How to repair an oil painting that is folded and cracked?

Question

My grandma was an amazing artist and she past away about 2 years ago. My sister was in charge of making sure everyone got some of my grandmas paintings. Well my sister had thrown the paintings into a closet and left them there till today. I was helping her move and found them. The frames had been smashed and they were folded and cracked some even had mysterious stains on them. I am determined to save at least a few for the rest of my family to all have one painting of my grandmas. I found some articles on how to repair cracks in the surface of the painting with beeswax and a resin to “glue” the paint back onto the canvas. I want to make sure I have all information before I try to repair this extreme challenge. So if anyone knows any other ways to fix this PLEASE help me save my grandma’s life’s work!!!!

Answer 1

I did some art restoration years ago and I you try to stretch the cracked paintings back onto wood stretchers the cracks might get worse so there are way put the canvas onto another canvas which is stretched so you don't stress the original canvass causing more cracks. Smaller paintings might be glued onto a rigid surface like composition board or wood. If they are dirty they can be cleaned with first mild detergent and water then turps and picture varnish put on to protect the surface. It pains me to hear what your sister did which showed no respect for a person's life work.

Answer 2

I painted all my life. I never knew how to restore. I never cared to. I always loved my worn pictures and old frames.Paintings, pictures from everywhere I've ever been They are so beautiful to me. Its like we grew up together or something.I know silly of me.

Answer 3

There is a service which restores paintings professionally. Costs money. If u want really to preserve your grandma's paintings u give them to a professional. Otherwise u will ruin them more. If paint fell off in some places paintings will need new paint on those spots and then treated that it blends with old paint. U will not be able to achieve that - people study many years to be able to do that