cleaning

Discover the sensitivity of modern oil paints to cleaning solvents. Learn about the best practices for maintaining and preserving your artwork. Read now for essential artist insights. Practical advice is provided for artists on selecting pigments, understanding the role of additives, and careful cleaning methods to preserve their work.

Over time, the appearance of paintings change not only because of accumulated dirt but also because aging itself alters the materials that make up the painting. Besides the build-up of dust, dirt, and grime (i.e., soot, nicotine, etc.), the gradual yellowing and cracking of the varnish layer alters the image. This article gives artists practical and safer methods to clean their own paintings than what is currently taught or practiced by artists. The cleaning methods demonstrated in this article apply specifically to oil paintings, but the techniques and materials can also be used with additional precautions on gouache and tempera paintings.

The second step in cleaning paintings is the removal of more tenacious dust and dirt by dry cleaning with dry sponges or tacky materials. Further cleaning may require the use of aqueous cleaning methods.

The first step in cleaning a painting is the removal of loose dust and dirt. This can be accomplished with brushing, dusting, or vacuuming. Further cleaning may require the use of dry cleaning materials and aqueous cleaning methods.