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Step 1
Prepare a suitable work space with a large enough surface to completely hold the painting with room left on all sides. The surface should be completely smooth and rigid with a cushioned top made of sturdy polyurethane foam to protect the frame and painting itself.
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Step 2
Position the painting face down and remove as much dust as possible from back of the frame and painting. This can be accomplished using a vacuum held above the painting so as not to cause any damage. You can gently loosen any caked on areas with a tiny blunt knife.
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Step 3
Remove the frame from the painting. Remove any nails from the frame being cautious to avoid putting undue pressure on the frame. When using pliers be sure to use a flat piece of metal to gain leverage instead of putting pressure on the artwork itself. Measure and mark the position of the nails on a template so they may be reinstated accurately once the art is reframed.
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Step 4
Clean any mildew from the painting with a sodium hypochloride solution. This chemical agent can be purchased from any home improvement store and many supermarkets. Check the product label to make sure there are no other chemicals present in the solution. Use a cotton ball dipped in the agent to gently rub any mildewed areas. Pause often to check for color on the cotton ball which would indicate paint removal. Be sure to take a clean cotton ball dipped in purified water to remove the sodium hypochloride following cleaning.
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Step 5
Sprinkle several drops of lemon juice onto a freshly cut onion half. Use the onion to softly clean your painting by brushing it across your painting with light strokes. Remove a thin slice of onion each time it begins to dry and reapply a few drops of lemon juice. Following the "onion cleaning" with a gentle wash from a dampened sponge (remember to use purified water).
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Step 6
Proceed with a heavier cleaning if dirt remains. Take a pinch of sodium carbonate (check for this agent at a home improvement or hobby store) and dissolve it in 12 ounces of warm water. Dip a cotton ball in solution and use it to gently rub the painting. Test a very small area for effectiveness and to ensure the painting is not being damaged. If all is well you can continue to clean with the cotton using a circular motion on small areas at a time. As always, wipe with a damp sponge following this treatment.
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Step 7
Remove the layer of varnish from your painting when needed for detailed cleaning. Only remove varnish if you are not satisfied with the paintings appearance following your other cleaning. Prepare two pieces of cotton wool. Dip one piece of wool into methylated spirits and the second into turpentine tempered with a small amount of linseed oil. You will clean with the methylated spirits but watch for it to "eat" into the painting at which time you will need to apply the turpentine to staunch this effect. Be aware that dark paint dissolves faster than lighter colors. Let it dry completely.
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Step 8
Varnish your painting by applying a matte or gloss varnish with a flat varnishing brush. Work from the top of the painting down using even light strokes. Allow time for complete drying in a dust-free environment.
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Step 9
Reframe the painting being careful to place nails in their former positions. Take care to apply as little pressure as is absolutely needed in readhering the frame.
