Oil painting surfaces are unique and sensitive, and over time they can collect dirt, dust, and smudges. To remove it, you should not use alcohol, water, or household cleaning products. So you need to know how to clean the surface of the oil paint without causing any damage. Clean the dirt and dust on the surface using a dry, soft brush. You can also use saliva and cotton buds to remove dirt. If the painting is very valuable or antique, we recommend that you take it to a professional conservator for cleaning.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing Surface Dirt with a Soft Brush
Step 1. Place the oil painting on a firm and stable surface
If the painting has hung on the wall in a solid position, clean the painting in that place. However, it's best if you still lower it and place it on a stable and level table, or lean it on a solid place for best results.
By lowering the painting from the wall, you can view it in a different light and get a better vantage point to spot any dirt stuck to the surface
Step 2. Use a soft dry brush
The larger the painting, the larger the brush needed. If the brush is small, it will take you a long time to clean the entire large painting surface! Whatever brush size you choose, make sure you use soft, dry bristles before starting cleaning.
- Sable bristles are known to be very soft and are considered safe for this procedure.
- A feather duster may look soft, but it is not recommended for this job. Feathers have a kind of thorn that can scratch the surface of an oil painting.
Step 3. Use a brush to gently clean the first part of the painting
Starting at the top corner, lightly brush back and forth across the painting, a few inches wide at a time. Next, do the same in the lower area until you reach the very bottom of the painting.
By cleaning from the top down, the dust can be removed from the surface, not just moving to another part
Step 4. Continue cleaning in small areas until the entire painting is brushed off
Move the cleaning to the next section (which also starts at the top) and lightly brush back and forth while continuing to point the brush downwards. Continue to do this until all parts of the painting are cleaned.
Step 5. Take your time and don't add pressure when brushing
This method is only to remove superficial dirt and dust that sticks to the surface of the painting. Dirt that seeps into the canvas, deep dirt, smudges, and other problems won't be removed using this method even if you apply firm pressure as you run the brush across the painting surface.
Do the cleaning slowly, gently, and unhurriedly for best results
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Painting with Saliva
Step 1. Wet the tip of the cotton bud with saliva
Gently roll the cotton bud over your tongue until it feels damp, but not soaking wet. Using spit to clean a work of art may seem strange, but museum curators and other professionals around the world have been using it safely and effectively for centuries!
- Saliva contains enough enzymes that break down dirt and grime, but don't damage the paint on the painting.
- Use high quality cotton buds as the tips are very soft.
Step 2. Brush on one corner of the painting first to see the effect it has on the painting
Before cleaning the entire painting with a cotton swab, test it in one corner of the painting to see if spit can damage the surface. Saliva can usually be used effectively and safely, but you should still be careful.
If any paint transfers to the cotton bud, do not continue the process
Step 3. Apply a moistened cotton swab to the painting in small areas
It is recommended that you work on a 3 cm square painting surface at a time. This process does take a lot of time. Do not move the cotton swab sideways, but rub it up and down in small, light movements.
Step 4. Replace the dirty end of the cotton swab with another clean end
Wet the other end by rolling it on your tongue, and continue to rub the painting. If the tip is dirty, throw away the cotton swab and replace it with a new one. Depending on the size of the painting and the level of dirtiness, you may need lots of cotton buds to complete this task!
It is very important to replace dirty cotton buds with new ones so that the dirt on the cotton buds does not transfer to the painting surface
Method 3 of 3: Taking Safe Actions on Precious Paintings
Step 1. Take an antique or valuable oil painting to a professional conservator
Oil painting surfaces are fragile, and can be damaged or permanently damaged if you clean them yourself at home. If the painting is old, expensive, or has a high sentimental value, you shouldn't clean it yourself at home. Take the painting to a professional conservator for cleaning.
- Insure valuable paintings before you take them to a professional for cleaning.
- If you still want to clean it yourself at home, first practice the cleaning process on another worthless painting to see the results of the cleaning technique you use.
Step 2. Do not use bread or potatoes to clean the oil painting
Many people who don't understand will say that you can remove dust and dirt from the surface of an oil painting using bread or potato wedges. This is a bad idea, especially if you have paintings that are old or expensive. Cleaning paintings with foodstuffs can leave crumbs and residue.
If the painting is very dirty and you're willing to run the risk of it getting damaged, try cleaning it with foodstuffs
Step 3. Avoid using alcohol, water, and baby oil
Water can change the appearance of oil paint on canvas, and alcohol can remove paint. Some people think that baby oil can restore softness to the surface of an oil painting and make the color brighter. However, baby oil actually makes the surface sticky and more prone to sticking with dirt.
- Paintings can be permanently damaged if you use these materials to clean them.
- If you're willing to take the risk, dampen a soft cloth with a little water and use it to gently scrub the surface of the painting to remove dust and dirt.
Step 4. Take the oil painting to a professional conservator to remove the varnish
Varnish is a clear protective layer on the surface of an oil painting. If the varnish looks dirty, but the painting underneath looks clean, you may be tempted to remove the dirty varnish and apply a new coat. Never try this step, unless you are proficient or experienced doing it.
- If not done properly, oil paintings can be permanently damaged which will reduce their beauty and value.
- If you still want to do it yourself, use a professional cleaning agent specifically designed to remove varnish on oil painting surfaces.
Step 5. Accept that some parts of the painting cannot be cleaned with current techniques
While the paintings are valuable, even a professional conservator may advise you to leave them as they are. At this time, art historians are researching and developing better cleaning techniques. So, in the future maybe you can safely clean a precious painting.
