Painting is an art form anyone can enjoy, regardless of skill level. But what about when someone smokes cigarettes in your studio and leaves their Marlboro Odor all over your masterpiece? Here’s how to clean acrylic paintings from cigarette smoke and other household smells.
How To Clean Acrylic Paintings from Cigarette Smoke?
When you have finished smoking a cigarette, the smoke and ash will still be on the painting. Acrylic paint is not as durable as oil paint, so it will start to crack and peel if constantly exposed to this kind of contamination. Here are four easy steps to clean your acrylic painting from cigarette smoke:
- Wet a cloth with warm water and wring it out.
- Scrub the surface of the painting with a wet cloth until all of the smog is removed. Make sure to work around any edges or corners that may be more difficult to clean.
- Rinse the painting off with cool water.
- Hang the painting up to dry.
What To Do If Acrylic Painting Has Been Stained by Cigarette Smoke
If your acrylic painting has been stained by cigarette smoke, there are a few things you can do to try and clean it. Acrylic paint is a very powerful medium, so most of the damage will be permanent unless you can find a way to repair it. If the painting is stained, you can try using a household cleaner like dishwashing soap or water and a cloth.
Make sure to rinse the painting thoroughly after cleaning it to avoid damaging the paint further. For more severe staining, you may need a special cleaner designed for acrylic paintings.
How To Clean Acrylic Paintings of Other Pollutants?
Acrylic paintings are often used to showcase an artist’s skills, and with the high demand for these pieces, it is important to take care of them. One way to keep acrylic paintings looking their best is to clean them regularly of pollutants such as smoke and cigarette smoke.
Smoke can damage the paint and underlying layers, while cigarette smoke can leave a harsh smell that may take months or even years to dissipate. To clean an acrylic painting of smoke or cigarette smoke:
- Start by spraying a mild solution of water and soap onto the surface.
- Work the solution into the paint using a cloth or sponge, then rinse off the area with fresh water.
- Dry the painting with a soft towel.
If a polluted acrylic painting needs a more serious cleaning, consult a professional art restorer. While this will not remove all traces of pollution, it will help keep your painting in good condition and look its best for years to come.
Summary
If you’re cleaning an acrylic painting exposed to cigarette smoke, the first step is to remove any visible ash. Next, use a solution of warm water and ammonia (or detergent) to clean the surface. Finally, dry the painting with a cloth or air-drying spray.
