How do I safely clean an original oil painting?

Question

I have a painting done on canvas circa 1960. It lived in a smoker's home and is very yellow as a result. I need to clean it safely. Any ideas?

I am in a country where I am not in a position to find a professional. I am willing to try sensible suggestions for cleaning. Naturally, I'll try it on a small area first.

You know, from the answers I've received, I'm led to believe that those cleaning artwork were born with the knowledge. They couldn't possibly have learnt it anywhere and definitely not at Yahoo Answers.

Answer 1

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These are just suggestions.

Do a search on the net for a neighborhood cleaning service that specializes in cleaning oil paintings.

Have the work done while you wait if the painting is sentimental to you.

If you need to leave the oil painting overnight, make a good copy of it by taking a picture of it, or if you can, place it on a color copier to make a photostat of the painting.

There is even a special printing paper that resembles canvas. You can buy this for fourteen dollars or so, make your copy, then bring your oil painting in to be cleaned.

(If they lose it , and that's been done, at least you have a good copy of the painting, for memory , and for proof in a lawsuit against the company).

Second idea:
Vaccuum the painting but do not touch the painting with the vaccuum. Hold the hose of the vaccuum a short distance from the painting and see if any dust comes off of it.

Do not put water or oil or any cleaning fluid on the painting as you might ruin the surface of it and you might change the colors of it .

Third Idea:

Buy Mr Cleaners "magic" cleaner. This is a white sponge, hard sponge, and wipe a tiny spot in the corner of the painting. IF this does not damage the painting, you can do little bits as long as you see there is no damage. (Hmmm, be very careful with this one and consult a pro before choosing this option).

You might be able to call a museum or auction house and ask them how they clean their oil paintings.

Another choice: do a search on the net for instructions on how to professionally clean oil paintings.

Look up ARTISTS in the net and in the telephone book and call them up ; they might offer some solutions.

Call your local college art department; I'm sure that some professor might be willing to part with instructions on how they clean their own oil paintings.

(I'm willing to guess they would all say, "call a pro and have it sent out)" But,that is just a guess. Call them.

Look in the yellow pages under
CLEANING SERVICES, then look for OIL PAINTINGS under that listing.

That's about all I can think of.

Personally, I'd leave it dirty. That adds to the mystery of it, and you'll leave it in its "antique" or original condition.

Move the painting out of direct sunlight so it doesn't get more dusty.

Consider putting a housing around it .

Do not put plastic or glass touching the painting.

If you want it framed or reframed , after cleaning , do have a pro do that, unless you are experienced in framing art work.

Those are the answers to your question.

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Answer 2

If you can't tell for certain the kind of varnish protecting the oil, or even if there is any, take it to a pro. I restore paintings, smoke is a very common thing to clean, but what you use depends on the surface you are cleaning. Using the wrong chemical can permanently damage your painting. So check out some local art galleries, most don't offer this specialized service, but they'll be able to refer you to someone who does, and the'll give you an estimate first. It's worth the bucks to just drop it off one day, then pick it up and hang that sucker up and enjoy it.

Answer 3

Art cleaning is done by art restorers. It is sophisticated chemistry. DO NOT try this yourself. You can destroy it if you use the wrong thing or use the wrong chemical. Start by going to the large museums in your area and find out who they use. Then save your money and do that. If you can't find anyone near you. Save your money and when you can send your piece to restorers in the US, do so. Just keep it dusted until you can afford to have it properly done.

Answer 4

Use white gesso by Bob Ross or titanium white in oil with diluent or poppy oil. Hope helped! Oh, sorry I din't write it all. If it has been sanded, dusted or something else, use a wet cloth or a whisk to clean it, but be careful: it must be dry.

Answer 5

I am an artist and suggest you seek a professional to clean this piece for you. Discoloration from smoke may be a tough one to tackle. Call a local frame shop and ask them for referrals.

Answer 6

It's free and it's convenient and you should have plenty of it - saliva! Enzymes in your saliva helps break down the dirt and it is safe for oils

Answer 7

Take it to someone who knows what there doing.
Don't try it yourself,especially if you value the painting.

Answer 8

I have always been told to git it professionally done. It is to easy to damage.