Freshening up a shabby old oil painting

[AlexC1981]

Hi All,

I'd like to freshen up this old painting. It's 70/80s I think and worth very little, but it gives me a cosy feeling so I like it As it is not worth much it probably isn't worth getting it restored professionally.

There are some very narrow, but quite long and noticeable cracks in it, but nothing appears to be peeling away. It looks quite dull, so I imagine the varnish coat must have yellowed over the years. I've not tried to clean it. My camera seems to have given it a bit of a green tinge in the photos below, making it look even more dingy.

I was thinking of using a varnish remover on it then giving it a fresh coat with a modern non-yellowing varnish. Would this help conceal the cracks do you think? And protect them from getting worse?

Can anyone recommend any products for varnish removal and for new varnish? There are a few different ones available and there are a number of guides online, but they generally seem to be written by people selling a particular product. It's 23" x 19".

Thanks!

[condor]

I think there might be some you tube videos on how to clean up an old oil painting - using cotton wool buds /balls with some gentle cleaning fluid.
I have 2 large similar aged and style oil paintings which I was also considering to clean before selling when the local auction house opens up.

[AlexC1981]

Thanks, youtube sounds like a good idea.

[jeff m]

White spirit,

Watch a few youtubes first to see which method you like. There are a few ways, although we're not talking about a 200 year old masterpiece

You will probably want to revarnish it, so buy the varnish and the white spirit from an art house...……. Not the local hardware.

[hutchst]

There's nothing to it.



Just follow the instructions.

[EarlofDrift]

I suspect this is a factory oil, they were popular as bingo prizes in the 70's. Basically a print on a canvas with textured varnish applied, produced in the thousands some with a handprinted signature.

They are ten a penny in almost every auction house, charity shop and flea market. I've seen them come up and they can make anywhere from £2 to £50 if it's a local scene.

Sorry if my two cents has put a dent in your plans to retire early.

[AlexC1981]

Thanks all. It's definitely a painting rather than a varnished print on canvas. Maybe painted over the top of a print on canvas, there would be no way to tell. The area with the cracks in my close up photo seems to where the paint is at its thinnest. It's quite built up in places.

But yes, I have no doubt its origins are humble!

I might try this product and follow the manufactures guide below for the cleaning.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winsor-Newton-75ml-Distil...

https://www.winsornewton.com/na/discover/tips-and-...

What about a varnish? Is brush or aerosol best?