Artwork includes paintings, sculptures and wall hangings. Follow this process in order to clean artwork that has been damaged in a water or fire loss.
1. Pack out artwork immediately to prevent further damage
Determine whether cleaning the artwork is within your abilities and if not, send quickly to a professional art conservator. If you are going to clean it yourself, removing it to a dry, temperature-controlled environment will make your job easier.
2. Inspect items and document their condition
Take pictures! Particularly note any pre-existing wear and tear or damage.
3. Carefully pre-condition all surfaces
Use a lamb's wool duster, vacuum with brush attachment, or air washer.
If the artwork is framed, run a damp cloth with a degreasing agent over the surface to remove the bulk of the residue.
4. Dry clean as required
Use a dry (chem) sponge or crumbly dough. Wipe with long, clean strokes. Make sure to get into edges. Replace the sponge when it is dirty to avoid re-contaminating the artwork.
Always use the least invasive cleaning procedure. Over-cleaning can damage the artwork and reduce its value.
5. Individually test any cleaning agents on each texture, surface and color
This will help you avoid damaging the piece because construction and finishing materials are widely variable.
6. Deodorize artwork the same way as books, documents, or other contents
Once it is clean, use ozone, hydroxyl, or other deodorizers to remove the last traces of the smoky odor.
If the painting has acid-free paper on the back side, remove and replace it (it is too absorbent to be deodorized properly).
