Emulsion cleaner, which rids the surface of dirt, dust and smoke, is just one means of restoring art. Methylated spirits or varnish remover dissolves yellowed and aged varnish. To prevent the spirits from working too deeply into the paint, turpentine is used as a neutralizer. Because this technique has a drying effect on the paint, restorers dilute the chemicals with linseed oil to alleviate this problem.
The careless use of harsh chemical solutions, which contain benzyl alcohol, ethanol, formic acid, methyl alcohol, methylene hydrochloride, naphtha and xylene, can destroy a piece. Oils require the use of solvent gels, which contain ingredients such as methyl or ethyl cellulose and propylene glycol that interact with specific resin varnishes and leave the under layers unaffected.
There is no good solution for cleaning acrylics, which become softer and tacky due to high temperatures that cause debris to incorporate into the paint's surface. Start with preventive measures, such as protective framing techniques.
You can find professional chemical cleaning products wherever art supplies are sold. But, home remedies are another alternative for a simple cleaning of artwork. Apply a solution of sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda) to remove dirt, smoke or smog. Gently blotting with a mix of regular hand soap and water washes away loose dust and debris. For fungus and hard-to-remove dirt, use a 70 percent alcohol solution.
Every time a painting is touched, it is at risk of being changed or damaged on some level. An effective and time-tested cleaning technique is enzymatic cleaning. Saliva is warm and contains enzymes that act upon both lipids and proteins. The procedure involves moistening a clean cotton swab in the mouth and gently rolling it across the painting's surface. Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," was restored this way at New York's Museum of Modern Art.