2007-03-12 05:27:53 · 7 answers · asked by thumbelina1956 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
For oil paintings, if there are ANY surface cracks in the painting, even tiny hairlines - DO NOT use anything liquid to clean it. Liquids will seep into the cracks and behind the paint, into the substrate and cause permanent damage.
For acrylic paintings - unless you KNOW it's been varnished, do not use ANY liquids for cleaning - acrylics remain soluble through microscopic pinholes and will absorb dirt as well as liquids.
For watercolours - never apply liquids.
For all of the above - use a soft brush to remove dust, a gum eraser to remove dirt (test in an inconspicuous area on watercolour first!)
If you KNOW the oil or acrylic painting has been varnished and you see no cracks whatsoever, you can clean with a small amount of water & non-detergent soap such as Sunlight BAR soap or Ivory Snow (no, not dishwashing soap please!) rinse with a damp (not wet) lint-free cloth, and wipe dry immediately.
If you're not sure, please have a conservator clean the painting!
2007-03-12 14:24:31 · answer #1 · answered by joyfulpaints 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is an expensive or otherwise valuable painting, you should get it cleaned professionally. If not, start by using air-spray (not hair spray) -- the kind you get for cleaning computer keyboards and stuff. Once all the surface dust is gone use a cloth dipped in turpentine to GENTLY clean the rest. Make sure the cloth (or sponge) is not DRIPPING with turpentine. If it is a large painting and you are doing it right you may need several hours or even several days to clean it.
2007-03-12 05:37:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anpadh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have read that you should have it professionally cleaned but I have used a mild detergent and water to clean an old, dark, oil painting and it cleaned it pretty well. Make sure you do not use any solvents that would harm the paint.
2007-03-12 05:33:23 · answer #3 · answered by Joan H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its a water colour it is difficult but they usually don't get dirty as there is glass over them. I clean oil paintings with a soft cloth and washing up liquid but I can feel the experts shuddering at this treatment - it works OK for me
2007-03-12 05:45:48 · answer #4 · answered by Professor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have to know what type of paint you are using, becuas different paints react to different chemicals.
2007-03-12 05:35:20 · answer #5 · answered by sahire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to clarify like is it water colour or oil or print or acrylic paint on canvas on card like canvas or on paper
2007-03-12 11:03:01 · answer #6 · answered by ray j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By cleaning it.
2007-03-12 05:32:09 · answer #7 · answered by justbu40 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋