We have an oil painting with small pieces of styrofoam stuck to it from shipment. Any ideas for safe removal?

It seems that the oil painting was packed before it was completely dry and that styrofoam used in the packing process stuck to the painting. The painting was packed and sent to us from a family member so it is sentimental and it is not a situation where a shipping company or a seller is to blame. We removed most of the large pieces of styrofoam without causing any damage. However, what remains are many small rice-sized pieces of styrofoam that we cannot remove from the painting without risking damage. We have no experience regarding art restoration. Although there are probably professional solutions involving special solvents, etc., we know nothing about that. We have heard of a household remedy of cutting a potato in half and rubbing the inside part of the potato along the where the styrofoam is stuck. However, we have not yet done anything and are hoping to get good advice from posting this question. Thanks in advance for any responses.We have an oil painting with small pieces of styrofoam stuck to it from shipment. Any ideas for safe removal?
Hi there,





Do you know if the work has been varnished ?


Try to know how much time has the last layer, be it varnish or paint.


Probably what happened is that the styro got heat and 芦glued禄.


You also have to be careful so that the product that you may use won't harm the styro in a way that it won't 芦melt禄 and cause an impression.


You may go to the Wetcanvas Oils' forum and also post your question there. You'll have to register, but it's worthy.


Here's the link : http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/forumdis鈥?/a>


You may also check these sites :


http://talasonline.com/


http://aic.stanford.edu/jaic/index.html


Good luck !





Best regards,





Jos茅


http://sitekreator.com/hushcolours/index鈥?/a>We have an oil painting with small pieces of styrofoam stuck to it from shipment. Any ideas for safe removal?
Pops a dent is not a good idea, it works with dents, therefore, do not use it. I have not known any thing that can help.
Have you considered just lightly spraying it with water in a small area? If its now dry it certainly can't hurt it-I'd even go so far as to try a bit of virgin olive oil on a rag and do a test section-not to rub but just to try ';soaking';. Check with any framers that do restoration work too....
Please don't touch it yourselves. You must take it to a professional restorer. Ask your local museum or gallery for some recommendations.