Nikol,

Use the softest natrual bristle brushes you can find (I use a Lord
Sherarton) and gently brush the dust into the nearby nozzle of a
vacuuam hose, its best if you have an adjustable vaccuam. Cover the
end of the nozzle with nylon mesh just in case some paint flakes off -
you can save the flakes and get a conservator to reattach them later.
If you experience alot of flaking STOP and set those fraglie works
aside for a conservator to tend to.

DO NOT wipe (dust can be very abrasive), and do not use water or
solvents on painted surfaces. Any deeper cleaning than just dusting as
I've described should be done by a knowledgable conservator.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California

On 10/10/06, Nikol Wuest <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hello all,
>
>   I'm in charge of an exhibit moving very rapidly (concept to opening in 2
> months).  The vast majority of the show is folk art paintings done in house
> paint on plywood or paneling, about 40 of them.  These poor paintings have
> been sitting in a tiny closet of a house for years, with no humidity
> control, etc.  They are covered in dust, cobwebs, and what looks like fine
> wood dust.  I'm not worried much about the frames, but the dust is visible,
> and in some cases highly noticeable, on the paintings themselves.  We have
> absolutely no time and no money to have a conservator come in and clean the
> paintings, and no real cleaning supplies here (unless swiffer dust cloths
> count).  I'm thinking of buying some soft brushes to dust the paintings
> with.  I'm hoping someone(s) can tell me this is either a good idea or a
> horrible idea, and maybe suggest some brushes or other inexpensive options?
> 3-D objects I've worked with before, but this is the first time I've ever
> tried even just dusting a painting.  Thanks in advance
>
> Nikol Wuest
> [log in to unmask]
>
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