| Art is a part of life and for some, it is their way of | | | | right side of the frame as "lower right". This way, |
| life. Others usually consider art as a worthy | | | | each nail fits exactly on its previous place without |
| investment. Regardless of how you see art, restoring | | | | causing added strain on the frame. Marking the frame |
| and preserving art pieces are important techniques to | | | | is also a good idea to be able to return it to its |
| maintain their value. Painting restoration is a serious | | | | original position.After removing paintings from their |
| matter; that is why most people prefer to have their | | | | frame, it is better to inspect the kind of dirt build-up |
| paintings professionally restored. However, if you like | | | | on the paintings. Knowing the kind of dirt to be |
| the thought of restoring your own pieces, lots of | | | | removed is necessary in finding and using the right |
| practice and familiarity with techniques are necessary. | | | | product and tools. Anti-mildew solutions remove |
| Because according to statistics, more paintings and | | | | mildew build-up or "foxing" effectively. However, |
| art works are destroyed each year by inept | | | | soaking the painting in these solutions damages the |
| restoration and cleaning than by accidental burning or | | | | colors and the painting. To prevent this, soak or |
| fire.Clouded varnish, dirt, and smoke are the usual | | | | spray the solution on a cotton pad and wipe on the |
| culprits that cause paintings to become dirty. | | | | area affected with foxing. Follow up with a |
| Restoring paintings by cleaning it is the logical step of | | | | water-dipped cotton pad and wipe dry. Periodically |
| most owners. However, wiping paintings with rags or | | | | check cotton pads to see if some color or paint was |
| whatever liquid is damaging. Art restoration | | | | dissolved. For dirt build-up that requires light to |
| professionals recommend researching restoration | | | | medium cleaning, slicing an onion in half and dipping it |
| techniques on the internet or attending seminars on | | | | in lemon juice remove grime and dirt off art work. |
| restoring paintings before embarking on a restoration | | | | Rub paintings with lemon-soaked onion using a circular |
| mission.Art works look more elegant and classic when | | | | motion for even application. Slice the onion regularly |
| preserved in their original frames. As it is, detaching | | | | to expose a fresh layer. An alternative is using warm |
| paintings from their frames is necessary and | | | | water with lemon detergent or washing soda. Finish |
| important before the actual cleaning. Non-removal of | | | | either treatment by wiping their painting with a moist |
| the frames not only causes discomfort and unease in | | | | sponge and leaving it to dry. Art works respond to |
| cleaning, it also causes scratches and abrasion. | | | | this treatment with improved depth of color.Experts |
| Remove the frames by laying the picture backside up | | | | recommend leaving varnish removal and painting |
| on a flat surface layered with foam or cushion to | | | | repair to the professionals. Art works do not sell well |
| avoid scratching the frames. Vacuum accumulated | | | | or look good if extensively damaged. As these types |
| dust on the frames' back and remove nails gently | | | | of restoration require complicated techniques, the |
| with a metal ruler and pliers. Secure the nails on board | | | | chances of botching the job are high if done by |
| with labels of their previous positions. For example, | | | | amateurs. The job is expensive but make the value |
| secure and label the nails plucked from the lower | | | | of your paintings appreciate. |