ABOUT

Caroline Witmer is the owner of Uptown Custom Framing and Witmer Art Restoration, serving clients thought Ohio and surrounding states including Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree and further studies in art history and fine art restoration.

Caroline has worked professionally in custom framing and as a professional art restorer since 1987. In 1993, she opened her custom framing gallery and art restoration studio in Seattle, later expanding to own and operate an additional gallery and framing business in Des Moines, Washington.

After relocating to Ohio in 2012, she founded Uptown Custom Framing and Art Restoration, continuing her lifelong dedication to the preservation and presentation of art. Today, Caroline operates a large consolidated studio serving clients from Mount Vernon, Columbus, Knox County, Franklin County, and beyond. Her studio specializes in museum-quality custom framing and fine art restoration, including framing for paintings, jerseys, mirrors, textiles, artifacts, and treasured heirlooms.

With decades of hands-on experience, she is known for combining artistic craftsmanship, conservation-minded techniques, and personalized service to help preserve and showcase meaningful pieces for generations to come. Witmer Art Restoration works with a diverse range of clients, including private collectors, individual homeowners, business owners, corporations, museums, galleries, and institutions throughout Ohio.

Caroline specializes in the preservation of paintings, heirlooms, and historically significant pieces. Witmer Art Restoration also assists clients affected by natural disasters, including flood and fire damage, helping recover and restore treasured artwork and objects with sensitivity, professionalism, and conservation-minded care. Witmer Art Restoration adheres to the strict ethical guidelines established by the American Institute for Conservation and is proud to be a member of the organization.

VIDEOS --- RESTORATION BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS BELOW

REMOVING SURFACE GRIME

For me, surface grime removal is the funnest part of any restoration. It's almost an instant gratification. Removing the many layers of dirt and soot is the first stage in any cleaning process. Many people, over the years, have tried different cleaning agents at their disposal. These solvents are in bottles, sitting under their sinks, or in their garages. When a novice attempts to clean that scratch or smudge, its usually directly in the center of the painting on the face. I have painted many faces back on to paintings over the years. Please do not try to clean a painting with soap and water or wonder bread. It doesn't work and will only harm the integrity of the paint and canvas.What the conservator finds beneath the grime and aged varnish is why you hire a professional. Cracking, missing paint, over painting...these are things that sometimes can go unnoticed until the painting is cleaned. I've trained and studied for years to be able to know what chemicals and solvents work on any given situation. I work with all types of art including oil paintings, arcrylic paintings, works on paper, ceramic and textile pieces.

AGED VARNISH REMOVAL

This lovely painting came to me from Ireland. It had quite a bit of surface grime and aged varnish that dulled the colors and needed to be removed. Many people think this discoloration is due to nicotine and fireplace soot, but it is usually caused by aged varnish turning amber in color. Years ago, varnish was made with insect parts, which turned dull and yellow. The artists had no idea that applying such a protective coating would protect the paint, but ultimately would change their painting into something they would not be happy with today. I often think of the artist when I am cleaning and restoring a painting. I want to make the clients happy, while preserving the artist's original vision.

Service Area

We proudly serve various locations across the United States, offering exceptional art restoration and conservation picture framing in Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding areas. Our service locations include:

- Dublin, OH

- Gahanna, OH

- Ontario, OH

- Columbus, OH (the heart of our custom framing services)

- Cleveland, OH

- Mansfield, OH

- Cincinnati, OH

- New Albany, OH

- Knox County, OH

- Westerville, OH

- Worthington, OH

- Howard, OH

- Indianapolis, IN

- Powell, OH

- Wooster, OH

- Franklin County

- Apple Valley Lake, OH

- Athens, OH

- Toledo, OH

- Perrysburg, OH

- Detroit, MI

- Nashville, TN

- Louisville, KY

- Chicago, IL

- Pittsburgh, PA

Using only museum quality materials, we ensure that every picture repair and framing project meets the highest standards.

Uptown Custom Framing and Witmer Art Restoration

316 S. Main St #C, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA

ENTRANCE TO THE STUDIO IS LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE BUILDING. USE BLACKBERRY ALLEY. PARKING IN PRIVATE LOT IN BACK OF BUILDING. 740.233.5124

Hours

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Uptown Custom Framing & Witmer Art Restoration

restoration slideshow

ABOUT