How do you cleanin oil paintings

Israel
May 6, 2010 5:20am CST
Has anyone here ever cleaned oil paintings? I quit smoking 8 months ago and would like to get all the nicotine off my dads art work. I have many of his oil paintings and value them greatly. I don't want to risk damaging them, but I also want to get all the yucky old nicotine off hem. I was a very heavy smoker, so everything that hasn't been scrubbed is still covered in a layer of yellow nicotine. It's a good thing he didn't work with water colors because they aren't cleanable.
3 people like this
6 responses
@oldchem1 (8132)
6 May 10
You do need to be careful but it can be done. Put some mild detergent in a spray bottle WELL diluted with warm water. Spray on the painting in small amounts and clean with a clean soft cloth, I also used cotton buds. Dry it well with another soft clean cloth. I have also been told that furniture polish on the top brings back a shine, but i've not tried it. I recommend that you try in a small area first.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
6 May 10
I would imagine that mild detergent would do the trick but I would take care not to get the painting too wet and not to rub on the surface. I would gently dab the cleaning solution on. I wonder if an art gallery would be able to help or whether you can buy something you can use. I did read online somewhere (I don’t remember where) that you could use half turpentine and liquid Murphy’s Oil Soap or Flax soap and rub really gently. I have never tried so I don’t guarantee results...
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
6 May 10
I would find an art store and ask them you might have to have it done by a professional
@ElicBxn (63643)
• United States
6 May 10
If the paint is dry, then light washing with a damp cloth and clean water should, after several times (letting dry between cleanings) get the worst of it off.
@BarBaraPrz (47670)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
6 May 10
Other than occasionally dusting them, I've never tried cleaning my oils. My guess would be to use a soft cloth dipped in a solution of water and mild dish soap. No scrubbing, obviously. Good luck!
@phoenix8606 (4942)
6 May 10
hi! i have a friend of mine who is an artist and I must ask him soon, but as I know there are some special praparations for cleaning oil paint, so you better go and check it out in the local paint shoop!