How Art and Antiques Are Restored After Flood Damage

When floodwater touches your art or antiques, time matters. The longer items stay wet, the more the wood swells, paint lifts, and fabric stains. You should remove standing water and reduce humidity in the room as soon as it is safe to enter.

Do not try to clean or dry valuable pieces yourself with towels or heat. Heat can warp wood and crack paint. Instead, call local water damage pros to handle the water extraction and drying, and move fragile items to a cool, dry space if you can.

• Do not rub wet surfaces
• Keep items out of direct sunlight
• Do not use hairdryers or heaters
• Separate wet pieces so they do not touch
• Take photos for your records

After drying, the real conservation work begins. A qualified art or furniture conservator will clean surfaces with specialized solvents and soft tools. They may remove old finishes, stabilize loose paint, and repair tears in canvas or upholstery.

For antiques, the goal is to preserve the original material and patina, not to make it look new. The conservator will match repairs to the piece's age and style. This work is detailed and can be costly, depending on the item's value and the extent of damage.

• Solvent cleaning for paint and wood
• Canvas re-lining for paintings
• Wood joint regluing
• Finish touch-up with archival materials

Your insurance policy may cover restoration of valuable items, but coverage varies. You should check your policy and take detailed photos of each damaged piece, including close-ups of any labels or signatures. Keep receipts and appraisals if you have them.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Ask your insurance company about the claims process and whether they require a professional appraisal. A conservator can provide a written assessment that may help your claim.