Owning a good original painting has always a matter of pride for the owner. And nowadays purchasing modern paintings or original oil paintings have become easier with the popularity of online art galleries. But just as it takes one a long time to find an oil painting which one would like to own, an oil painting also needs a lot of caring and maintenance to retain its beauty for years to come. Professional help can be obtained to clean or refurbish your valuable oil paintings. However you can effectively clean the oil paintings on your own by following these few simple steps.
1For cleaning paintings, always make sure that the brush you are using is made of soft bristles. Soft brushes remove the dirt accumulated on the painting without damaging the painting.Ad
2For cleaning the back of the painting, first remove the painting from its frame and put it down carefully on a clean surface.
3Now with the help of a small nozzle with a brush attachment, vacuum the dirt slowly and carefully.
4If necessary, you can place a paper cover on the back of the painting to prevent dust from getting accumulated there.
5If the varnish of the oil painting is looking aged, buy a gentle solvent known as ‘conservation liquid’ to clean it.
6Before using the solvent directly on the painting, first test the reaction of the solvent by applying it on just one corner.
7If the solvent is good, put the painting in an area with sufficient ventilation.
8Now apply the solvent very carefully on the surface of the painting with the help of a cotton swab.
9For removing the surface dirt, use cotton swabs dampened with distilled water. Lightly roll the cotton swabs on the surface to remove dirt.
10In case the painting is showing signs of cracks or loose flakes, carefully dust the surface with the help of an extremely spongy and dry bristle brush such as a baby toothbrush or shaving cream brush.
11And if the surface of the oil painting is muggy, dirty or oily use a gentle detergent solution. Mix the solution in lukewarm water and then apply it on the surface of the painting with the help of new fiber cloths.
12For recently done modern paintings, make sure that your oil painting is free of built-up dirt, smoke, pet hair, dander, as well as bacteria or any fungal growth.
13For cleaning oil paintings covered in dust or yellowed varnish, look for a qualified professional.Ad
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laundry and cleaning?
- While dusting an oil painting, do not flex the canvas.
- Never remove the dirt by bumping the painting.
- Never sink any part of the painting in water while cleaning it.
- Avoid placing live plants around paintings, since pests and insects can fly up from the plants and stain the oil painting.
- Do not scrub or rub roughly to clean the painting.
- Do not dust any loose, flaking paint as the paint pieces can be swept away and lost.
- Do not use water, so-called conservation liquid or detergents. Why risk damaging your precious artwork? Leave it to professional conservators who have years of study and experience. Do not experiment; leave it for professionals. Remember that damage is never reversible! So take care of your artwork!
Things You'll Need
- Well ventilated room
- Soft brushes
- Small nozzle vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Paper cover
- Conservation liquid solvent
- Cotton swab
- Spongy dry bristle brush such as baby toothbrush or shaving cream brush
- Gentle detergent solution
- New fiber cloths
Sources and Citations
Categories: Oil Painting
In other languages:
Español: Cómo limpiar pinturas al óleo para conservarlas por años, Русский: чистить масляные картины, чтобы сохранить их надолго, Italiano: Come Pulire un Dipinto a Olio per Conservarlo per Anni, Português: Como Limpar Pinturas a Óleo para Preservá las por Anos
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