In this work, preliminary results are reported for the use of excimer lasers as a tool for art restoration applications. The short wavelength photons of excimer lasers may induce effective ablation of surface layers of old varnish and/or inorganic and biological deposits from the surface of icons and paintings. In a similar application, restoration of the original painting from overpaintings can be achieved. The dependence of the appropriate laser parameters on the type of paint materials and surface deposits is discussed. For the on line monitoring of the process, reflectivity measurements and image processing techniques are employed.