Gaby
Faded oil paintings can be revived by covering them with a damp, clean cloth for 3-4 hours (preferably soaked in rainwater). Once the cloth dries, remove it and apply a thin layer of linseed oil evenly across the painting’s surface using a piece of canvas.
To restore the painting’s previous shine, you can use hydrogen peroxide or wipe it down with a cut onion.
For gilded frames and cornices, clean them with a cut onion and polish with fine, soft cloth. Frames can also be washed with a sponge soaked in alcohol or turpentine, then dried with a soft cloth.
Gilded bronze items can be cleaned using boiled peas that have been mashed into a thick paste. Apply the pea paste to the item and let it sit for several hours. Afterward, rinse the bronze with boiling water and wipe it down with a clean cloth.
Another method for cleaning bronze involves placing the gilded items in a soapy solution and boiling them. Once removed, wipe them with a soft cloth or brush. After this, wash the items in warm water, dry them, and then polish the dry bronze with chamois leather.
