Decorative ceiling painting

Hi, we recently bought a rowhouse in williamsburg. The day after our closing, we took down a dropped ceiling and discovered a Sistine chapel-esque ceiling painting in our living room. The painting probably dates to the 1920’s (our house was built in 1891). It’s in good condition, with just some spottiness in the sheen where the old gloss varnish has faded. We’d really like to fix this ourselves and not have to pay for a specialist. I’m thinking it just needs a very light dusting/cleaning and a fresh coat of varnish. Can anyone recommend a type of varnish (I.e. a recommended brand, and should we use flat or semi-gloss?) and any other advice for us? Thanks.

williamsburgbrooklyn

in Brownstoner Renovation 11 years and 9 months ago

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yurigmusha71 | 11 years and 6 months ago

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contact wit mr Luis luisenrique0571_62@hotmail.com

charles2nd | 11 years and 7 months ago

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Remember the word “patina” which is quite often overlooked. Varnish and plaster are a no no. Even in its driest state, alkaline in the lime will deteriorate the varnish. leave it be. If you want, give yourself a gift: hire a very good CONSERVATOR, NOT a restoration expert…they will provide the right service..even if it includes light restoration. regards charles Ponticello

robertinho3030 | 11 years and 8 months ago

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hi my name is Robert Mejia and I would like to see your cealing to see how can I help you my number is 1 347 425 3494 hope you call me to do the best for you,thank.

catbk | 11 years and 9 months ago

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http://www.westlakeconservators.com/ I grew up with these people, and they employ many kinds of conservators now. While they’ve done work in NYC, it’s not usually their territory for on-site work. Howeve ask them to recommend someone near the city if they can’t help. You could also call the Brooklyn Museum or the Metropolitan Museum and ask questions to conservators there. Museums are surprisingly approachable. Your ceiling is pretty unique : )

BSDOD | 11 years and 9 months ago

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What a treasure. Family friends had something similar in Bed Stuy when I was a kid. I wonder if it is still there?

williamsburgbrooklyn | 11 years and 9 months ago

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thanks for the responses, everyone! i’ll reach out to some art restorer types and see if they can come look at it and give us advice or a quote. we likely can’t afford to do anything about it right now, but thanks to your advice we won’t be attempting anything by ourselves. if any other suggestions (including people or firms who do this kind of work), please keep them coming. the painting is directly on the ceiling, except for four portraits in the corners of michaelangelo, donatello, raphael, and leonardo (corresponding to the four main teenage mutant ninja turtles), which are painted on canvas and glued to the ceiling. we’re in love with it– it blew our minds that it was hidden away underneath an ugly dropped ceiling for all those years.

catbk | 11 years and 9 months ago

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I would tread very cautiously. Surprisingly, art restoration doesn’t have to be super expensive. But repairing an uninformed restoration could be a nightmare. It’s entirely possilbe that the right answer isn’t more varnish, but the removal of the varnish that’s there. You might see if there are any grad schools in NYC with a degree in restoration, to see if someone can just take a look and make recommendations. I second the suggestion to keep your hands off, and let its kind of decayed grace contrast with any new work you do to the room it’s in. Also, are you sure it’s paint and not wallpaper? Some of the motifs look cut out, rather than painted. If not, is it possible the white covers even MORE painting, and was painted over at a later date?

ventilated | 11 years and 9 months ago

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Conspicuous consequence of an amateur adventure in preservation: http://www.theworld.org/2012/08/amateur-restoration-botches-jesus-fresco-in-spain/

Augustiner | 11 years and 9 months ago

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Why not just leave it as is and maybe restore it in the future? The contrast between new white walls and the vintage ceiling will sure look great, especially with an ambience ceiling light at night.

marie-helene | 11 years and 9 months ago

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I know you said you want to DIY, but I really wouldn’t apply any varnish without knowing what you are dealing with. You can dust with a soft brush (think goat hair, not bristles.) Call EverGreene; they know everything about restoration and materials. In my experience, they are incredibly generous with their knowledge.

rh | 11 years and 9 months ago

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What a find! I’m so jealous. Although I always suggest the DIY route, I’d be very cautious about this one. It’s not something you want to mess up! Think of this as art restoration rather than house restoration and ask some professionals in the art world how to go about it.