Questions & Answers
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How do you maintain oil paintings?
1 Answer

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).
You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)
To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.
If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.
Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)
To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.
If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.
Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024
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Shop for Oil Paintings on 1stDibs
Airplane in landscape - landscape painting
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful painting by Jeroen Allart is part of his minimalist landscape and animal painting he did in his home country the Netherlands.
'A farm stands before you on the horizon....
Category
2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Tombs of the Sultans - 19th Century Orientalist Oil Painting Royal Academy 1873
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘Tombs of the Sultans’ by Frank Dillon R.I. R.O.I. (1823-1909).
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1870s English School Landscape Paintings
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"June's Captivation"
By Tim Rees
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Timothy Rees was fascinated with drawing throughout his youth and after high school pursued a degree in animation. The pull to painting portraits and figures was strong, however, le...
Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
Fine 19th Century French Dog Oil Painting Portrait of a Pug in Wooded Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Pug Dog
French School, 19th century
inscribed verso possibly with the artists name/ former owner
oil on canvas, framed
framed: 26 x 22 inches
canvas : 22 x 19 inches
Pr...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
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Moving Light. Turunc
By Simon Kozhin
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my love for serene coastal moments, blending impressionism with realism to capture the gentle dance of light and shadow. The oil brings warmth and depth, invi...
Category
2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Sagittarius
By Lisa Taliano
Located in Dallas, TX
oil on canvas
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil