An art painting is something which is irreplaceable and can be treasured for long, so being an owner of an original piece of art has always been a matter of pride. Nowadays, with the recent upsurge in the popularity of numerous online art galleries, purchase and sale of modern art paintings or original oil paintings has become much easier.
We buy these oil paintings with much enthusiasm to adorn our personal or office spaces. But, just buying and hanging them on your home walls is not the end. Well, keeping it sparkling clean is yet another concern which generally the art lovers come across. An oil painting actually needs a lot of care and maintenance to retain its splendor intact for years to come. If you are not that aware about the technique of cleaning the painting, then it would be advisable to take a professional help in the same concern.
However, you can even meritoriously clean the oil paintings on your own just by following the given below few simple steps:
- First and the foremost thing while cleaning the painting is that you should always ensure that the brush you are using is made up of soft bristles. Generally, brushes with soft bristles help in the removal of the accumulated dust particles on the painting without damaging the intrinsic value of the art.
- For cleaning the backside of the painting, you first need to take the painting out from its frame and gingerly place it on a clean surface.
- After this you need to vacuum the particles of dust gently and cautiously with the help of small nozzle, which is a brush attachment.
- If required, you can also place a paper cover on the backside of the painting to avoid dust particles getting accumulated there while cleaning.
- If the lacquer of the oil painting appears to be timeworn, then all you need to do is to use "conservation liquid" to clean, which is relatively a gentle solvent.
- Do not apply the solvent directly on the painting; before doing that always make sure that you test its reaction by applying it on just one corner of the painting first.
- If the solvent is good, then before apply it you make sure that you place the painting in an area that has enough ventilation.
- Now apply the solvent very carefully on the surface of the painting with a cotton swab and make sure that the swab is already dampened with clean water. After this, lightly roll it on the surface to remove the dust.
- If in case you see any signs of visible cracks or loose flakes, then warily remove dust from the surface with the help of a very soft and dry bristle brush, for instance you can use a baby toothbrush or shaving cream brush.
- And in case you find the surface of the oil painting is humid, muddy or oily, then try to use a mild detergent solution on it. Blend the solution properly in lukewarm water and apply it with clean fiber cloth on the surface of the painting.
- For newly created modern paintings, always make sure that the oil painting is free of built-up dust particles, smoke, pet hair, as well as any bacterial or fungal growth.
- Last, but not the least in case the oil painting is masked in dust or the varnish of the painting has turned yellow, then it is highly recommended for you to look for a qualified professional help for cleaning the painting rather than trying to fix the problem by your own self.