Surface Damage
Visual damage is what finally brings most paintings to a conservator. The additional restoration could often be avoided if art owners only knew what to look for. Having to repair a painting is an unfortunate way to learn about the best way to move, hang or store a painting. Unlike nearly everything else, works of art do not come with a maintenance manual to refer to when a problem occurs. This lack of information about the nature of paintings often puts problems in the hands of amateurs, artists, picture framers, or other well-meaning fix-it-uppers to the ever-lasting detriment of the art.