how does one clean an oil painting?

Question

what methods are used to clean an oil paint on canvas painting.

Answer 1

very carefully my friend...
very carefully.....

Answer 2

I would highly recommend that you have it cleaned professionally.

According to Nadia Ghannam, a conservator of paintings in New York City, the only safe way to clean an oil painting without consulting a professional conservator first is to lightly dust it with a soft brush known as a "squirrel" or "badger." These brushes are available through conservation- supply companies like the mail-order catalogue Conservation Resources (800-634-6932). Before you begin dusting, however, examine the painting closely to make sure there are no areas where the paint is flaking, as brushing can easily dislodge loose pieces.

Avoid the urge to wash the surface of the painting with a damp cloth. Any moisture on an oil painting, especially ones that have a topcoat of varnish (which most pre-1940 paintings do), can sometimes cause blanching, a condition whereby the water gets under the surface on a microscopic level and forms a chalky white film. Moisture can also cause shrinkage in the canvas or cracks in the surface, called crazing. And even the mildest of soaps can affect or remove certain colors if their pH balances are incompatible.

If dusting proves an insufficient means of cleaning your paintings, you may want to consult a professional conservator, who can remove surface dirt using specialized solvents.

Answer 3

Actually you don't need to clean up, you can use gesso (it's a white color, like paint) you spread over the dried painting and you can use the canvas again after gesso dried up. (If there is a lump of oil paint, use palette knife scrapped it off.) The canvas can hold thick paint securely, so you can paint over it like it's a new one.

You can use turpentine, dipped it onto the rag, slowly wiped it from corner to the centre. However, turpentine has smell. You have a choice to use turpentine or gesso.

Answer 4

It is not something you should do yourself. It may not be oil at all, it could be acrylic. You would have to know that for sure because both would require very different cleaning methods. If you want it cleaned you should take it to an art restorer. If you don't know of one, you can call an art museum. Ask for their conservation department. they may be able to help you or recommend someone who can. Other resources would be a fine art gallery or a local art association.

Answer 5

Depends on what way it was painted, was varnish used, what was used to paint it , what kind of cleaning you are talking about. People that clean paintings for a leaving go to school for years and study under a person after that. It is a complecated process iof you want to do it right.

Answer 6

TEST an area (at the framed edge of the canvas) FIRST. If any colour comes off, STOP.
Use a non-detergent soap, like Sunlight bar soap, a bit of tepid water and lots of lint-free cotton rags. Rub gently one small area at a time (2 square inches), rinse with water 2 or 3 times to remove the soap, and dry immediately; move on to the next area, repeat. Expect this process to take many, many hours.

OR - pay me to do it ;-)

Answer 7

Use a non-solvent. Oil will dissolve in a solvent. Use a non-grease remover type cleaner. Use rubbing alcohol light with a gauze cloth to remove any surface debris. Wash with moist cloth of water. That about all you can do with out giving it over to the New your Met for restoration.

Answer 8

take some turpentine, pour a good amount on a clean rag or towel. Carefully apply this to the painting and rub until the dirt is removed.

...

kidding, don't really do this!

Answer 9

there are special products you can buy at any high quality art store i don't suggest michaels or hobby lobby. Call a local art museum they should be able to help.

Answer 10

take it to an art museum or a professional. You don't want to mess something that could be worth money some day!!

Answer 11

Take it to a professional who will guarantee their work.