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In Depth cleaning is done by removing the varnish.
Oil paintings are normally coated with a layer of varnish.
This layer is applied for the protection of the painting, so that dirt and grime don't directly attach to and enter into the paint.
When this layer becomes to dirty for light cleaning then this layer of varnish is removed, the painting cleaned and a new layer of varnish is applied, making the painting ready for display again.
This varnish layer is removed, with a pad of cotton wool dipped in methylated spirits, to prevent the methylated spirits from working to deep into the paint, a second pad of cottonwool, this one dipped in turpentine is at the ready to arrest the workings of the methylated spirits.
As this cleaning has a dessicating action upon the paint, most restorers dilute some linseed oil into the turpentine to alleviate this problem.
Before starting this in depth cleaning one should take the time to fix the values of the painting if not photographically than certainly in ones mind.
This way the balance of the painting can be maintained.
Lighter colors always clean well but one should be aware that the darker colors dissolve quicker and should therefore be handled with great care.
Sometimes a painting has been "adjusted" at a later stage either to "improve" the picture, to suit a fashion (making it more sellable ), or to hide a bad repair. This "adjusting" is most times done by coloring the varnish so giving the picture a mood or attempting to make it look older than it is.
When one cleans the picture those "adjustments" are removed giving you a clear look at the real picture.
Adjustments made to hide a tear or hole often includes the addition of a figure, such as a cow or tree or the extention of a building.
The paint used for those "improvements" invariably dissolve easier then the surrounding paint, when cleaning the picture and one should be continuously aware of this possibility. Therefor it is necessary to check ones cotton wool pad each time it leaves the picture to ensure that no paint is removed from the picture.
If this however is happening then arrest the dissolving action of the methylated spirits instantly, by applying turpentine to this area and after examination let the picture dry for an extended period.
After which one can continue with further cleaning where necessary. |
