When flaking, cracking, or swelling causes the detachment or delamination of a work’s paint from the ground layer or support a range of materials are applied in an attempt to stabilize the painted layer (in the case of detachment and flaking) or to restore it to its the previous condition (in case of tenting). The materials used in fixing must be reversible and able to penetrate and fasten, give elasticity and visual accuracy, and resistance to biological and atmospheric agents.
The tears and holes in a cloth support can be repaired by flattening the area of loss and repairing it by adhering textile fibers or a single patch of cloth to the rear of the work. After the hole or tear is patched the front of the painting can be restored.
