The cleaning process differs depending on what kind of paint was used.
As time passes, paintings tend to become more valuable; unfortunately, they also become dirtier. Tobacco smoke, among other pollutants, can cause a painting to look stained and old. It's possible to clean tobacco smoke from a painting following several simple steps, but the process is different according to the type of paint used in the painting. Oil paint can withstand harsher cleaners; acrylic paint, since it's water-based, is more sensitive to solvents and even water-based cleaners. Only attempt to clean a painting if the surface is stable and undamaged. Otherwise, consult a professional.
Instructions
Clean an Oil Painting
1. Put on surgical gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals. Make sure your workspace is well ventilated because the chemicals you will be using have fumes.
2. Lay the painting on a piece of kraft paper, face-up. Apply the neutralizer to a clean piece of cotton cloth and wipe it gently over the entire surface of the painting. This will clean off any surface dirt.
3. Dip the cotton swab into the emulsion cleaner and apply it to a 2-inch square of the painting. Apply it in a rolling motion; don't use a wiping or scrubbing motion. Take care that you're only removing dirt or smoke residue and not the paint. Then neutralize the 2-inch area with the cloth containing the neutralizer.
4. Repeat Step 3 until the entire painting is clean. Proceed only in 2-inch sections, using a clean cotton swab each time you need more emulsion cleaner. Dispose of used cotton cloths and swabs in a covered metal container.
5. Coat the cleaned painting with gloss varnish to protect the painting and bring out its colors.
Clean an Acrylic Painting
6. Moisten a clean cotton swab with saliva, which contains enzymes that act on dirt and smoke residue. If you prefer, use deionized water in place of saliva.
7. Choose a small area of the painting that is the least noticeable. Roll the wet swab gently over the painting surface in this area, keeping the moisture to a minimum.
8. Examine this small area after cleaning, ensuring there is no color pickup on the swab or change in gloss.
9. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the entire painting is clean. Coat the painting with a layer of acrylic polymer varnish to protect it and enhance the colors.
Related posts
Oil paintings require tender loving care over the years.Oil paintings accumulate dust and dirt that settles into the painting surface. As varnish yellows and exposure to house pollutants accumulat...
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 resul...
Oil paintings have texture that often elucidates the picture's story.Whether an old family heirloom or something picked up at a garage sale, cleaning an oil painting is delicate work. Oil painting...
An oil painting can be worth a lot of money.An original oil painting can be a valuable or precious piece of art to own. If you have an original oil painting, then you know it can be challenging to...
Oil paintings damaged by smoke can be restored.We love to collect art pieces and, like the ones displayed in art museums, we strive to protect our treasures and hang them in prominent viewing spot...
