The Essential Guide to Art Restoration: Painting Repair, Disaster Response & Insurance Claims

February 18, 2025

This guide covers everything you need to know about painting restoration, disaster response for artwork, and insurance claim guidance —so you can protect and restore your collection with confidence.

Fine art is more than just decoration—it carries history, emotional value, and financial worth. But time, accidents, and natural disasters can take a toll on paintings, murals, and heirlooms. 


Whether a cherished artwork has suffered smoke damage, water exposure, or simply aged over time, art restoration ensures that these valuable pieces are preserved for generations.

Who This Article Is For

This guide is perfect for:

โœ” Homeowners looking to restore damaged or aging paintings.
โœ”
Art collectors who want to preserve the value of their artwork.
โœ”
Museums & galleries needing expert conservation.
โœ”
Insurance adjusters and professionals handling painting repair near me cases.


Whether your artwork has been affected by a fire, flood, or everyday wear, professional fine art restoration Las Vegas services can help bring it back to life.

Explore More About Art Conservation

Want to dive deeper into specific topics? Check out these articles from our blog:

๐Ÿ”—How to Paintings are Cleaned

๐Ÿ”—How to Identify and Prevent Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintings
๐Ÿ”—
How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Painting?
๐Ÿ”—
Your Art Collection and Flooding: Preventing Water Damage
๐Ÿ”—
Understanding the Art Restoration Process: Step by Step
๐Ÿ”—
What to Do If Your Art Is Damaged in a Fire

These resources provide expert insights into fine art conservation, mural restoration, and disaster response, helping you better protect your collection.


About Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc.)

For over 40 years, Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc.) has specialized in painting conservation, mural restoration, and antique painting restoration in Las Vegas & Henderson.


โœ” Trusted by museums, collectors, and insurance companies.
โœ” Experts in fine art painting restoration, frame conservation, and disaster recovery.
โœ” On-site and in-lab services for murals, heirlooms, and paintings of all types.

๏ปฟ

๐Ÿ“Œ Learn more about our painting restoration services in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV!


What Is Art Restoration & Why Does It Matter?

Art Restoration vs. Art Conservation

  • Art restoration brings paintings back to their original appearance using techniques like revarnishing, filling in gaps and cracks, and color matching, referred to as "inpainting" to name a few.
  • Art conservation repairs damage and preserves artwork by slowing deterioration and preventing further damage.
  • Both are crucial for preserving fine art and maintaining its historical and financial value.


The Importance of Preserving Paintings After Disasters

Disasters like fires, floods, and earthquakes can cause irreversible damage to artwork. Without immediate professional restoration, paintings may:

โŒ Develop mold and water stains from leaks or floods.
โŒ Be
discolored by smoke or soot from fires.
โŒ Suffer
flaking, cracking, or structural damage over time.

If your artwork has been affected by a disaster, acting fast is key to saving it.

Learn more about disaster response here!


The Role of Fine Art Conservation Laboratories in Protecting Artwork

At FACL, Inc., we use scientific analysis and traditional craftsmanship to restore paintings, murals, and heirlooms.


Our process includes:

๐Ÿ”ฌ Material Testing – Identifying original pigments, varnishes, and supports.
๐Ÿงช
UV & X-ray Analysis – Revealing hidden damage or past restorations.
๐ŸŽจ
Fine Art Techniques – Carefully matching brushstrokes, textures, and colors.
๐ŸŒก
Environmental Protection – Offering climate-controlled storage to prevent further deterioration.


๏ปฟ๐Ÿ“Œ Need expert restoration? Contact FACL, Inc. today!


The Art Restoration Process at FACL, Inc.

Step 1: Examination & Documentation

๐Ÿ” A professional art conservator assesses the artwork’s condition.
๐Ÿ“ A range of estimates and treatment plans are provided to the client. A detailed report is also available for insurance or historical records.


Step 2: Cleaning & Surface Care

๐Ÿงผ Dirt, smoke stains, old varnish are carefully removed.
๐ŸŽจ Specialized cleaning techniques protect delicate surfaces.


Step 3: Repair & Conservation Work

๐Ÿ–Œ Cracks, flaking paint, or other structural weaknesses are repaired.
๐Ÿ›  Tears or holes in the canvas are reinforced and repaired.


Step 4: Protection & Preventative Measures

โœ… A protective varnish is applied to prevent future damage.
โœ…
Safe storage solutions are recommended for long-term preservation.

โœ… Framing options are available, whether it's a new or antique frame or a restoration job on an existing           frame.

Disaster Response & Insurance Claim Guidance for Art

What To Do If Your Artwork Is Damaged

1๏ธโƒฃ Do not attempt to clean or repair it yourself. Improper handling can worsen the damage.
2๏ธโƒฃ
Document the damage. Take clear photos and write down details of how it happened.
3๏ธโƒฃ
Contact an art conservator immediately. Fast action can prevent further deterioration.
4๏ธโƒฃ
Check your insurance policy. Many policies cover painting restoration services after disasters. Need guidance with your art-related insurance claim?

๐Ÿ“Œ What to Do If Your Art Is Damaged in a Fire


Filing an Insurance Claim for Artwork Restoration

If your artwork is insured, professional conservators can provide insurance claim guidance to help you navigate the process, including:

โœ” Providing professional damage assessments.
โœ” Creating detailed reports for insurance companies.
โœ” Offering official repair estimates.

๐Ÿ“Œ Call for Guidance of  How to File an Insurance Claim for Art Restoration


Why Choose FACL, Inc. for Art Conservation?

For over 40 years, FACL, Inc. has provided expert art restoration, painting conservation, and mural restoration services in Las Vegas and Henderson.

โœ” Trusted Experts – Serving private collectors, museums, and institutions.
โœ”
Full-Service Conservation – Specializing in paintings, murals, heirlooms, and antique frames.
โœ”
Proven Results – Helping restore valuable artwork and heirlooms with meticulous craftsmanship.

๏ปฟ

๐Ÿ“Œ See our conservation services in Henderson, NV


Protect Your Artwork with Professional Conservation

Old paintings, murals, and frames don’t have to stay damaged. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a valuable painting, or an antique frame, professional conservation keeps it looking beautiful for years to come.

๏ปฟ

๐Ÿ“ Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, and nearby areas.

๐Ÿ“Œ Call today for an Artwork Assessment


Explore More About Art Conservation

Want to dive deeper into specific topics? Check out these articles from our blog:

๐Ÿ”—How to Identify and Prevent Flaking on Oil or Acrylic Paintings
๐Ÿ”—
How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Painting?
๐Ÿ”—
Your Art Collection and Flooding: Preventing Water Damage
๐Ÿ”—
Understanding the Art Restoration Process: Step by Step
๐Ÿ”—
What to Do If Your Art Is Damaged in a Fire

These resources provide expert insights into fine art conservation, mural restoration, and disaster response, helping you better protect your collection.


Book a Service Today

Want to learn more about art conservation? Visit our educational site here!

FACL Blog - Art Conservation Education

By FACL Staff September 24, 2025
๐Ÿ–ผ Did You Know?: Even high-end frames bought at galleries or retail frame shops often contain acidic backings or non-archival adhesives. These materials can permanently stain or degrade artwork over time—even if they look beautiful at first. That’s why museum-standard framing matters, especially in the dry Las Vegas climate.
Close-up of a historic oil painting of a woman holding a brush, with extensive paint flaking and los
By FACL, Inc. December 21, 2024
Discover why oil paintings flake and how to stop further damage. FACL Las Vegas specializes in painting restoration to save and preserve your valuable artwork.
images of the process of cleaning a painting
By Flora Arguilla July 15, 2024
Discover the cost of cleaning a painting with insights from Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, Inc. Learn about factors affecting pricing, different techniques, and why professional care is essential for preserving artwork.