In oil painting restoration, a hot air blower can assist in removing old pigments, but it should be operated with caution to avoid damaging the painting. The following is the specific analysis:

The application principle and precautions of hot air blowers in removing old pigments in oil painting restoration

Application principle: The hot air blower generates high-temperature air flow to heat the old pigment layer, softening it and thus facilitating subsequent cleaning and repair work. This method is applicable to situations where a large area of old pigment layer needs to be removed or the pigment layer is relatively thick.

Temperature control: The temperature of the hot air blower must be strictly controlled to prevent damage to the canvas or the underlying pigment due to excessively high temperatures. Oil painting materials are sensitive to temperature. Overheating may cause irreversible damage.

Operation tips: When operating, maintain a safe distance between the hot air blower and the painting. Heat by moving evenly to avoid local overheating. After heating, use professional tools to gently remove the softened pigment to prevent scratching the canvas.

Risk assessment: The hot air blower may accelerate the oxidation of the pigment or cause color fading. The condition of the painting needs to be evaluated before restoration. For fragile or historic oil paintings, it is recommended to give priority to low-risk methods such as chemical solvents or mechanical peeling.