When are Imperfections in Art Okay?

And how we fix the ones that aren’t..

Written by Saira Kalimuddin

I’ve had this expressionist portrait (see image) hanging on my staircase wall for a month now, and it was only earlier this week that I noticed that it had an area of paint loss near the figure’s hands. It’s actually quite a significant loss, but as the piece has loose brushwork and lots of texture, the loss isn’t as apparent.

Mid century art usually isn’t in perfect condition. There can be paint loss, marks, craquelure, scuffing to the frame, and wobbles to the canvas, to name a few.

So if you’re interested in buying vintage or mid-century paintings, how do you go about determining whether the imperfections can be overlooked, or whether you should stay away and choose something else?

Shanti and I source close to a hundred oil paintings a month, and so over time we’ve honed in on what to look out for  – what can take away from a painting’s value (both financial as well as decorative), and when it can actually add value to a piece. I’d love to share our learnings..

Marks, Patina, Surface Wear

In the context of art collecting, imperfections can also serve as important indicators of authenticity. A piece with minor surface wear, aging patina, or studio marks can signal a genuine, vintage origin rather than a modern reproduction. The presence of these signs doesn’t detract—it often enhances the story and value of the work.

We find that surface imperfections often deepen our emotional connection to a piece. There’s a certain magic in knowing that what hangs on your wall or sits on your shelf was created by hand, with all the vulnerability that entails. In a world saturated with digital perfection and machine precision, the flawed becomes refreshing—even comforting.

Craquelure

Craquelure develops as materials in a painting age and react to environmental conditions. The paint, ground layers, and varnish all expand and contract at different rates due to changes in temperature and humidity. Over decades (or centuries), this movement creates a pattern of cracking.

Just like laugh lines on a person’s face, craquelure tells a story. It’s a sign that the artwork has lived through time—adding character, history, and authenticity.

However, if the craquelure is accompanied by flaking paint or active deterioration, then I would be more cautious and perhaps refrain from acquiring the painting.

Loose/Wobbly Canvas

Over time a canvas can become baggy or wobbly due to changes in the environment. Sagging can happen because of differing environmental conditions and changes in the levels of humidity. This is actually something that can easily fixed.

Most stretched canvasses have ‘canvas keys’ on the back of the canvas. Canvas keys are thin wedge-shaped pieces of wood or plastic, that when placed in the corner slots of the stretchers, will tighten and bolster the frame itself, therefore, tightening the canvas stretched on it.

All you need to do is to use a hammer to lightly tap in the keys until the canvas tightens.

If the keys are missing, you can buy a packet of them easily via Amazon.

I have made a video to show you how to do this. Watch it here.

Dents/Bulges in the Canvas

Sometimes a dent can occur because the canvas has been leaning against something (usually another picture) that has caused one part of the canvas to protrude.  Again, this is an easy fix.

Lightly rub a wet sponge over the back of the canvas (do not do this on the front!) where the dent/bulge is. Rub it until you feel moisture soak into the weave of the canvas. Alternatively, you can use a  spray bottle to mist water over the back of the canvas. Then leave the canvas to air dry and it should contract and the dent will disappear.

If it is still not tight enough, repeat this wetting and drying process until it is tight enough.

The reason this method works is that it shrinks the fibres of the canvas (which relax over time) and causes it to contract and tighten.

Scuffs/Losses on a Frame

Mid-century art have history to them – they’ve been through different hands and have already been on an interesting journey before reaching you. Often this means their frames have some surface wear, such as scuffing or some paint loss. Not all these imperfections are signs of damage—many are just evidence of a life well lived.

But sometimes touching up the frames can conceal more noticeable scuffs.

On gold and silver frames, you can  very easily use a gold/silver leaf pen to touch up the areas. Once filling in the areas, it is worth going over it with a soft cloth so it has a more natural worn look.

On wood frames, wax sticks and and furniture touch up markers are great.

At the end of the day, don’t aim for perfection—just enough to make the flaw disappear from a normal viewing distance.

Hang it and Stand Back

This may sound really simple and obvious, but oftentimes when we are purchasing a work of art, we look out for the imperfections (and rightly so!) to make sure that we aren’t buying something that is irreparably damaged. But it is worth remembering that we once a painting is hanging on your wall, you won’t be actively looking out for small losses or scuffs.

In which case, are the imperfections inconspicuous enough to most people? Would you notice them if you weren’t closely inspecting it?

With mid century paintings the brushwork is often already textured and loose so this can really help with concealing imperfections.

Remember the Essence of Mid-Century Art

Rooted in a post-war context, mid-century art was more about ideas and expression than technical perfection. Artists sought to communicate mood, theory, and social change through their work. The rawness often found in these pieces wasn’t accidental—it was intentional. A shaky line, an uneven glaze, a visible brushstroke—these “imperfections” were often the artist’s way of revealing the human hand in a mechanizing world.

“In the world of mid-century art, the imperfect is often what makes a piece perfect.“

Imperfections are often more than okay. They are vital to the narrative, craftsmanship, and soul of mid-century art. Appreciating them means appreciating the period for what it truly was: an era of honest, radical creativity that dared to challenge perfection itself.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual enthusiast, or someone just discovering the charm of mid-century aesthetics, embracing imperfections isn’t just acceptable—it’s essential. Because in the world of mid-century art, the imperfect is often what makes a piece perfect.

Need Help?

I’ve only listed a few of the most common imperfections we come across on a daily basis when dealing with our paintings, but if there is a specific problem you have with a painting you own and need help on how to fix/lessen it, we may be able to offer some advice/guidance.

It goes without saying that if you have a very expensive painting by a very well known artist then your best course of action is to take it to a professional restorer.

-End-

On a Separate Note

Would you like to contribute to our weekly Art Advisor?

If you are an interior designer / art collector / artist/ art enthusiast and you have practical (non ‘art-jargony’) ways of helping all of us with collecting, looking after, displaying, or appreciating art, please feel free to get in touch with me about your idea(s).

We have a readership of over 2000 so it might a good way to get your name or brand out there!