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How to Clean Oil Pastel Stains from Canvas: A Step by Step Guide

Oil pastels are one of the most versatile art mediums, but they can cause a mess on canvas. Here's how to clean oil pastel stains from canvas without damaging your artwork.

Updated 03 Mar 2023

By Cyryl Wozniak

Removing Fresh Oil Pastel Stains

If you catch the oil pastel stain before it has had time to dry, the process for removal is relatively easy. To remove fresh oil pastel stains from canvas, use a cotton swab or soft cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Gently blot stained area until all or most of the stain is gone.

Cleaning Old Oil Pastel Stains

If you didn't catch the stain in time, don't worry. For older oil pastel stains, use a damp cotton swab or cloth with a small amount of warm soapy water. Work the cloth into the stained area and gently work in a circular motion to lift the stain. Make sure you don’t scrub too hard, as this may damage the canvas.

Once you feel like you’ve done all you can, take a dry cloth and blot up all the soapy water from the area. You may find that some of the stain remains, which can be removed with the help of some homemade treatments.

Homemade Remedies

You can make a paste of baking soda and warm water, then apply it to the stained area with a cotton swab. Bake soda is a natural deodorizer and stain remover, so it should help to lift the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away the paste with a damp cloth.

Alternatively, you can try using toothpaste. Place a small amount of toothpaste onto a damp cloth or cotton swab and gently rub onto the stained area. Allow toothpaste to sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

Oil pastel stains can be quite tricky to remove, but with a bit of determination and some simple household ingredients, it can be done! If all else fails, there are always professional cleaning services who can help restore your canvas back to its original condition.

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