Paint and brushes
Restoring an oil painting is a delicate task. Professional restorers can spend years on just one piece, but amateur restorers can still make an old piece look good in a shorter amount of time.
No Shortcuts
When it comes to restoring an oil painting, taking shortcuts--or working quickly--is the quickest path to destruction. Patience and persistence are key when it comes to art restoration. Avoid seemingly quick fixes like soap and water, linseed oil, glue removers and general household cleaners, as these can further damage a painting that's already in need of care.
Testing Products
There are several chemicals that may be used to clean paintings. Each works differently, and each will clean at a different rate of speed and depth. Do-it-yourself art restorers should start the restoration process in one corner of the piece. Have a neutralizer handy; if something unexpected happens while using a cleaning agent, the neutralizer stops the process before the undesired effect spreads. Use a number of chemicals in this "test area" to see which one provides the desired look. Once the best product is determined, it's time to move on to the rest of the painting.
Cleaning a Painting
If the painting was created within the past ten or twenty years, the surface might simply be dusty, and it might help to clean the surface of the painting using dry tools, such as small brushes. Be sure to use a gentle hand. If the painting is sticky or grimy, a cleaning solvent is probably in order. Lightly blot the surface with a dry rag or soft cloth, and then use the desired cleaning agent to work over the entire painting. This cleaning process is the most intense part of the restoration and requires caution and patience. Once finished, re-varnish the painting to seal it again.
Consulting a Professional
If other restoration is needed--such as repairing a tear or fixing spots where paint has chipped off--consult a professional. He will know what techniques will work best given the materials used and damage sustained, and can provide an estimate of how much the repairs will cost.
