Oil paintings require tender loving care over the years.
Oil paintings accumulate dust and dirt that settles into the painting surface. As varnish yellows and exposure to house pollutants accumulate on an oil painting, the work of art requires careful attention to restore it. Clean loose surface dust or remove deeply set dirt and yellow varnish with methods designed to conserve as well as protect your oil painting from harm caused by cleaning agents. Use the services of a professional art restorer for the steps to remove deep-set dirt and yellow varnish.
Instructions
1. Clean loose dust from an oil painting as a matter of routine home care. Use a soft ox or sable brush or a lint-free cloth. Wipe the painting surface without rubbing it, cautions the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
2. Wear surgical gloves. Place an oil painting facing up on a large piece of kraft paper. Rest each area being cleaned on a piece of linoleum, advises the Gainsborough Products website.
3. Dip a swab in emulsion cleaner to test a corner of the painting for the solution's cleaning potential. Repeat with a clean swab dipped in varnish remover. Gently apply neutralizer after each test swab. Use the solution that works best on the test segment. Use this test to determine if the paint is hard enough to resist cleaning. Pour neutralizer on a soft lint-free cloth. Wipe, without pressing, the entire painting.
4. Apply the chosen cleaning solution by rolling a cotton swab over 2 inches of the painting at a time. Remove only dirt and varnish, not paint, cautions Gainsborough Products. Neutralize after cleaning each segment. Use a new swab when the old one becomes unusable. Apply varnish to protect the painting.
