Abstract: The present invention is a method of cleaning artwork by removing contaminates from a painted or patina surface of the artwork. A pulsed laser is used having a wavelength of between 2.3 and 3.3 .mu.m, such as an Er:YAG having a wavelength of 2.94 .mu.m, to stimulate the presence of an OH radical contained in the contaminant film layer to be removed or introduced to the paint surface contaminated film using an OH containing agent applied with a brush, cotton swab or spray. The surface to be removed is covered by a glass cover slip and has the laser energy impinged thereon. The laser energy interacts with the OH radical present in the contaminant or introduced into the surface by the operator. The reaction of the laser energy with the OH radical deposits the contaminated film material onto the glass slide cover. Contaminants that remain on the paint surface can then be removed by scalpel or cotton swab using a wetting agent.