Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Possession of a good painting is always a source of pride. These days, purchasing a modern or classic painting has become easier thanks to the growing popularity of online galleries. But just as it takes a long time to find a good oil painting, it requires careful maintenance in order to maintain its beauty for years to come. To clean or restore paintings, it is worth contacting professional restorers. However, you can effectively clean oil paintings yourself by following these simple steps.

Steps

1. 1 Make sure the brush you will be using to clean your paintings is full of soft bristles. Soft brushes remove dirt from the painting without damaging it.
2. 2 To clean the back of a painting, first remove it from the frame and gently place it on a clean surface.
3. 3 Use a small brush attachment to gently and gently vacuum off the dust.
4. 4 If necessary, place paper between the canvas and the frame to prevent dust accumulation.
5. 5 If the varnish in your painting looks aged, buy a mild thinner and clean it.
6. 6 Before using solvent on a painting, test it in the corner of the canvas.
7. 7 If the solvent is good, place the painting in a well-ventilated area.
8. 8 Now, very gently, with cotton swabs, apply the solvent to the surface of the painting.
9. 9 To remove dirt from the surface, use a cotton swab dipped in distilled water. Lightly run your stick over the surface to remove any dirt.
10. 10 If the painting has cracks or peeling paint, carefully remove the dust with a very soft, dry sponge.
11. 11 If the surface of the painting is damp, dirty or oily, use a mild detergent. Dissolve it in warm water and apply to the surface of the painting with clean cloths.
12. 12 If you own a contemporary painting, make sure the painting is free of dirt, smoke, animal hair, dandruff, bacteria and fungus.
13. 13 Only professionals should clean paintings covered with dust, or those on which the varnish has turned yellow.

Tips

• When removing dust from a painting, do not bend the canvas under any circumstances.
• Never remove dirt by knocking out a painting.
• Do not immerse the painting in water.
• Do not place living plants next to the painting, as insects and pests can fly over to it and get dirty.
• Do not rub or scrub the painting forcefully.
• Do not shake loose, flaky pieces of paint from the painting, as they may get lost.

Warnings

• Do not use water, special paint preservation solvents or detergents. Should I risk a valuable painting? Put it in the hands of professional restorers with specialized education and experience. Don't experiment; leave it to the professionals. Remember that damage to a painting is irreversible, so take care of your artwork!

What do you need

• Well ventilated room
• Soft brushes
• Small vacuum cleaner with bristle attachment
• Paper
• Special solvent
• Cotton swabs
• Dry brush with soft bristles, such as a children's toothbrush or shaving brush
• Mild detergent
• New cloth napkins