Q: How can I clean oil paintings without damaging the paint?
A: In general, it is best to take your painting to a
conservator to have it cleaned. You can find a conservator in your area
by calling The American Institute for Conservation of Historic &
Artistic Works, in Washington, DC, at (202) 452-9545.
There are, however, some simple procedures you can follow on your
own to maintain your artwork. Use a very soft badger-bristle brush to
dust away surface dirt. If the painting is old, be careful not to
loosen any paint flakes. You can also remove the painting from its
frame and dust the sides and back to keep it clean. If surface dirt
cannot be removed by dusting, roll a cotton swab lightly dampened with
distilled water on the surface. You should also look for signs of
insects such as carpet beetles and powder post beetles. Insects are
found mostly on the backs of paintings and between the canvas and
stretcher bars. Holes in the canvas are indications of wormlike
insects; furry carcasses indicate a beetle problem.
--by Camille LaPointe-Lyons