1. If/When removing from wall, take care that the painting doesn't fall out of the frame; many times paintings are insecurely fastened.

2. When handling period frames with sculptural ornaments, grasp securely beneath structural framing at bottom corners. Ornaments are often "cleaving" (separating), and become easily detached. Save and bring ALL LOOSE PIECES to be replaced. Always set painting down slowly and gently.

3. Framed paintings are often heavy, requiring two people (one at each end) to move safely.

4. Take care that nothing pushes on the FRONT OR REVERSE of the canvas. It is often as brittle as an eggshell and very vulnerable to tears, punctures and/or dents from the slightest pressure. Unwind and remove hanging wire to avoid its pressing on the canvas.

5. Do not wrap your painting in anything fibrous (including sheets, cloth, blankets). Loose paint is easily caught in fibers or weave and lost when unwrapping.

6. If small enough, slip into a plastic bag for quick protection from rain, etc. If large, wrap loosely in polyethylene. Use caution in that airtight seals may cause condensation in cold weather.

7. Ideally, a custom crate offers optimum protection. Otherwise, rigid cardboard cut to the outside dimensions of the frame, laid front and reverse, offers food protection. Secure (cardboard to cardboard) with tape, avoiding any contact between tape and gilt/finished surface of frame.

8. Do not tip gilt frames face-forward when resting on the floor. The pressure on protruding ornaments causes damage and/or loss. Some frames protrude beyond the substructure; even standing on the floor requires cushioning to avoid placing weight on the ornaments.

9. In cold weather, warm up the car comfortably beforehand. In hot weather, a painting left in a closed and/or parked car can easily become dangerously overheated.

10. A large canvas requires protection (i.e. cardboard) from wind which can catch & "pop" canvas, causing damage/loss.

11. Handle unframed paintings as if the paint is still wet. Don't grasp or push on the surface with your fingers.

12. If boxing the piece, do not wrap in tissue, which can stick to a varnish. Do not stuff with wadded paper, which will cause pressure on the canvas.

13. If painting is actively flaking (paint is "lifted" and detaching), transport and store face-up to avoid further loss of paint. Do not lay anything on the surface.

14. Use glassine or grease-proof paper only, if any contact with surface is possible.

15. Save and bring all fragments of the piece.

16. Bring the frame. It is an important accessory to your painting if original. Period frames are very costly to duplicate; repair is often more cost effective.

NOTE: ALWAYS BEAR IN MIND THAT YOUR ARTWORK IS VERY FRAGILE, AND HANDLE ACCORDINGLY.