Cheryl Chase • Paintings Conservator BBB A+ • AIC Guidelines • 20+ Years 570·491·5483
Cc Chase Oil Painting Restoration Matamoras, Pennsylvania Call Studio
Fine Art Conservation · Est. Over 20 Years

Preserving our artistic history, one painting at a time.

Cheryl Chase is a paintings conservator in Matamoras, PA. Cleaning, tear repair, canvas lining, and conservation of oil paintings on canvas and board — heirlooms, estate pieces, and works of cultural significance, each treated with the same careful hand.

BBB Accredited · A+ Rating AIC Guidelines All work done in-house Free estimates
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Restored oil painting portrait from Chase Oil Painting Restoration
Cheryl Chase · Studio
❦     Restoration · Conservation · Cleaning     ❦
I.
The Services

Conservation work offered at the studio.

Specializing in works on canvas and board. Every treatment begins with a condition report and photo documentation, and follows the principle of reversibility — nothing done to the painting that cannot be safely undone.

001

Cleaning & Varnish Removal

Solvent tests determine which mixture lifts grime and discolored varnish without touching the paint layer. Q-tips and patience, not shortcuts.

002

Tear, Rip & Abrasion Repair

Structural repair of damaged canvas — from small punctures to long facial tears — using conservation-grade adhesives and inserts.

003

Flaking & Lifting Paint

Consolidation and reattachment of paint that has lifted from the ground, stabilizing the surface before any cosmetic work begins.

004

Canvas Lining

Lining of old and/or weakened canvases to give tired paintings the support they need for another century on the wall.

005

Reversing Past Repairs

Undoing inappropriate or aging prior restorations — overpaint, improper lining, bad varnish — and returning the work to a sound state.

006

Canvas Tensioning & Edges

Tightening lax canvases and repairing damaged tack edges so the painting sits correctly on its stretcher or strainer.

II.
The Process

A careful, unhurried sequence.

Step 01

Inspection

Bring the painting by, or email photos of the front, back, and close-ups of any damage — plus the size without the frame — for a preliminary quote.

Step 02

Condition Report

A written condition/treatment report with photo documentation, an accurate estimate, and honest recommendations on what the painting actually needs.

Step 03

Treatment

All work is done here in the studio — no farming out. Most paintings take four to six weeks; extensive restorations can take longer.

Step 04

Return

Final inspection, a written record of the treatment performed, and safe return of the painting to your home, gallery, or institution.

Painting in restoration at the Chase studio
III.   About the Studio

A single pair of hands, an informed eye, and real respect for the work.

My goal is to preserve our artistic history. Each painting I accept for restoration is treated with the utmost respect regardless of its monetary value. Whether the painting is a family heirloom or a valuable piece from a museum, each is handled as if it were my own.

“Less is more” — do only what is absolutely necessary, and keep the painting as original as possible for future generations.

Code of Ethics

  1. Respect for the aesthetic, historic, and spiritual significance and physical integrity of the paintings entrusted to our care.
  2. The highest standards of workmanship, regardless of any opinion of the market value of the painting.
  3. The principle of reversibility in all treatments — no materials used that cannot be undone.
  4. The right to refuse any procedure we believe is contrary to the proper treatment of the painting.
  5. All treatments follow AIC (American Institute for Conservation) guidelines.
  6. All restorations done here. No farming out of any work.
V.
From Clients

Kind words and kept paintings.

Cheryl Chase has restored several oil paintings for me. I have been very impressed with the results of her work. Her fees are reasonable and she has a passion for the work which makes for excellent results. She is a genuine pleasure to work with — personable, intelligent, and upbeat about your project.

Jeannot Barr · Northport, NY

When our c.1840 portrait went through a flood and suffered mold damage and a 60″ facial tear, we did not think it could be restored. But your exceptionally fine work has restored it even beyond our highest expectations. The repair is invisible and the condition superb. This is nearly miraculous. Thank you so much for your talent.

M/M Ernest M. Raasch
VI.
Questions, Answered

What people usually ask.

How do I ship a painting to you?

I usually use UPS. The best way to pack a painting is to use a box inside another box with packing material in between. Another way is to back the front and back of the painting with rigid insulation or cardboard and place it in a box of packing peanuts so that it doesn’t move around.

How long will it take to restore my painting?

Most paintings take 4–6 weeks. Paintings that need extensive restorations may take longer. Once I have inspected your painting I’ll give you a time frame for completion.

How do I make an appointment for you to look at my painting?

Call 570-491-5483 or send an email. Hours are by appointment only — I’ll happily meet with you to inspect your painting in person. Estimates are free.

What happens after you receive my painting?

Once I receive the painting I’ll inspect it and contact you to discuss our options. I provide an accurate estimate and recommend what restoration/conservation the painting may need. The only additional expense would be the shipping and insurance back to you.

What is involved in cleaning a painting?

Solvent tests are conducted to see which solvent will remove the dirt and/or varnish without removing any of the paint layer. Q-tips are used to carefully and methodically clean the surface. Cleaning a painting should only be carried out by trained professionals — the wrong solvent can cause irreversible damage.

How do I know if my painting is worth restoring?

If the painting doesn’t have sentimental value and you’re concerned about making too big of an investment, I’d recommend having the painting appraised first. My expertise lies in restoration, not appraisal — talk with your local antique dealer or a qualified appraiser.

Do you do the work yourself, or send it out?

I do all the work myself. Nothing is farmed out.

VII.
The Studio

Request a consultation.

Interested in getting an estimate? Call or email to make an appointment — I’ll meet with you to inspect your painting. Estimates are free.

Don’t live in my area? Email pictures of your painting (front, back, close-up of damaged areas, plus the size without the frame). I can give you a preliminary quote from photos, then provide a firm estimate when the painting is in hand.

Studio
Bertha Street, Matamoras, PA 18336
Telephone
570-491-5483
Email
cherylchaserestoration@hotmail.com
Hours
By appointment only
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Tell me about your painting.

Include the size without the frame and attach photos of the front, back, and close-ups of damage when you follow up by email.

Your privacy is important. Return email addresses are used only to reply to your message — never shared.