Remove Frame for Cleaning
As an owner of an oil painting, your painting can be cleaned by you only if it is painted after the 1940s. Do not follow these instructions if it is a priceless antique or extremely valuable and is considered an investment. For an oil painting that valuable, see a professional conservator only.There are possible ways to make recent additions of oil paintings in your home look brighter and cleaner yourself by careful prudence.
Instructions
1. Determine the age of your oil paintings on canvas. Those that were painted prior to the 1940s were frequently covered with a layer of varnish to add sheen and protect the thick layer of paint. The varnish seals that were used then began to crack and yellow after a period of time due to age and the environment. Yellowing can make the original hue of the oil paints look dull, discolored and dirty.Assess whether the paint is in good shape and only the varnish has aged. If this is the case, try applying a solvent (emulsion). Art supply stores sell this product that is designed to clean and remove varnish. The solvent may also damage or remove the oil paint, which is not desirable. Remove the frame to test this on the side or edge of the painting first, do so. Do the spot test area by dabbing the emulsion with a cotton swab and very gently touching one corner proceeding to use it on the entire canvas. Work in an area with adequate ventilation as the fumes from the emulsion are strong.
2. Remove the build-up of everyday enviromental residue of dust, smoke, pet hair, and dander from oil paintings . Make sure they are aged from the 1950s up to today and not before. Consider checking the painting with a magnifying glass to assure that none of the canvas or paint exhibits cracks or is about to flake.Carefully dust the surface with a very soft, dry bristle brush, such as a super soft paintbrush, baby toothbrush or shaving brush to remove dust and soot particles. This will not work on sticky areas and but can be done with a different procedure.
3. Step forward to the 21st century and use your vacuum to remove dust. Purchase a micro attachment kit for your vacuum that has very small brushes. Make sure they are under an inch in diameter. For cleaning, don’t scrub the surface with the bristles but just over the painting with just light, circular motion. This method will pick up every last bit of dirt and soot, but will not work on the really sticky parts.
4. Sticky, grimy, or oily surfaces may be cleaned with a mild detergent solution. Proceed with caution as excess moisture can damage a canvas and the impasto.Use only clean new cotton cloths dipped in a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Lightly blot the surface, but don't scrub, wipe, or rub at the painting. Submerging any part of the painting will only damage the surface.Check the damp cloths to see what’s coming off on your test section. If the paint colors are lifting off, stop cleaning.
5. Daily helpful hints found in magazines or newspapers may come up with innovated suggestions. Many may suggest everyday products for cleaning your oil painting, however, you should proceed with caution about the safety of these methods for your particular painting.
