Cleaning An Oil Painting On Canvas

If your oil painting shows paint flaking off it is better to leave the cleaning and restoration to an art restorer.

Cleaning an oil painting on canvas. A simple method to retighten the canvas is to spray water on the back of the canvas and leave the piece to dry in the sun for a couple of hours. Depending on what type of dirt and grime has accumulated on the painting there are several different safe methods for cleaning. Alongside traditional oil paintings on canvas surface cleaning is also possible for oil paintings on panel and copper. Using a conservation gel will remove the surface dirt and not risk the painting.

Cleaning an oil painting might best be left to the professionals so if the painting has extreme monetary or sentimental value it may be a good idea to take it to a pro. Before the 1940s paintings of oil on canvas were frequently covered with a layer of varnish to add sheen and protect the thick layer of paint called the impasto. Gently roll the cotton swabs across the surface of the oil painting ensuring that you are removing only dirt or vanish and not paint. Art supply stores sell emulsion cleaner for dirt and smoke and varnish remover for yellowed varnish for cleaning oil paintings.

Some people think that baby oil can return suppleness to the surface of an oil painting and make the colors look brighter but baby oil actually makes the surface sticky and even more susceptible to attracting dirt. The quick and easy cleaning can be used on paintings you re not concerned with potentially harming. Many times canvases have become loosened on the stretcher bars. Oil paintings can be cleaned at home saving you several hundred dollars in professional cleaning charges.

And nowadays purchasing modern paintings or original oil paintings have become easier with the popularity of online art galleries. Using a cotton swab test a corner of the painting with the cleaner of your choice. If you re willing to give cleaning it a try yourself here are two methods. A mix of dish soap and water can be used to clean oil paintings but can damage the painting if done improperly.

Using water can change the appearance of the oil paint on the canvas and rubbing alcohol can remove the paint completely.