Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Items on Exhibit
• Items with Coated Papers
• Items with Soluble Inks and Colorants
• Books and Bound Materials
• Manuscripts
• Art on Paper
• Items Housed in Plastic Enclosures
• Photographic Materials
• Microform
• Audio/Visual Recordings
• Paintings and other Framed or Glazed Art
• Metals, Glass, Ceramic, Wood, Textiles, or Animal/Plant Materials

Paintings and Other Framed or Glazed Art

Oil Paintings   -   Framed/Glazed Artworks

Oil Paintings

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• If staff is unsure how to proceed, consult a painting conservator. To find a qualified painting conservator, contact American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
• Wear thin plastic gloves. Wet items are easily torn, so handle them carefully by the edges and support from underneath.
• Immediately dry.
• Drain and carry horizontally.

Freezing Procedures

• Do not freeze or freeze dry.

Air Drying Procedures

Air dry only.

• Remove from frame (leave canvas on stretcher).
• Place face up without touching paint layer

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Framed/Glazed Artworks

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Immediately dry.
• Drain and carry horizontally.

Freezing Procedures

• Remove frame or glazing. (Do not attempt to remove if the item is sticking to glass.)
• Pack as dimensions allow.
• Freeze as applicable for media type.
• May be freeze dried according to media type.

Air Drying Procedures

• Remove items from frame or glazing.
• Air-dry the item face up on absorbent material. (Do not attempt to remove if the item is sticking to glass; instead, air-dry the back of the item with glass side placed face down.)

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