Removing A Poor Painting That Has Been Painted Over A Good One.

[jourdain2]

I realise that this is a very long shot and it's a long story and I was not the guilty party!
If someone has used a white undercoat to cover an oil painting and then painted a scene in acrylics over it - is there a reasonably simple way of cleaning it off? I know that skilled picture restorers can work wonders on Old Masters, but can it be done otherwise? Thanks. One day I'll explain.

[rowanwitch]

If you are sure the painting underneath is worth the effort it's a job for a professional. If you are just curious the acrylic and emulsion might lift with a weak ammonia solution, or very carefully with acetone with a cotton bud. Try a corner first.

[jourdain2]

Thanks rowanwitch, I had a feeling that it might be tricky.

[waterboatman]

It is possible, I've seen it done on The Repair Shop on TV.

[emmie]

i too have seen it done, on the repair shop i think

[DTCwordfan]

you need the remover and then a neutraliser that stops the 'cleaning,....about £60 roughly for the basic sized cans from a co called Gainsborough - given the initial cost of that, you may want to take it into a specialist....I've had a couple of smaller ones done, about 15x8 for, if I remember well, £80 and she's quoted £250 on a large oil that's 5ft x 3 and has a lot of smoke/grime to clean off.

[DTCwordfan]

and be careful of the revarnishing - they can overcook it - I've seen some howlers, one at the request of the owner and it was the Cornish same artist as one I have, an aberration indeed. Just ask to keep it light.

[jourdain2]

Thank you all very much indeed. I think I'll have a very careful go at it. If it works (!)(and given the cost of the materials needed) I may be able to hire myself out!