How can I clean an oild painting that has "cigarette smoke" residue?

Question

We purchased a large oil painting that is potentially fairly valuable...but it does need to be cleaned. It's prior owner was a heavy smoker and the painting looks like it is covered with yelllow cigarette smoke residue. Any suggestions for cleaning this at home??? Thank you.

Answer 1

DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME! i agree with the others. there is all too frequently great damage done by some unprofessional 'restauration' or 'cleaning' work. if done poorly, the potential worth could go massively down, if done properly and professionally, the value could increase quite considerably, just depends on the painting/painter.

Answer 2

So i have done some research and found differing opinions on this topic. The first claims you will need to repaint, which may be the case. If you are like me you will want to try anything first, so here is what I found. Take a windex bottle keep about 2/3rds full and add ammonia I prefer lemon ammonia it will turn a medium green color. Open windows have a well ventilated area if needed use a fan. Use a step stool or ladder for higher area's. You may want to move any furniture or such underneath or by the area that you may be working on. Step 2Spray the area liberally it will take off the yellow and brown color immediately wipe with a dry cloth. Depending on how many years and layers of the smoke you may have to repeat this process a few times to many. Rinse your rag as needed. I recommend using many rags for one room. Most if not all of the stain should come off there are some area's that may not but that is not common. Step 3Finally wipe the area with a fresh clean wet rag.

Answer 3

yes infact i do have some advice! You should take it to a museam. They will repair it for you, if the painting is very valuable than it will be worth it.

Answer 4

best check with a craft store or art gallery about this...I know they make a chemical, but darned if I can think of it......good luck

Answer 5

if you think it could be worth anything....DO NOT attempt to clean it yourself! please take it somewhere to have it appraised to see if it is even worth the time and money to have it professionally restored.