Repairing a torn canvas requires patching, followed by a touch-up of the painted side.
A painted canvas may be torn during a move or during transport to an art show or craft sale. Older, more valuable paintings are most prone to damage, as the canvas becomes brittle with age. Hiring a professional to perform a painting restoration can cost thousands of dollars, as the process can entail cleaning and lining the canvas, replacing the wooden frame and repairing the painted side using handmade, hand-mixed paints. This is suitable for extremely valuable works only. You can repair a torn painting at home for little cost. This process will involve patching the painting with a canvas or linen patch and a mix of resin and adhesive wax. You must avoid using glue, as the canvas will pucker and pull in response to the glue. Tape will also create unnatural pulling and the adhesive can damage old canvas. Both methods will result in a visible patch outline on the painted side of the canvas.
Instructions
1. Place the painting face-down on a table or another flat surface and remove dust by lightly wiping the back of the canvas with a damp lint-free rag.
2. Cut a circular patch from a piece of tight-weave linen or canvas. The patch must be slightly larger than the tear.
3. Place equal parts of damar resin and adhesive wax in a small bowl and melt in the microwave.
4. Stir the wax-resin mix with a paint brush and apply a thin coat to one side of the patch.
5. Align the edges of the tear and place the patch on the back side of the canvas, completely covering the defect.
6. Gently press the patch onto the canvas, starting at the center and moving out toward the edges of the patch.
7. Flip the canvas to view the painted side of the defect. Ensure that the torn edges are properly aligned. The patch should not be visible. If necessary, remove the patch, realign the torn edges and reapply the patch.
8. Use the dull edge of a butter knife to gently scrape away excess resin and wax at the edge of the patch.
9. Place the painting in an undisturbed location and allow the resin and wax to harden for 24 hours.
10. Apply paint to conceal the tear on the painted side of the canvas. You must match the paint type and shades to the originals. Blend the touch-up paint into the surrounding area.
