How to clean oil painting
by
Sally
+8
I have an old oil painting (a wedding gift to my mother in 1967) and I happen to know the artist. Question is: I know it hung in a house where there was likely smokers for nearly 30 years- how can I clean it?
I use a mild mix of Dawn dishwasher soap and water on a soft cloth. When you get as much off as possible, let it dry thoroughly. After completely dry, coat the painting with Winsor Newton Liquid - Original (Hobby Lobby). I apply this with a soft wide brush or the sponge brushes from the Dollar Tree. I carefully go in one direction and then go back in the opposite direction with the coats. This usually helps to bring out highlights and original colors.
If the painting has any value DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN IT. Take it to a professional conservator. They have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to do the cleaning properly. You could destroy the painting and any value it has. Especially not know what products to use.
I actually cleaned a lot of grime off of an oil painting with a few pieces of bread. Just roll it into a ball and dab lightly over the painting. Use a soft, clean paintbrush to wipe away any crumbs left. It works!
I have heard that professionals actually use saliva or spit to clean valuable paintings - not joking
Take it to a professional or speak with the artist who did the painting. He/she should surely know what to do. Why skimp on something so precious to you?
I always use distilled vinegar. Do not spray the vinegar on the painting, spray it on a cloth rag and gently rub the cloth over the painting. Cheap but works will. I have a portrait that is 65 years old and never once had to pay to have it cleaned.
I had bought a painting that was about 20 yrs old in a storage locker sale. Either oil or acrylic. I called the artist who was actually in residence in the Keys where we were living. Went to her house. She took it out of the frame and proceeded to get out her vegetable scrub brush and scrubbed it in the kitchen sink with dish detergent. I almost had a heart attack! Laid it out in the sun to dry while we had some tea. Then she put a coating all over it and set it out to dry! No harm, no foul!
A soft cloth and mild dish soap and water.
Thank you all for the suggestions and recommendations.
The easiest way to remove a thin layer of dust, grime or residue is with a soft cloth and soapy water. Due to its low pH level and mild properties, olive oil-based soap is often considered the most effective soap to use. Make sure you don't use anything that contains alcohol as this could remove some of the paint.