Synthetic resins are acrylic or ketone compounds dissolved in an appropriate organic solvent. They form a tough transparent film that may not yellow as rapidly with age. The Lifetime of a Painting From the moment a painting is made, it begins to age. Depending upon the quality, combination and nature of the materials which have gone into its construction as well as its environment, a painting may age well or not. A new painting in good condition will begin to deteriorate as a result of time alone.
Cracks appear as the paint films dry and shrink.
As the painting continues to age, both the paint film and priming lose flexibility and become brittle. Expansion and contraction of the fabric support, due to absorption and release of moisture from the air, adds further strain which leads to crack formation. Cracks of a very similar nature can also be caused by mechanical means, such as pressure, large or small, on either the front or back of the painting. Some pigments are naturally sensitive to ultraviolet light, acids or bases. Exposure of these sensitive pigments to any of these conditions will cause them to fade.