How to Restore Oil Paintings

An oil painting that is slightly dirty can be restored easily. An oil painting that is very dirty, has yellowed varnish or missing paint is more of a challenge. An oil painting that needs a lot of restoration is a slow process. The right tools and patience are required. Learn the techniques to restore an oil painting.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large high quality paintbrush
• Medium high quality paintbrush
• Small high quality paintbrush
• Soft flannel cloth
• Varnish remover
• Varnish
• Paint

1. Lightly brush the painting with a large high quality paintbrush to remove loose dirt. Use a medium size or small size paintbrush if needed to get into crevices.

2. Gently wipe the oil painting with a soft flannel cloth.

3. An aged varnish will look yellow or it will have a cracking appearance. If the oil painting is coated with an aged varnish, clean the painting gently with varnish remover and a small high quality paintbrush. Work on very small pieces of the painting at a time, working gently and carefully. Allow the painting to thoroughly dry.

4. Using a small paintbrush, restore any damaged or missing paint areas by carefully painting the areas with matching oil paints. Allow the paint to thoroughly dry.

5. To finish the restoration of the oil painting, apply a fresh coat of varnish.

Tips & Warnings

• Work slowly and use very little varnish remover or paint at time to be sure that the products are not damaging the oil painting.
• Never use water, soap or household detergents on your oil painting.