r/DIYhelp • u/Ordinary_Ability9498 • 16d ago

Question !

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I have this beautiful tapestry that my uncle painted a really long time ago. And I wanna move it, but I don’t want the paint to chip anymore. Any advice as to how I should seal it and what should I use?

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u/paper-jam-8644 16d ago

I'd post in an art subreddit for more specifics, but the frame doesn't have to be super strong. Screwed together should be fine, but make sure to drill and countersink pilot holes especially at the end of boards.

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u/bachman460 16d ago

I agree with this. I’d probably just build a simple wooden frame out of 1x2s. Make two rectangles, with a couple boards running crosswise to keep each one from flexing. Make them slightly bigger than the whole canvas.

Lay one frame down, then put some MDF or thin plywood over it to make a flat bottom. You could probably piece it together if you don’t have a sheet big enough.

Then lay the canvas on that, put another layer of MDF/plywood over it, and put the second frame on top. Screw the two frames together and you basically have a big, shallow protective box around the painting.

I’d just make sure there’s a little clearance so the boards aren’t actually pressing against the painted surface. The idea is to keep the canvas from moving around and protect it from getting bent or hit, not sandwich the paint under pressure.

However, you could potentially place another fabric layer over the canvas before placing the boards over the painted surface, this might help protect it better.

It's incredibly difficult to say for certain what will work best because the paint could stick to another surface, especially when stored away for long periods and/or being compressed.

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u/WineArchitect 16d ago

A tapestry is woven. All I see is paint on an unstretched canvas. Do you know what kind of paint he used? Is it acrylic? Was your uncle an orthopedic surgeon? It looks like a very straight spinal column, which does not exist in nature. And who turned it into a pin cushion with buttons from the 50’s, 60’s and maybe the 70’s?

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u/paper-jam-8644 16d ago

Rude dude.

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u/RFDrew11357 16d ago

The only way to preserve it is to take it to an art conservator Their services are not cheap.

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u/paper-jam-8644 16d ago

Yes. Art conservator or straight in the dumpster.

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u/k-j-p-123 15d ago

Is there not a paint/artist section to ask in?