Req: products to clean an old painting

Serge Paccalin

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May 31, 1996, 3:00:00 AM5/31/96

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A friend of mine has an old painting (probably 19th century)
which gathers much dust over the years and would like to try
to clean it himself. Can someone give advice about products
to use or avoid?

Thanks in advance

Serge Paccalin (pacc...@alpes-net.fr)

Robert Klein

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Jun 1, 1996, 3:00:00 AM6/1/96

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In article <31AF40...@alpes-net.fr>, pacc...@alpes-net.fr says...

===================================================

There are many many factors to consider in cleaning a painting. You
should see a professional painting conservator.

--
Regards,
Robert Klein
Robert's Antiques and Restoration
2500 North T Street
Pensacola, Fl. 32505

Murray R. Falk

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Jun 7, 1996, 3:00:00 AM6/7/96

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In article <4oq2ti$f...@cobia.gulf.net>, bobk...@gulf.net (Robert Klein) says:
>
>In article <31AF40...@alpes-net.fr>, pacc...@alpes-net.fr says...
>>
>>A friend of mine has an old painting (probably 19th century)
>>which gathers much dust over the years and would like to try
>>to clean it himself. Can someone give advice about products
>>to use or avoid?
>>
>>Thanks in advance
>>
>>Serge Paccalin (pacc...@alpes-net.fr)
>

An octegenarian antique dealer friend of mine recommends rubbing
(gently) with the freshly-cut surface of a raw potato, until the potato shows
signs of dirt. Then re-cut and repeat on a different area. When the treated
area of the painting dries, brush it lightly with a soft cloth, or a dry brush,
to remove the starch.

This sounds bizarre, and I have never tried it. If someone is willing to ex-
periment on a painting that is not valuable, and report back, I would be
interested to hear the results.

Comments, SVP.
Murray, Calgary

Murray R. Falk, Proprietor
ABOUT TIME CLOCK SERVICE
2112 - Palisdale Road, S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2V 3T6

e-mail: fa...@cadvision.com
voice : (403) 281-3024

Craig1708

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Jun 7, 1996, 3:00:00 AM6/7/96

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<<<<<An octegenarian antique dealer friend of mine recommends rubbing
(gently) with the freshly-cut surface of a raw potato, until the potato
shows
signs of dirt. Then re-cut and repeat on a different area. When the
treated
area of the painting dries, brush it lightly with a soft cloth, or a dry
brush,
to remove the starch.>>>>>>

Not a good idea. This old wives tales has been around forever....the
potato (and onions have been used) will get surface dirt off but leaves
more damaging residue behind. I do not suggest it.

**************************************************************************
Craig Deller
The Deller Conservation Group Ltd
Geneva, Illinois
USA
crai...@aol.com "Conservators make it last longer"
http://home.aol.com/DELLERCON
**************************************************************************
*

Randy Smith

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Jun 12, 1996, 3:00:00 AM6/12/96

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In article <31AF40...@alpes-net.fr>, Serge Paccalin <pacc...@alpes-net.fr> says:
>
>A friend of mine has an old painting (probably 19th century)
>which gathers much dust over the years and would like to try
>to clean it himself. Can someone give advice about products
>to use or avoid?
>
>Thanks in advance
>

There is a company that sells art restoration products by mail
called Gainsborough PRODUCTS lTD.
3545 Mt. Diablo Blvd Lafayette,Ca 94549
phone (415) 283-4187 or toll free 1-800-227-2186

I hope this helps you