Tramp Art Moulding Rehab

[Mel]

An old depression-era tramp art moulding came through the door yesterday. It was quite dusty, so I vacuumed it with the brush on the end of the hose, but it still looks dusty. We could decide that this should look old and dusty, or we could clean it up and brighten the wood with some appropriate product.

First, should we? (keeping in mind current and future value).

Second, if we should, what product is proper? A light furniture oil would be my guess.

 

[wpfay]

Have a client that collects Tramp Art frames and they would be most unhappy if I had altered the finish in any way. If they are truly dirty they need the care of a conservator, otherwise I have found that a medium stiff oil painting brush will remove most of the surface dirt. I would not apply any finish restorative agent without consulting a conservator first.

 

[Kit aka emrr]

I agree with wpfay. Tramp art is traditionally stained but otherwise unfinished - no varnish, etc. It's supposed to look like that. Dusting with a paint brush and letting it go at that is good advice. Kit

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Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana

 

[Mel]

Thanks. I rather expected that answer, but wanted a second and third opinion. Although she is eager to treat it properly, I don't think she thinks it needs a trip to the conservator.