Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Do oil paintings darken over time?
1 Answer
Yes, oil paintings darken over time. As oil paint is made of pigment particles, the range of substances that are used as pigment in oil paint can render certain colors susceptible to aging. Slowing the aging process for an oil painting involves storing your painting properly and keeping the work out of exposed sunlight. Temperature control and humidity are also important in preserving the life of an oil painting and slowing the aging process.
To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).
You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)
To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.
If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.
Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).
You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)
To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.
If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.
Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024
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Shop for Oil Paintings on 1stDibs
Le plage de Morgat - Impressionist Seascape Landscape Oil by Maxime Maufra
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed and dated impressionist oil on panel seascape painting by French painter Maxime Maufra. This stunning work depicts the beach at Morgat in Brittany, northwest France. The cryst...
Category
1880s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Untitled (Blue Bunny)
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Slonem, Hunt
Title: Untitled (Blue Bunny)
Date: 2021
Medium: Oil on Wood
Unframed Dimensions: 10" x 8"
Framed Dimensions: 14.5" x 12.5"
Signature: Signed Verso
Edition:...
Category
2010s Contemporary Paintings
Materials
Oil
Nude Female Holding a Seashell, 19th Century
Located in Blackwater, GB
"Femme Nue Avec Coquillage" , 19th Century
School of Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796-1875)
Large 19th Century French portrait of a nude female holding a shell, oil on canvas scho...
Category
19th Century Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Napoleonic Wars Cuirassier Horse, 19th Century
By Sir Edwin Landseer
Located in Blackwater, GB
War Horse, 19th Century
after Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (1802-1872)
Large 19th century Napoleonic Cuirassier War Horse scene, oil on canvas. Excellent quality and condition depicti...
Category
19th Century Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Red Houses No. 1, Norway by Calo Carratala - Snowy landscape painting
Located in Paris, FR
Red Houses No. 1 is a unique oil on laminated wood painting from the Norway series by Spanish contemporary artist Calo Carratalá, dimensions are 46 × 74 cm (18.1 × 29.1 in).
The art...
Category
2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
1951 Monhegan, Maine MUSHROOMS painting by Morris Shulman ex. Rehn Gallery
Located in Exton, PA
Wild period abstract expressionist painting by Morris Shulman. The painting is egg tempera on Masonite measuring 32" x 22". Signed M Shulman and dated '51 at the lower right. Titled...
Category
1950s Modern Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil