Reconstructive treatments, including filling, retouching, and other forms of visual compensation, are often among the final stages in the conservation of cultural heritage objects. These interventions are typically undertaken following stabilisation procedures such as consolidation, cleaning, and structural repairs. They aim to reintegrate losses or damages in a way that restores visual continuity, without obscuring the object's authenticity or historical integrity. When properly executed, reconstructions should be imperceptible under normal viewing conditions while remaining clearly distinguishable upon close examination or with the aid of imaging techniques.

Reconstruction materials must be reversible, stable under expected environmental conditions, and compatible with the original substrate. Their selection is informed by the object’s specific material composition, surface characteristics, and the intended degree of visibility or integration. For example, fills may be textured to replicate the original surface, such as the weave of a canvas, the carving of a wooden frame, or the texture of ceramic glaze, while retouching must match the surrounding areas in colour, gloss, and texture. Each reconstruction is tailored to the needs of the object and the ethical standards of minimal intervention and visual legibility.