Can I clean a dirty oil painting myself?

Surface dusting with a soft, dry brush is generally safe for an antique oil painting. You should use a clean, natural-bristle brush and work lightly across the surface to remove loose dirt. Avoid applying any pressure that might flake the paint. Anything beyond light dusting requires a professional conservator. Household cleaning products or water will cause irreversible damage to the varnish and the canvas beneath.

I have an old family portrait with a tear right through the sitter's face, so what are the options for repairing a hole like this?

A conservator can mend tears by patching or lining the back of the canvas. They align the broken threads under a microscope before applying a stable adhesive to hold the structure firm. Once the canvas is stable, they fill the gap with a synthetic chalk mixture. The missing section is then retouched using reversible conservation paints, ensuring the new work blends with the original surface.

Do antique oil paintings need glass?

They rarely need glass and historically sit open to the room. The varnish layer provides all the necessary protection against dust and minor abrasions. Adding glazing alters how the texture catches the light. If you do add glass, a spacer must keep it from touching the paint surface.

The painting is loose in its frame and rattles around every time someone shuts the door, is it safe to tape it into place?

Tape is a terrible idea for securing any canvas. Adhesives break down over time, leaving a stubborn residue that damages the wooden stretcher and the frame. Instead, use small brass offset clips screwed directly into the frame. These hold the stretcher securely without piercing the antique wood. You can pad the metal contact points with small pieces of archival felt. This stops the rattling and protects the stretcher from wear.

0

53,461 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 82 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAY NEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

DEALER LOGIN

0

Saved

Oil Paintings

South West

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Antique Art

Antique Oil Paintings in South West

← Page 42 of 42 →

Executed using pigments bound in drying oils on canvas or wood, antique oil paintings were commissioned to record likenesses or decorate the walls of domestic interiors.

Double Portrait of a Lady and Gentleman C.1740; Attributed to Francis Hayman R.A.

18th century

Save

Double Portrait of a Lady and Gentleman C.1740; Attributed to Francis Hayman R.A.

From Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art

£8,950

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

art

Portrait of a Young Boy and His Dog C.1775; English School.

18th century

Save

Portrait of a Young Boy and His Dog C.1775; English School.

From Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art

£2,685

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

art

← 1 ... 38 39 40 41 42 →

66,731

Antiques For Sale

82

Antiques Approved Today

3,069

Antique Uploads This Month

53,461

Page Views Today

440,773

Total Antiques Sold

Antique Oil Paintings in South West

Double Portrait of a Lady and Gentleman C.1740; Attributed to Francis Hayman R.A.

Portrait of a Young Boy and His Dog C.1775; English School.

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories