Overpaints Removal
What Is Overpainting?
- Title: Blanc Bec
- Author: Orville Bulman
- Technique : Oil on Canvas
Orville Bulman’s painting technique often suffers from delamination, with poor adhesion between the ground and paint layers. In this case, the issue was severe and had been previously masked with overpaints. We began by consolidating the surface to resecure the layers, then carefully removed the overpaints—revealing original passages beneath. Where paint was missing, we leveled the surface with putty and completed the restoration through inpainting, returning the work to its original visual harmony.
Overpainting refers to areas of a painting that have been covered—often unnecessarily or inexpertly—by previous restorers, dealers, or owners. These additions may obscure original brushwork, alter color balance, or mask damage beneath the surface. At South Florida Art Conservation, we specialize in the careful removal of aged overpaints to reveal the authentic artwork beneath, restoring both its visual integrity and historical accuracy.
This page features a progressive gallery documenting the cleaning and overpaint removal of a recent treatment. Each image captures a stage in the process—from initial condition to final restoration—highlighting the dramatic transformation that occurs when intrusive additions are lifted and the original composition is allowed to reemerge.
Our Approach to Overpaints Removal
Overpainting is distinct from inpainting. While inpainting is a precise, ethical technique used to reintegrate areas of loss without covering original material, overpainting often involves broad, unnecessary coverage that distorts the artist’s intent. These additions may have been applied to hide damage, modernize a look, or simply reflect poor restoration practices from earlier eras. Common signs of overpainting include:
- Inconsistent texture or brushwork
- Color shifts that don’t match surrounding areas
- Dark UV fluorescence revealing hidden layers
- Obscured signatures or compositional elements
The process begins with a thorough examination of the artwork using raking light, ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) imaging, and magnification. These tools help us identify areas of overpaint and distinguish them from original material. We document the condition with high-resolution photography and prepare a treatment proposal tailored to the artwork’s needs.
Solubility tests are performed in discreet areas to determine the safest method for removal. In many cases, overpaint can be lifted using the same solvent system used for varnish removal. In others, mechanical reduction with micro-scalpels or swabs may be necessary. The goal is always to preserve the original paint layer while removing intrusive additions.
As the overpaint is removed, we often uncover hidden details—subtle tonal shifts, original brushwork, or even compositional elements that had been masked. These discoveries are documented and discussed with the client before proceeding with any reintegration.
What the Gallery above Shows
The images in the gallery above offer a visual narrative of the cleaning process that included overpaints removal. You’ll see the painting in its initial state, with overpainted areas clearly visible. As the treatment progresses, those additions are lifted, revealing the original surface beneath. The final image shows the completed restoration—colors balanced, textures unified, and the artwork’s voice restored.
Each stage reflects hours of testing, preparation, and hands-on work. From start to finish, every detail in the overpaints removal process is considered. The transformation is not just visual—it’s historical, returning the painting to its rightful place in the artist’s legacy.
Case Example of Overpaints Removal: Revealing the Sky
In one recent treatment, a landscape painting featured dark, opaque clouds that clashed with the surrounding soft, translucent sky. UV analysis revealed that these clouds were overpainted to conceal damage. During cleaning, the overpaint was carefully removed, exposing both the original sky and the underlying damage. Once fully revealed, the damaged areas were filled and inpainted using reversible pigments, restoring harmony without compromising authenticity and limiting it to the actual damages.
The final result was a painting that felt cohesive, balanced, and true to the artist’s original vision—its palette revived, its composition clarified.
Schedule a Consultation
If you suspect your painting has been overpainted or altered, we invite you to contact South Florida Art Conservation. Our team will assess its condition and discuss whether an overpaints removal process is appropriate. We offer museum-grade care and personalized service to clients across Palm Beach County and beyond, always following the ethical guidelines set by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC)