posted on March 5, 2002 03:24:07 PM new
Anyone know a safe home remedy for getting surface grime off an old oil painting? Barn found and dirtier than dirty. I want to get a few layers off before listing if there's a safe way. Thanks in advance for any advice.
posted on March 5, 2002 09:07:37 PM new
I learned long ago to not mess with what I do not know. If this painting is a piece f junk, it will not be worth it. If it is a Master, you have a very good chance of ruining it.
posted on March 5, 2002 10:40:56 PM new
When my father-in-law died, no one in the family wanted an impressionist (very pretty)oil painting of eucalyptuses in Southern California up against mountains. They were going to give it to a thrift shop, so I grabbed it. Turns out to be worth about $600, by an early Calif. impressionist artist. It was dirty.
First, I bought a loaf of Wonder aaaaak Bread. Tore the centers out of maybe half a loaf, wadded it all up into a ball, and rubbed it up and down (gently) on the painting. It took off some of the dirt. Well, before I did that, I dusted it off gently with a soft rag.
Oh, and don't forget to throw the bread wad away when through. You don't want someone eating that wad of junk!
Still wasn't happy, so I took it to a reputable art gallery/framing place. They professionally cleaned it and it looks just wonderful. Wasn't too expensive, but worth every cent to have it done right. I don't remember what they told me they used, but it wasn't something I'd have wanted to mess with.
posted on March 6, 2002 03:04:44 AM new
whatever you try, be very very gentle. if the painting is old, some of the paint may chip off if you press too hard on it while dusting or trying to clean.
posted on March 6, 2002 08:22:53 AM new
I would definitely take it to a reputable gallery to find out what it would cost to get it professionally cleaned. However, there are some things you can do at home that should not damage the painting and will get rid of a lot of the grime.
A professional cleaning does a lot more than just remove surface dirt, and all you really want to do at this stage is get rid of what is sitting on the surface and obscuring the painting.
First, you can use either a vacuum with the softest brush attached, or a can of air under pressure to dust it thoroughly. Oil paints are thinned/removed with turpentine or similar solvents, so don't use anything like that on it!
Believe it or not, plain soap and water, worked into a nice suds and carefully applied with a very soft brush or cloth is safe and will work wonders on both oil and acrylic paintings. Don't soak the canvas (although it will eventually dry without harm). Do a small portion at a time and use clean water to rinse...again with a soft brush or cloth. If the painting is very dirty, you'll want to change cloths often.
Alcohol is also a good cleaner, but it's harder to work with as it evaporates so fast. It's better for spot-cleaning and works well on frames, too.
The main danger is not dissolving the paint itself, but chipping off pieces. So be very gentle, start with a small area, and see how it goes.
The Wonder Bread trick is great, too, and also works well on books, sheet music, or other paper items that are generally soiled. It's not quite so effective as soap and water if the painting is really filthy.
posted on March 7, 2002 03:22:28 PM new
As others have said if it is a good painting take it to a reputable restorer-But if you have wiped it down gently and it looks dull you can go to a local art supply store and buy a bottle of a product called salamander- should cost about $6.00- It is an special oil that when applied carefully will not damage the painting but will bring out the colors. That might give you a better idea of the quality of the painting-good luck
