Register now for our next workshop 

We will show you tips and tricks on varnishing, stretching canvas, aligning canvas, invoicing, pricing your works, and building your own shadow gap frames at low cost. 

Next date: Thursday,
November 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  
Cost:  250 € (including VAT)   
Where? 
Little Van Gogh,
Berck-sur-Mer-Str. 20,
53604 Bad Honnef,
Germany  


register now

If you have any questions, please send an email to info@littlevangogh.de.

Repairing Dents in Canvas Art

Whether the dent is pushed inward or outward, it’s never a pleasant sight. Dents occur due to pressure, which overstretches the canvas fabric and permanently deforms it. But don’t worry – fixing a dented painting is not difficult.

To correct such pressure marks, simply moisten the problem area on the back of the canvas—not the painted side, but the back. The dampened fabric will first relax and then shrink back as it dries, gradually smoothing out the dent. Don’t worry about wetting it. Use a sponge cloth to generously dampen the area without leaving puddles.

Repairing Holes and Cracks in Canvas 

Art Holes and cracks in paintings or canvases can also be repaired with the right know-how and a bit of craftsmanship. How visible the repaired area remains depends mainly on the texture of the painting surface. Monochrome areas with thin paint layers are more challenging to repair than textured, impasto surfaces. The first step in the repair process is closing the crack. Lay the canvas face down on a table. Use wood glue to brush the torn fabric fibers onto the damaged area. Then, carefully push the edges of the tear back into their original position using a small spatula. As the glue starts to set, gently smooth out the deformities from the crack with the spatula. Once the glue has set, place a glass pane over the area and weigh it down with a second glass pane, ensuring the damaged spot is pressed flat from both sides. You may need to repeat this process one or two times until the crack is as invisible as possible. Allow the glue to cure under pressure from the glass for a full day. If a dent still remains, you now know how to fix the painting!

Before

After