How to clean an oil painting
clean oil painting
Oil painting has dominated the art world for centuries and some of the most famous works of art in the world are made using this technique. Currently, acrylic, gouache and watercolor offer faster results for artists to create their paintings, however, this painting technique continues to be widely used.
In terms of conservation, oil paintings need a little more care when handling, cleaning and keeping them in top condition. Whether you've purchased a new piece or discovered a treasure, knowing how to care for an oil painting, including how to clean it, will ensure that the piece is kept in top condition. We know that you want to keep your works in the best condition, so in this article we will share the dos and don'ts when taking care of your art, to ensure that your pieces last forever with proper cleaning and maintenance.
How to remove dust from oil painting
Has your oil painting accumulated dust? Cleaning an oil painting must be done very carefully to avoid damage to the artwork. The easiest way to remove a fine layer of dust or residue is with a soft cloth and soapy water. Due to its low pH level and mild properties, olive oil soap is often considered the most effective soap. Do not use anything that contains alcohol, as it may remove some of the ink. Gently dry the paintwork with the damp cloth and you'll instantly see how much residue has been removed. For corners or if the paint is particularly textured, you can use cotton swabs.
In general, it is recommended that cleaning be performed by a professional who specializes in art restoration. However, if the painting isn't very valuable and you want to try cleaning it yourself, follow these guidelines:
- Remove loose dust from the paint surface with a soft, dry cloth or soft bristle brush.
- Mix water and neutral detergent in a bowl. Use a little mild detergent, do not use soap, soap or any other product that is not specifically made to clean paintwork. Olive oil based soap is often considered the most effective soap due to its low pH level and mild properties, but check its properties before use.
- Dip a sponge or soft cloth in the solution and wring out the excess water. Make sure the sponge is not too wet, as excessive moisture can damage the paintwork.
- Gently rub the sponge on the painting surface in a circular motion. Do this in small sections, wiping the sponge with clean water and wringing it out frequently.
- Dry the paintwork carefully with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure you don't get any moisture on the paint surface, as this could cause staining or damage.
How to clean background oil paintings
Most of the dust should be removed with the first step, however if there is still residue on the canvas, do not rub harder as this can result in cracking of the dried paint. If your painting has been exposed to the elements for a long time, it is normal for it to gradually seep into the canvas, so a stronger art cleaner may be needed. Due to the chemical properties of these products, it is best to seek the help of an expert or an art conservator-restorator.
Cleaning oil paintings on paper
Before you start cleaning paper pieces, it's critical to know that the artist didn't use any other inks, especially water-based inks. If you're not sure, it's best to only clean with a soft brush and gently dry the surface of the piece. Sable bristle brushes are generally known to be the best for these tasks. Do not use other cleaning tools, such as dusters or even thicker brushes.
Cleaning oil paint on paper is not as simple as it is on canvas! Here, avoid cleaning any area where the paper is exposed as it can create a water stain on the paper and cause it to change shape. Works on paper are usually protected by the glass in a frame, so sometimes it is enough to clean the frame and not the painting itself!
Myths of cleaning oil paintings
Cleaning with starchy foods: One of the biggest myths of cleaning oil paintings is using starchy foods like bread and potatoes. This method is not really effective and could end up damaging your parts.
Clean with baby oil: Another myth is that baby oil will remove any surface dirt from a painting. While it's soft and won't damage the paint itself, this type of oil can dry out in a way that leaves your paint with unwanted stickiness and sheen. That sticky texture can make your paintwork even more susceptible to dirt and exposure to the elements, making it even harder to clean since the paint surface isn't dry. Rather than cleaning, baby oil can also act as a glaze, enhancing the paint's colors and changing its appearance.
If you're not sure what you're doing, it's best to leave the cleaning to a professional. Remember that cleaning an oil painting must be done with great care and patience. Discover new works of art created with the oil technique in painting.