The important techniques for handling paintings are:

• avoid touching the front or back of a canvas or panel wherever possible
• do not expose works to heat
• do not carry more than one painting at a time
• do not stack paintings on top of each other
• gloves should be worn
• remove any screw eyes or fittings that could intefere with handling
• try to avoid rolling any canvases where possible, if it must be rolled the painted surface should be protected with glassine paper and the painted surface should be to the outside of the roll
• paintings should be stored upright and covered with smooth acid free paper
• large paintings should be carried by two people with one hand under the frame and one hand on the side
• do not try at any stage to clean the back or front of a painting - consult a trained conservator.