3. Thermosetting Adhesive

The painting is first faced with thin but strong tissue using diluted rabbit skin glue as an adhesive to prevent the flakes from dislodging. The canvas is then removed from the wood stretcher and the back is coated with a flexible, thermosetting adhesive. The same adhesive is brushed onto a new brown lining fabric and placed on the back of the painting. Using a heated suction table with a very specific temperature and amount of suction, the lining is affixed to the back of the painting, the lifting flakes are re-adhered, and the painting is flatter. Now the painting can be safely cleaned and revarnished.