The Fresco

It is a pictorial technique by which a painting is performed on a moist surface. This process enables the use of lime mixed with river sand that, through its slow drying, forms a layer of hard and crystallised material. Colours remain tenaciously fixed for an unlimited period of time, and gain exceptional resistance to weather action. Dyes used for frecoes are composed of mineral pigments. The performance of this painting technique requires great rapidity and pictorial skills.

The Removal

By this technique, frescoes are turned off the wall when the absorption of carbon dioxide and formation of carbonates have taken place. This chemical process allows colours to penetrate into the moist plaster, drying slowly and properly, then becoming one and the same with the wall, to remain during the centuries.

The fresco removal process consists of laying a canvas on the painted wall and fixing it with a coat of animal glue. When the canvas dries, it will smoothly come off the wall with the superficial layers of the painting on it in form of a negative.

The Fresco Reproduction

Then the canvas is covered with water-proof glue, and a stronger canvas is layed on it, which in turns forms the final base. Once the glue is dry, the detachment of the two canvasses will be carried out by using hot water, which will dissolve the glue and fix the painting steadily on the second canvas. By this procedure the reproduction is obtained and the last canvas can be put on any sort of surface (a wooden frame or a wall). The aesthetical effect of a fresco will be greatly decorative and original.