Clean a smoke-damaged oil painting.
Over time, an oil painting can darken due to smoke damage, dirt and aging. Of course, an oil painting can also become damaged due to exposure to smoke as a result of a fire. Most oil paintings have a protective varnish layer that helps protect the paint from fading and cracking. A few basic steps will help you carefully clean a smoke-damaged oil painting. If the oil painting is antique, carries sentimental value or has a high appraisal value, you should take the painting to an expert for cleaning.
Instructions
1. Take photographs of the oil painting. Photograph the front and back sides of the oil painting before beginning any cleaning procedures. Take a close-up photograph of any signatures or writing on the front or back of the painting. Use photographs at the end of the cleaning procedure to compare the painting before and after the cleaning.
2. Use a soft brush to remove dirt. Choose a soft brush like a baby toothbrush, soft-bristled paint brush or shaving brush. Brush gently across the surface of the oil painting to remove loose dirt and soot. Avoid harsh scrubbing on the oil painting surface. Use a light, gentle circular motion to wipe away dirt flakes and dust.
3. Cover a flat surface with craft paper or newspaper. Place the oil painting on the protected surface with the oil painting face up. Wear surgical gloves to protect your hands. Open a window or turn on a fan to make sure the room has adequate ventilation.
4. Apply an oil painting neutralizer to the painting. A neutralizer is a chemical that works to balance the chemicals in the emulsion cleaner that will be used during the cleaning process. Choose a cotton ball or a thin cotton rag for the best results. Wipe the entire surface of the oil painting with the cotton using a gentle, circular wiping motion. Do not scrub the painting. Use a cotton swab to test a corner of the painting with an oil painting emulsion cleaner. An emulsion cleaner will remove dirt and smoke. Discontinue if the emulsion cleaner smears the paint, causes paint to come off on the cotton swab or discolors the surface.
5. Clean the painting with emulsion cleaner in small 2-inch squares. If the oil remains intact after doing the cotton swab test, use a fresh cotton boll, cotton swab or cotton rag to apply the emulsion cleaner. Clean a small square area of the painting and neutralize the area with the neutralizer before continuing to another square. Do not scrub the surface. Clean the area with a soft circular or rolling motion. Use a new cotton ball or cotton swab for each new 2-inch area.
6. Allow sufficient time for the emulsion cleaner and neutralizer to dry. Wait several hours before repeating the cleaning procedures on the backside of the oil painting. Let the entire oil painting dry for 24 hours before hanging it back on the wall.
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