Painting in pastels

[muffty]

Does anyone know how to clean an original, painted in pastels, please?

I asked a week or so ago, did not receive an answer - so posting again in case someone in the know is now out there! Lol

[dot.hawkes]

oh i have watched them do this loads of times on the antique roadshow, they get a little stick and wrap cotton wool around the end and then dip it in this clear liquid and then clean the painting in a circular motion, it wasn't nail varnish remover anmd i think it is more oil paintings they use it for, try the antique roadshow web site.

[cherryelm]

You must not clean pastel paintings in this way unless you know for sure that the painting was sealed after it was completed or the picture will just disappear. If the picture is valuable or of sentimental value you could have it professionally restored.

[muffty]

Thanks guys,

dotty, I too have seen when they have cleaned a picture (or part of) on the antiques roadshow, and think also it was mainly for oils. Looked up on a website for cleaning pictures and it mentioned using a slice of bread for oils as a most effective way!!

cherryelm, have no idea if the picture was sealed, (it was bought in St Ives - coastal town famous for artists painting the landscape - many years ago). Didn't want to do the wrong thing and try cleaning with any solution, without first checking that it was safe to do so. Will now take it to a local art shop and ask for their professional help/opinion.

Thanks for your replies, most grateful xxx