I would like to know,how can I clean an oil painting,without damanging it?

First off I would have a pro do it,unless you feel that you can live without it if a problem ruins it.My father whom was a very good artist and conservator would use a product called art gum to clean oil paintings.It is eraser like but is not abrasive.Go to a art supply store and then use it in a small area first.Then do small parts at a time , or your results will be blotchy and uneven....good luckI would like to know,how can I clean an oil painting,without damanging it?
If it's of any value I'd recommend that you do not do yourself. Send it to a professional.I would like to know,how can I clean an oil painting,without damanging it?
There are professional people that do that, or go to an art supply store and ask them.
Well cured oil paint is tough stuff, but just don't use any oil or petroleum solvent products on it. Use a mild water based cleaner, like regular dishwashing detergent and water. Test a small area, because Acrylics look a lot like oil paints...but are water based and can be damaged by water based cleaners. Rinse with clean water and blot it off well.


Then, you might consider a clear oil based varnish to brighten it up.
TAKE A MILD DISH SOAP ON A DAMP CLOTH AND CAREFULLY WORK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
I'm sure there are better ways, but if it's dust you could use compressed air.
they pay people to do that get a professional involved don't ruin it
INSTRUCTIONS





Before beginning you should take a photograph of your painting. If there is any writing or intricate detail on your painting take a close up photo of that area. This will act as a before picture and allow corrections.





Other equipment you will need: Large clean sheet of paper (rolled brown paper used for wrapping works great), rubber gloves, cotton swabs, neutralizer, emulsion cleaner, varnish remover, (more on these three later), wooden Q tips (the long six inch type), and some paint varnish. I also suggest having a large piece or several pieces of a hard linoleum of Formica and then some strips of plastic or wood to place directly under the are of the oil painting you are working on. The idea is to have a small mini table inside the frame of your painting so that by pressing down on the canvas you will not stretch it when restoring your portrait.





The neutralizer is important as it will stop any action of another chemical you are using to clean your oil painting. This can also be used for an initial cleaning of your entire oil painting to clean surface dirt. The emulsion cleaner and varnish remover will be your primary means of restoring your oil painting. Depending on which you use and works better will depend on what is affecting your portrait. The varnish remover will remove yellowed and aged varnish while the emulsion cleaner will remove dirt, dust, and smoke from your oil painting.





I suggest you start in a small corner of your oil painting (with the neutralizer handy to stop any action undesirable) and see which product works best for your oil painting.





Lastly the painting varnish will be used when finished to seal the painting again for display. All of these products can be bought in any art store or craft place. Many can also be bought online





Actual steps:





Step 1: Lay the oil painting to be cleaned face up on a clean sheet of paper in a well ventilated area. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals. Build up your work area using the strips of wood or plastic and the Formica or hard linoleum directly underneath the area you want to start cleaning. Remember to start in the corner of your oil painting to test before working on high detail areas. Be careful not to press down on the canvas too hard or you will stretch the canvas. Using the mini table underneath is the best way to avoid that.





Step 2: Apply the neutralizer to a piece of cotton and delicately wipe over the face of the oil painting to clean off all the surface dirt and dust.





Step 3: Next use a wooden cotton swab to test a corner of the oil painting with emulsion cleaner and a varnish remover to determine which product will best clean your oil painting. Directly after each test make sure you apply some neutralizer on another cotton swab and gently wipe over the test area to neutralize the cleaning action.





Step 4: After determining which product to use, begin cleaning the rest of your oil painting. Use your wooden cotton swabs in a rolling motion being very gentle and precise. Do not scrub back and forth on your canvas when applying the cleaner. Constantly check your cotton swabs for dirt and grime and ensure you are not removing paint.





( NOTE: I suggest cleaning a 3 to 4 inch square area at a time and then using the neutralizer in the same area before tackling another part of your oil painting. We also suggest doing the oil painting in sections. That is do all the hair of a portrait or a persons shirt as working on similar areas will make it easier to monitor change in color. Take your time! This is not a car wash and something to be rushed.)





Step 5: Next step is to varnish the oil painting with a gloss varnish to preserve your oil painting.





Step 6: Lastly take another picture of your oil paining and compare the two. Keep these as a record to monitor the health of your oil painting.
use paint remover :)