How to Clean an Acrylic Painting on Paper

Examine the exposed paper and backing for mold. Spray a clean cotton ball with mold remover and lightly rub the mold stains away. Wipe off immediately with a damp cloth. Allow to dry.

Examine the exposed paper of the painting for grime and oil. Shake a dry cleaning pad over the oily or grimy areas to release the powdered eraser particles onto the painting. Put on the cotton gloves and dust mask. Roll the released particles under gloved fingers to absorb the dirt and oil. Brush clean with a drafting brush.

Examine the acrylic paint surface for dust and dirt. Brush lightly with a clean drafting brush. If this fails to remove surface dirt and dust, blow with the compressed air can held 12 inches from the surface. Examine the surface once more to check for dirt. Skip to Step 5 if the cleaning is complete; if not, go to Step 4.

Clean the paint surface "enzymatically" with saliva and a cotton swab. Wet the swab with saliva. Roll -- do not scrub -- the wet end of the swab over a small corner of the painting's surface gently to test. Examine the swab for paint residue or gloss. Clean only the dirty parts of the acrylic painting incrementally in patches no larger than 4 inches square. Check the swabs periodically for paint residue; discontinue cleaning an area if residue is detected.

Varnish the cleaned acrylic painting with water-soluble removable acrylic varnish to protect it from future dirt, dust and scratches. Apply the varnish with a small brush in a thin layer only to the painted area, avoiding any exposed paper.