How can I brighten an old oil painting?

Question

I purchased a picture at an auction that had been stored in an attic. The paint is dark and dull,can someone tell me how to clean and brighten this picture?

Answer 1

Google restoration, oil painting. Try a mild soap and water and soft cloth cleaning at home...if this doesn't help you may have to remove the old varnish...a museum archivist could help.

Answer 2

Often a layer of varnish is all you have to remove, and replace with a non-yellowing varnish.  But you will want to have the painting looked at to make sure that is all you are dealing with.  

Answer 3

If it is worth anything, maybe you should get a professional to do it so the painting is not harmed.

Answer 4

go to an art supply store and find some restoration solution

Answer 5

Windsor Newton makes an oil painting cleaning solution that I have uses successfully on a number of old paintings.

http://www.dickblick.com/zz004/27/