An oil or acrylic painting can be preserve for a long time if taken care of properly. Here are some tips to clean and maintain your oil or acrylic paintings in good condition.
Regular Cleaning
- You may use a soft and dry cloth to gently dust the surface of your painting weekly to prevent a buildup of dust.
- The glass covering the picture can be cleaned with a glass cleaner applied directly to the glass.
- Do not use any kind of furniture polish, cleaning agent or household cleanser on your painting as the chemicals may harm the painting.
Deep Dirt and Dust Buildup
Should you find an amount of dust or dirt that cannot be removed with a soft brush or cleaning cloth, you can use a small amount of distilled water as a cleaning agent. Use a cotton swab dipped in the distilled water and gently remove the dirt from the painting. Be careful not to use a large amount of water; just moisten the cotton swab. If you are unable to remove the dirt after a few tries, you should contact a cleaning professional.
Preservation
- Hang your painting in an area that is not subject to direct, bright sunlight as this type of light can cause the colors to fade. However, some fading or darkening of colors over time is normal.
- Avoid exposing your painting to extreme temperatures or excessive moisture as it may cause damage to the painting due to contracting and expanding of the materials or fungal growth.
- Insects may cause damage to paintings. If you suspect an infestation of bugs, you should package the painting in plastic and have an professional examine and clean the painting for you.
