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Welcome to the Paintings Conservation Wiki



The Paintings Specialty Group (PSG) of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) welcomes you to the Paintings Conservation Wiki page. The Paintings Specialty Group was formed in 1980 and is composed of members from the United States and the international community and includes conservation professionals from historic sites, museums, private practice, and regional centers. The purpose of the PSG is to improve knowledge of all subjects relating to the conservation of paintings, to promote proficiency and skill in the practice of paintings conservation, and to disseminate related technical and professional information.

The wiki was originally structured according to the outline of existing and proposed chapters of the Painting Conservation Catalog (1998-present). The wiki is a growing, evolving source of information and, as such, the content, including sections of the extant Painting Conservation Catalog chapters, will continue to evolve on the wiki. The published chapters in their unaltered form are available for digital download through the AIC Online Store.

Disclaimer

Although supported and monitored by the PSG, the information presented on the Paintings Conservation Wiki is the opinion of the contributors and does not imply endorsement or approval, or recommendation of any treatments, methods, or techniques described. This information is intended to be used by conservators, museum professionals, and members of the public for educational purposes only. It is not designed to substitute for the consultation of a trained conservator. To find a conservator, please visit AIC's Find a Conservator page.

Wiki Committee 2025-26

Katelyn Rovito, Paintings Conservator, Flux Art Conservation

Elizabeth Robson, Paintings Conservator, New York State Bureau of Historic Sites

Caitlin Green, Third-Year Graduate Fellow, SUNY Buffalo State University

Charlotte Ameringer, Chief Conservator, Portland Art Museum

Contributing to the Wiki

The goal of the PSG Paintings Conservation Wiki is to share information and to host articles and research on the broad range of materials and topics encountered in the conservation of paintings. The PSG Wiki welcomes members' contributions, and encourages participation. Please visit the AIC-CC User Guidelines page for the history of the AIC Wiki and general guidelines, or see the PSG Wiki Contributor Guidelines and PSG Wiki FAQ for more specifics.

Questions or ideas for new content on the PSG Wiki should be directed to the Chief Editor, Katelyn Rovito (aic.psg.wiki@gmail.com).


Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

Supports

Cotton SEM from Raw Canvas page




Preparation Layers

Calcite formation from Calcite Pseudomorphs in Ash-Containing Grounds page










Paint Layers

Media

Paint Formulation

  • Media
    Cleavage from Condition Issues section on Cleavage
  • Pigments




Condition Issues





Varnishes and Surface Coatings

Brushes


Compiler: Wendy Samet


Surface Phenomena

Fatty acids on oil paint from White Surface Hazes





Frames

Documentation

  • Examination Reports
  • Treatment Reports
  • Visual Records

Analytical Techniques

X-radiography of Vermeer.


Preventive Considerations

Backing Boards







Storage

Shipping and Handling

Installation/Deinstallation and Exhibition

Conservation Treatments

Inpainting (from the Inpainting Catalogue Cover)
  • Consolidation
  • Facing
  • Filling
  • Fumigation
  • Humidification and Treating Canvas Deformations
  • Inpainting
  • Join Repair
  • Lining
  • Loose Lining/Cami Lining
  • Mold/Mildew Removal
  • Reforming
  • Relaxation of Distorted Paint
  • Stain Removal
  • Strip Lining
  • Surface Cleaning
  • Tear Mending
  • Transfers
  • Varnish Removal

Treatment Materials