Comments on: How To Clean an Oil Painting?

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:16:09 +0000

Need HELP!
Hello, I have an oil painting and my little boy sprayed the painting with rubbing alcohal.
Now it has a white looking appearance in certain areas. Is there anything I can do to bring it back to life. I thought by re-spraying the painting again with another coat of varnish would do the trick.

Thank you for your help,

Bob

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:40:22 +0000

Oil paintings accumulate dust, soot and other airborne particles. With time they can start to look dull. Gently dust the painting with a soft brush. This will remove light dust and pet hair.

By: Dietrick

Dietrick — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:11:39 +0000

In Holland a friend of mine restores old Dutch masters and NEVER uses soap, but 3% Amonia and DISTILLED water only. One dish hold the solution of Amonia and an other the dist. water with which she washes off directly after wards, also make sure to dry the spot right away.

Dab or rub carefully with cotton make up remover pads in 2 inch squares and work your way accross the painting. Replace the cotton dabs often when they get dirty. Dry right after with toilet paper or kitchen towel.

NEVER us gloss varnish but only special varnish that is reversable in order to avoid it getting stuck and impoosible to remove when it turns yellow, like all coatings do over time.

Lat me know if you need help

By: Karin Wells

Karin Wells — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:31:29 +0000

Try distilled water – about a cup to which a drop of liquid dish soap has been added.

You can start with a Q-Tip to test and graduate to a soft cloth and your finger tip to gently clean. If any color or “paint” comes off on the cloth – stop!

By: Mike Walker

Mike Walker — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:30:24 +0000

Hi Tom,
I have cleaned both oil & acrylic paintings, due to dust & crud build up, (both my own work & that of customers). My solution is to use a neutral soap and water solution applied with a soft tooth brush. Then gently rinsed off with clean natural/rain water, (tap water contains chlorine and other additives which may damage the paint over a period of time). Use one of those soaps that are recommended for babies and people with sensitive skin, as they contain much less fat and caustic ingredients. I wouldn’t use potato, white bread or a cloth, as all will leave something behind. After cleaning hang the painting in a warm airy and shaded place preferably outside away from air conditioning or similar heating. It should be fully dry in a few hours.