Frequently Asked Questions

We work with oil paintings, acrylics, mixed-media works, works on paper (drawings, watercolors, pastels, prints, and photographs), manuscripts and documents, decorative arts, ceramics, metals, frames, and specialty collectibles including sports memorabilia. If you are unsure whether your object falls within our scope, contact us and we will let you know.

Yes. We work directly with insurance carriers, adjusters, and policyholders on claims involving fine art, specialty collections, and documents. We provide condition reports, line-item treatment estimates, and salvage coordination documentation structured to meet the requirements of the claims process. We are comfortable communicating directly with adjusters and carriers throughout a project.

Yes. Private collectors, families, and individuals make up a significant portion of our work. You do not need to be filing an insurance claim to engage our services. We apply the same evaluation, documentation, and treatment standards to every project regardless of how it originates.

Yes, and we encourage you to contact us promptly. Water damage is time-sensitive. Biological growth can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours, and tide lines set into paper and canvas quickly. Early evaluation allows us to recommend immediate stabilization steps even before a formal assessment is complete.

Yes. We are equipped to address SVMG (Suggested Visible Microbial Growth) on fine art, works on paper, documents, and specialty objects. Treatment focuses on controlled surface remediation, stabilization of affected materials, and thorough documentation of pre- and post-treatment condition. We recommend contacting us promptly if you observe any signs of biological activity, as early intervention significantly expands what can be recovered.

Yes. Fire and smoke damage requires careful triage before any cleaning or treatment is attempted. We assess the degree of structural and surface damage, document the pre-treatment condition thoroughly for insurance purposes, and develop a treatment plan that prioritizes stabilization before cosmetic work.

Yes. We treat manuscripts, personal and business correspondence, legal and historical certificates, and bound volumes. Document restoration follows the same restoration principles we apply to works on paper: reversibility, minimal intervention, and thorough documentation.

Yes. We restore gilded and carved frames, addressing structural failures, gesso losses, and worn or missing gilding. Frame treatment is often coordinated with painting treatment when both the work and its frame have been damaged.

Yes. A written condition report is part of every project we undertake. For insurance purposes, we can provide condition reports as standalone documents without full treatment, to support the claims process at any stage.

Yes, and we prefer it. For most projects, we recommend an on-site evaluation at your location rather than transporting the object before it has been assessed. Contact us to arrange a site visit.

We are by appointment only. Please contact us in advance to arrange an evaluation. This allows us to allocate the time and attention your project deserves and to ensure the right materials and documentation tools are prepared.

It is helpful to know the medium and approximate dimensions of the object, a brief description of the damage or concern, how and when the damage occurred if known, and whether an insurance claim is involved. Photographs taken in good natural light, including any areas of specific concern, are very useful before an evaluation.

Yes, and we encourage it. Photographs help us prepare and, in some cases, allow us to give you preliminary guidance before an in-person evaluation. Please include images in normal light and, if possible, close-up shots of any damaged areas.

Yes. For disaster recovery situations (water, fire, or sudden physical damage), please contact us as soon as possible. We prioritize emergency stabilization inquiries and can provide guidance by phone or email while we coordinate next steps.

Yes. Every project includes pre- and post-treatment photography as part of the treatment record. This documentation is provided to the client at the conclusion of the project and is essential for insurance claims and for the long-term provenance record of the object.