Comments on: Reader’s Question: Cleaning an Oil Painting

By: Cindy Brick

Cindy Brick — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:33:55 +0000

I enjoy your blog so much that it’s a pleasure to be able to help out once in a while. Know how the Smithsonian’s curators clean their paintings? With spit! They keep a handful of q-tips (theirs have a long handle) and a very large glass of water to “refresh” the source, shall we say.

I’m not kidding. I read this in last year’s September issue of the SMTIHSONIAN. The curators said saliva was one of the best natural non-abrasive cleaners around.

By: Molly

Molly — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:05:53 +0000

I just read in the Real Simple magazine about cleaning an oil painting with a piece of regular/dry white bread and dabbing it over the painting…It might just dust it, but it’s something!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:01:11 +0000

I recently researched an article on this topic so here is the article (free to read!). Obviously, do not try any self cleaning methods on a valuable painting or one that will leave you heartbroken to lose.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5155460_clean-painting.html

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By: Mercedes

Mercedes — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:15:01 +0000

I think this maybe one of those instances when being cheap is not the same as being frugal. While the painting may not have any monetary value it has a lot of sentimental value for her and that should not be dismissed. It doesn’t seem she is in a rush to get this cleaned. I would start saving money now to get this professionally cleaned in the future and return this painting to his original state. I am sure the painting and memories deserve that.

Mercedes

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By: Leanne

Leanne — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:37:10 +0000

Bread could well work, I know it can be used to remove any nicotine staining from upholstery that’s been in a smoker’s home so it could be quite good at removing any surface dirt.

They coulld try calling any larger local galleries to see if they cane speak to someone serving an apprenticeship. They may be willing to clean it to add to their experience using pro tools for very little money.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:18:55 +0000

I would love to know the answer as well!

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By: mbhunter

mbhunter — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:05:49 +0000

If you try the bread thing maybe test it on another painting or an inconspicuous portion of the real one.

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By: motownmutt

motownmutt — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:29:16 +0000

maybe doughy bread? from a quick google search:

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Oil-Painting

By: Jenn @ Frugal Upstate

Jenn @ Frugal Upstate — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:27:37 +0000

I asked this question on twitter as well to see if anyone there had an answer. I got this response:

dagsly: oddly enough cleaning it with bread seems to be a popular answer. http://bit.ly/1269xv

Has anyone tried that method?