Dear Colleagues, I have a very sad event that happened last weekend and would like to ask for your advice.

The final varnished painting after all layers have dried including varnish dropped on the floor and while was in flight it got attacked by corner of another painting. This encounter made quite a deep scratch damaging varnish layer and cut through paint layer. Some places to the white canvas... Canvas is not damaged.

Did somebody removed varnish to try to restore the painting underneath?
Can someone share websites links or advice what has been done in similar situation?

So i am thinking of only one option.
1) use turpentine or acetone to attempt to remove varnish ( this is acrylic-styrene varnish)
2) if it creates the mess just preserve canvas for another painting on top.

This is painting that I am trying to preserve, since it was a commission, was upset. But I already informed the client.

This is original and not a damaged version.

I

    It's a beautiful painting...I hope you can save it.
    I'm too new to painting to be able to give any good advice here, but I did a google search and it appears you are on the right path.
    From what I read, best bet is to check with your varnish labeling or manufacturer to see what it says to use to remove it. Apparently, some can be removed with OMS, too.
    The various sites I read all state to put a small amount of turpentine or OMS on a rag, and gently (GENTLY!) wipe the varnish layer...I think they said in small circular movements. Frequently check the rag for color. The moment you start seeing paint on the rag, stop!! The varnish layer has been removed and you can retouch as needed.
    The process is painstakingly slow and tedious, but you can do it.
    I don't have the links (sorry!), but I did a google search something like "remove varnish damaged oil painting", and looked for results that appeared to be from manufacturers and painters/restorers.
    I hope this helps and you can save it! Good luck!

    4 days later
    6 days later

    What kind of varnish was put on the painting?

      It was acrylic-styrene artistic varnish. It was brushed rather than sprayed to provide layer of protection. I think it did it’s work and damage would have been more if not this layer. Thank you for you r article in the other post, I read it and will try step by step! I was doubtful if I could use acetone at all, but if it turns this is my solvent I am not that scared now.

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