Oil Painting Cleaning
The subject of cleaning entails two different processes:
1. Application of solvents to loosen and dissolve accumulated soil such as smoke, tobacco, oils and plain old dirt. The accompanying photo shows a portrait with the right half cleaned.
1. Application of solvents to loosen and dissolve accumulated soil such as smoke, tobacco, oils and plain old dirt. The accompanying photo shows a portrait with the right half cleaned.
2. Application of solvents to dissolve old or darkened varnish. These solvents are more powerful and can attack the underlying paint, unless stopped by application of a neutralizing compound. The accompanying photos show a painting as received, with severely darkened varnish and a small tear, and after repair and varnish removal.