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4 Steps for Cleaning Historic Murals

The process for cleaning historic murals starts far before any physical cleaning is actually done to the piece. Steps need to be taken to research, assess, and document the mural to make sure that any changes made to the piece are absolutely necessary and well documented in case they need to be reversed at a later date. Every mural is different, and will therefore require its own unique cleaning procedure, including a determined solvent mixture and cleaning method customized to the artwork and its requirements. In the most basic sense, there are four steps to follow when cleaning historic murals; historic research, a conditions assessment, solvent tests, and the varnish removal and cleaning stage.

1) Research

Research is a key step in the mural cleaning and restoration process, as it provides vital insight into the history of the mural, including when it was painted and who painted it. This information can aide in the discovery of the original paint types and method. When cleaning a mural, it is important to be aware of the original chemicals and materials present so as to not harm them when cleaning. By knowing this information, an informed decision can be made when choosing the cleaning materials and methods.

2) Conditions assessment

It is necessary to begin with a conditions assessment to determine the existing condition and needs of the mural. During this assessment the artwork is mapped, noting all areas of failure, including canvas tears or delamination, flaking paint, efflorescence, water damage, craquelure, or staining. Thorough documentation of findings is done as well to ensure that all conditions and issues are accounted for. Documentation including photographs are a vital part of the process if any cleaning and/or restoration is to be performed. When Canning restored the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 125 murals were in need of conservation cleaning and repair. Meticulous documentation of each mural allowed the rest of the project to move smoothly, and avoided any mistakes that could have been made during the restoration process.

3) Solvent tests

Solvent tests are usually done concurrently with the conditions assessment. The conservator will test a variety of possible solvents to determine the appropriate cleaning medium and method for the mural. These tests will also determine whether an incompatible finish exists, and how it can be properly removed. Different types of finishes will react differently to solvents, and therefore this step is crucial to ensure that the original paint will not be harmed during the cleaning process. Occasionally, ultraviolet light may be used to discover the types of incompatible finishes present on an artwork, as different coatings and materials will have distinctive reactions to the light.

Solvent test patches at the Fulton County Courthouse (left), and the Old Steinway Building (right).

4) Varnish Removal

Varnish removal is the main and final step in the process of cleaning historic murals. Often times multiple layers of varnish that have been applied through the years will need to be removed. This step is done with the solution chosen based on the findings of the solvent tests. The solvent is mixed and applied to the mural using soft, gentle materials, such as a sponge, pad, or brush. The conservator will work in small sections and take care to not disturb the underlying layers of original paint during the varnish removal step. Not only will the varnish removal process take away the incompatible varnish layer(s), it will also remove any surface grime such as dust, dirt, or soot from the surface of the painting. This soiling that accumulates on the surface of murals rests on the varnish layer, allowing it to be cleaned as the varnish is stripped away. Any other incompatible modern materials and unoriginal overpaint present on the painting will be removed in this step as well, revealing the original work in its purest form. This step prepares the mural for further conservation steps, such as restoration, inpainting, and the application of reversible protective coatings.

This mural at the Old Steinway Building was cleaned using a chemical solution to remove the layers of incompatible varnish and over-paint, revealing the vibrant original colors underneath.
Historic murals are delicate, and should be handled with incredible care and cleaned with the utmost attention to detail. Fine arts conservators are specially trained in these techniques, and are equipped with the chemical knowledge necessary to create materials that are appropriate for each mural being conserved. It is critical that the correct methods and materials are used when cleaning historic artwork, and for this reason, it should only be done by trained professionals. The work conducted by these experts will result in the highest quality outcomes that will last for years to come. We at Canning have the knowledge and expertise to handle some of the most complex mural projects and would be happy to assist with any projects you have.
Canning C

July 18, 2022

Featured Projects

Old Steinway

Old Steinway

John Canning & Co. performed art conservation of the ceiling artwork, and the restoration of the architectural paint finishes and plaster features.

Interior view of the Fulton County Common Pleas Courtroom in Wauseon, OH after restoration.

Fulton County Courthouse

The decorative finish work John Canning & Co. performed included treatments on ornamental moldings ornately, conservation of murals, as well as decoratively hand-painted metal window valances and dado borders.

Restored historic dome inside the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Luzerne County Courthouse Restoration

We carefully conserved and restored all aspects of the Luzerne County Courthouse’s historic fabric: marble, metal, plaster, paint, and mural artwork.

Grand Central Terminal, Sky Mural, Conservation Mural Cleaning

Grand Central Terminal

John Canning & Co. formulated the cleaning agent and process for the thorough and harmless conservation cleaning and restoration of the Grand Central Terminal ceiling mural

John Canning & Co. Historic Paint Investigation Guide.
John Canning & Co. Resources

As a conservation studio and restoration contractor, our team of highly skilled craftsmen, artisans, and conservators are experienced in the use of traditional methods and materials. We understand the importance in sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field.

Check Out Our Historic Paint Investigation Guide