Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Edge of the Island, plein air wide view of an open glowing field and water
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Category
2010s Abstract Impressionist Landscape Paintings
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Seascape Moonlight with Crashing Waves Vintage British Oil Painting
Located in Preston, GB
Seascape Moonlight with Crashing Waves Vintage British Oil Painting
Art measures 20 x 16 inches
Frame measures 24 x 20 inches
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"Bat Nap" by Shawn Sullivan, Oil Painting of Bat Man Napping with Yellow Bird
Located in Denver, CO
Shawn Sullivan's (US Based) "Bat Nap" is an original, handmade oil painting in the trompe-l'œil style that depicts Bat Man napping with a yellow bird. This piece is unframed yet read...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings
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"Follow Me" by Shawn Sullivan, Oil Painting of Male Mask with Red Bird
Located in Denver, CO
Shawn Sullivan's (US Based) "Follow Me" is an original, handmade oil painting in the trompe-l'œil style that depicts a male mask with a red bird. This piece is unframed yet ready to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings
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Pocket Gooseberry (Hairy) 2, Orig. Oil Painting, Still Life, Gooseberry, Frui
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Pocket Green Gooseberry (Hairy) 2 is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, with a nod to b...
Category
2010s Realist Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
White Ducks Swimming in Pond Contemporary English Impressionist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Swimming Ducks
English Impressionist, 21st century
oil on board, unframed
board : 8 x 10 inches
provenance: private collection, UK
condition: very good and sound condition
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil