How do I store a wet oil painting?

Question

After applying an oil paint ground on my painting I let it dry in my studio for 2-3 weeks. The problem is that after this time some dust particles settle on the surface of the oil paint. I have tried putting the painting in a closet, doesn't work. I cannot put cloth on it since the oil gets smudged as it comes in contact with the material.

How do I protect a wet oil painting from dust without disturbing the oil paint on it?

Answer 1

Keep a wet painting in a "clean room" or a relatively dust-free room. Your studio may not be the cleanest place, but a nearby closet or bathroom might be.

Lean your painting against a wall, face toward the wall with only a corner contacting the wall. You can also throw a sheet over it in this position. If you get drafts, weigh down the sheet with a rock or paperweight so it won't flap onto the wet surface of the painting.

Answer 2

You can store in anywhere out of the way and place a cloth cover over it but just don't allow th ecloth to touch the painting surface. We place such a canvas out of hte way in a rack which has a frame sticking out just above the canvas. It is on that rack that the cloth is hung and it stays about 1 inch from the surface.

It is also important to keep the heat and humidity correct. Ask your paint sulpplier what those should be. You might also ask that supplier if you can use a heat gun (like what is used for hair) to dry it faster. That is a common method for water colors, but you need your supplier to tell you about oils.

You might also keep in mind that you might want the oil base (or some of it) wet so that it is easier to dry.

Answer 3

It just depends. The top layer always dries first, but inside the layer, it is still wet. Sometimes it helps to put liquin in your painting, it helps make it dry alot quicker. But also you can add turpenoid, turpetine substitute. I have a few oil paintings, my self-portrait took 2 weeks to dry for the first layer. But I like lot of texture in my work. So it just depends on you. I hope that made some sense. If you not, you can always email me.

Answer 4

on an easel with a fabric drape..that covers but does not touch the paint you'll need to brace the fabric from the top of the easel so it doesn't touch the canvas...pain in the neck, but it works and keeps the canvas clean

Answer 5

Don't get to cool and don't get to high in heat. Cover from the daylight and sun.
Bye