A wide variety of art restoration services are performed in the Master Restorer studio. Not only original works on canvas, paper and mixed media but limited edition prints such as serigraphs, lithographs, etchings and giclees are restored with expert care and diligence. Be it an oil painting, watercolor, poster print or pencil drawing the Master Restorer will bring the artwork back to it's original glory.

Restoration on three dimensional works are also provided such as bronze sculpture, marble, alabaster, sandstone, clayworks, pottery and even antique furniture, clocks and tapestries.

All services are quoted after a free, no obligation consultation performed at our studio in Torrance, CA. All restoration work is fully guaranteed and services include:

Clean Borders & Images:
The edges of artworks often are the most handled areas, especially during framing, shipping and general inspection. All fingermarks, dents and yellowing due to ultra violet light, age and acidification can be removed. Example click here

Re-Varnishing & Surface Cracking:
Surface scratches and cracking are common and can be ugly when seen in the 'wrong' light or angle. The Master Restorer delicately buffs out scratches in the varnish and sometimes removes all varnish residue in preparation for new varnish coating. Example click here

Retouching by Brush and Airbrush:
Mr. Perez will use various techniques to accomplish his goal in retouching artworks. A wide range of brushes, airbrush techniques and general brush skill will be used to tackle even the most difficult of repairs. Example 1 - Example 2

Removal of Hair and Dust:
During the silkscreen process or final varnishing of an original work dust and/or hairs can find themselves embedded in the coatings only later to be discovered.

Surface Scrapes:
Damage can occur to just the top surface of originals and prints alike. These require attention but do not involve touching the original paint work in most cases. Revarnishing may be needed to protect the repaired work and the image itself. Example click here

Cracks:
During mishandling or accident damage cracks develop in both prints and originals sometimes even revealing the paper or ground below the surface. Mr. Perez has developed a unique method of filling, smoothing and retouching cracks so they become invisible, restoring the work back to it's previous state. Example click here

Paper Cleaning:
All works on paper have similar needs for cleaning, they range from foxing (specific areas of acidic damage), discoloration (this is overall yellowish coating) that results from time, exposure to temperature variances, long exposure to any environmental demands including light and cigarette smoke.

When paper is cleaned, there is one solution that is used by all restorers. Gustavo Perez has created a method to clean works on paper that is unique in it's ability to control the exposure the paper has to the chemical that is used.

This process, 'deacidifcation' is safer, can be used on all sizes of paper and all kinds of paper. Pre-testing on all papers is performed to evaluate the paper's sturdiness, it's fiber content and it's pH factor. Most paper has a degree of acidic base when it is cleaned, after the cleaning process that pH is altered to prevent further discoloration. There are many instances that foxing will not completely be removed. To attempt total removal could endanger the paper, this is not the desired outcome.

We cannot be held responsible for disappointment in the appearance of the paper after cleaning. There are paper foundations that will be structurally altered, after cleaning the paper may feel differently, most common is a stiffer sensation. After a period of time, usually the paper will soften to some degree, regaining it's original feel. Example click here

Tears, Rips and Punctures:
Paper and canvas are both susceptible to tearing, ripping or puncturing. Cropping and media manipulation can repair these flaws although major tears may render a piece unsalvageable. Example click here

Fine Art Photographs:
Retouching, cleaning and general restoration of antique, fine art photographs can be accommodated at the Master Restorer. Many of the techniques used in the restoration of limited edition prints can be applied to restoring photographs.

Water Damage & Mold:
We use a variety of chemicals, cleaning solutions and drying techniques to repair all artworks with problems due to moisture and post moisture damage. Problems not only arise from flooding but also areas with high humidity such a beach front properties.

Canvas Patching and Backing:
With canvas rips and tears the Master Restorer not only repairs and retouches the front of the image but also pays as much attention to the reverse. We ensure that the canvas remains strong and sturdy for final restoration with patches and full canvas backing. Example click here

pH Testing:
All paper products will be tested both before and after restoration service to determine the pH (acidity) of the paper. If pH levels exceed industry levels the Master Restorer will recommend deacidification treatment. All replacement papers use by the Master Restorer are museum archival papers and are free from contamination by acidity.

Color Matching:
This is the area in which Mr. Perez specializes. After 20 years his keen eye for color is unsurpassed. Example click here

Clean Patina and Remove Corrosion:
Sculptures cast in bronze will, over time, become tarnished, dirty and even corrode in certain climatic conditions. Master Restorer will service most sculpture problems from simple cleaning to corrosion removal and even major repairs. Sculptures made of wood, alabaster, sandstone, marble etc. can also be serviced. Example click here

Antiques and Furniture:
Antiques including clocks, candlesticks, ash trays and tapestries along with all kinds of furniture can be restored to former glory. Please contact us for detailed information on our antique restoration services. Example 1 - Example 2 - Example 3