How do I get rust stains off a painting that is oil on muslin? It is 80 years old.?

Question

I found an old horse painting that has been in our family for 80 years. It was painted on off-white muslin. It has brown rust
stains all over it. Can the stains be gotten out without harming
the picture?

Answer 1

I suggest you do not touch the painting yourself or you may regret it later.

Why not take it to an expert restorer for some advice and a quote as to how much it would cost to fix?

I have read that it is possible to gently clean a painting by merely using a cotton bud dampened in a little distilled water, but I would try this in an inconspicuous place first.

Try a search engine with the words art restoration, rust or other key words of that nature. I'm sure they will all recommend the work be done by someone who knows what they are doing.

Good luck.

Answer 2

i'm an excellent fan of Barkeepers pal for eliminating rust. I deal in antiques and collectibles and use Barkeepers only approximately completely for doing away with rust stains. Use Barkeepers in a paste and use a medium bristle brush or medium steel wool to artwork on the stains, you additionally can permit it take a seat for 30-40 5 minutes to help get out obdurate stains. There are additionally cleaners like Lime Away that are much less messy than Barkeepers yet are greater poisonous.

Answer 3

Any liquid you try to use on this painting could cause damage - it will seep into the cracks in the paint (even microscopic cracks) and travel into the fabric substrate. This could lift the paint, create mildew... you don't want that.

"Go to a professional" is the best advice.

Answer 4

do not touch the painting, because can be worst, and you lose, if rust looks like smoke try to very slow wash the painting by soap ...or same technicals you remove the dust from your expensive car ( polishing)

Answer 5

Yes. It can be done but only by a professional. He/she will also determine if it actually IS rust.