This trend, if continued, will result in an increase in prices due to limited supply. See end of article for contact information. Paintings may be objects of great beauty or of historical importance, providing an important cultural link with the past. They may have great monetary value or have sentimental value to their owners. Whatever the case, paintings are fragile creations that require special care to assure their continued preservation.
Paintings change over time.
Some inevitable results of aging, such as increased transparency of oil paint or the appearance of certain types of cracks, do not threaten the stability of a painting and may not always be considered damage. One of the most common signs of age is a darkened or yellowed surface caused by accumulated grime or discoloured varnish. When a varnish becomes so discoloured that it obscures the artist's intended colours and the balance of lights and darks, it usually can be removed by a conservator, but some evidence of aging is to be expected and should be accepted. However, when structural damages occur in a painting such as tears, flaking paint, cracks with lifting edges, or mould, consult a conservator to decide on a future course of treatment for your painting. Maintaining A Suitable Environment It is important to maintain a proper environment for your paintings.