How To Clean Your Oil Paintings And Protect Their Elegance

Over the years, oil paintings have become more accessible with the advent of online galleries and budding contemporary artists and are already recognized as treasured art pieces as well as sensible investments. It isn't surprising to find one of these paintings hanging from the walls of a middle-class residence. However it might be a challenge to pass them on to future generations in good condition because oil paints are very easily damaged by humidity, scratching, and even sunlight simply to name a few. While the oils are expected to naturally darken after awhile, proper care can help prevent other kinds of damage and degradation. If the proper attention is provided and damage is prevented in the first place, there would be no need for professional cleaning and refurbishing services to try and repair a painting. All it requires is a little bit of oil varnish, a few other necessary cleaning materials and a light touch.

Make certain that the painting has thoroughly dried before applying a layer of varnish that will help preserve the colours and preserve it from different harmful elements. It usually requires up to a year for the oils to thoroughly dry out before it is safe to apply the protective varnish. Make sure to ask the gallery if varnish has already been applied, but usually the painters do this themselves. Every so often, dust and dirt does build-up and the varnish itself could become dark and brittle over time. To keep the painting and varnish free from the dirt that might make it appear deceptively darker, preventive cleaning is required. Lightly clean the front and back employing a vacuum on low settings with a brush attachment that has soft bristles. A few dabs from a slightly moistened cotton swab will help remove stubborn surface dirt. Apply a light solvent, known as conservation liquid, to restore the varnish if it is beginning to show its age. Keep in mind to wash your hands before beginning cleaning work on the painting and to perform the process in a well-ventilated area.

It also pays to keep your paintings away from damaging elements in the first place in addition to the occasional cleaning session. Avoid hanging the painting on a wall that is directly illuminated by sunlight and keep it away from other kinds of warm lighting. Hang them securely, making sure that there is little possibility that they can be bumped or knocked down from where they are hung. Keep them away from open windows and air-conditioning vents where there is a higher concentration of dust in the air. The oils in the painting need proper circulation in order to prevent moisture buildup so do not frame them with glass or cover them with plastic.