Modern technology, such as lasers, can offer valuable tools to support conservators and restorers in their work. In Europe, and innovative laser restoration tool for non-contact cleaning of painted art objects has been developed. This laser workstation has proven to be a valuable tool to solve the problem of fire-damaged paintings. Soot deposit, often a serious problem for conservators, can easily be removed from the surfaces using an ultraviolet (UV) laser. Since only low laser energies are needed for efficient removal, the effect of the UV laser light on the residual material is minimal. European research supports the viability of the UV laser technique as an additional tool in conservation practice. The ability to gradually remove the damaged top layers of a painting with minimal impact on the remaining material opens new possibilities for conservators. -- SCMRE