artists in a documented style and period), and maintains independence from any imminent purchase or sale.
For more information on certified appraisers, visit the Appraisers Association of America: http://www.appraisersassoc.org/