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Back Protection

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What is it for?

Back protection is an essential preventive intervention that consists of installing a protection device on a painting’s rear face. Often neglected, this measure nevertheless plays a crucial role in long-term conservation of artworks on canvas, creating an effective barrier against numerous external degradation factors.

This preventive intervention allows to:

Protect canvas from mechanical shocks during handling or movements

Limit dust deposits that accumulate in support fibers

Stabilize hygrometric variations by creating beneficial buffer effect

Reduce biological infestation risks (molds, insects)

Prevent textile support deformations linked to environmental fluctuations

Reinforce general rigidity of painting-stretcher whole

Protect from accidental infiltrations (water splashes, condensation)

Preserve historical inscriptions present on the artwork’s back

A specific stake for contemporary art

At Atelier CROMA, my specialization in modern and contemporary art has allowed me to identify particular needs of these artworks regarding back protection:

Modern industrial canvases are often more sensitive to hygrometric variations than old canvases

Large formats characteristic of contemporary art present important surfaces to protect

Synthetic preparations can develop specific reactions to back dusting

Mixed techniques require protection adapted to their material complexity

Temporary installations often expose artworks to less controlled environments

How I proceed at Atelier CROMA?

As conservator, I apply rigorous methodology for back protection:

1. Diagnosis of specific needs

I begin with in-depth evaluation:

  • Analysis of back condition (soiling, deformations, fragilities)
  • Evaluation of usual conservation conditions of the artwork
  • Identification of specific risks linked to exhibition environment
  • Considering dimensional constraints and painting weight
  • Examination of compatibility with existing hanging systems
  • Documentation of historical inscriptions to preserve and protect

2. Choice of adapted materials

I select materials according to strict criteria:

  • Rigid protection panels (foam board, aluminum composite)
  • Flexible breathable materials (non-wovens, canvas)
  • Spacing systems creating protective air gap
  • Chemically neutral materials to avoid any harmful emission

    3. Personalised installation according to the artwork

    I adapt implementation to each case:

    • Precise cutting and adjustment of protection elements
    • Installation of spacing systems adapted to stretcher reliefs
    • Fixing respecting stretcher integrity
    • Creation of ventilation openings if necessary for air circulation
    • Harmonious integration with existing hanging systems

    4. Technical solutions for contemporary art

    For modern and contemporary artworks, I develop specific approaches:

    • Modular protections adaptable to large formats
    • Lightened systems for artworks of low thickness
    • Transparent solutions preserving visibility of historical backs
    • Temporary protections for ephemeral installations

    5. Documentation and maintenance advice

    I finalize intervention by:

    • Complete documentation of installed system and its specifications
    • Maintenance instructions adapted to installed protection type
    • Monitoring recommendations to detect possible malfunctions
    • Periodic control planning if necessary
    • Handling advice considering installed protection

    My ecological approach to back protection

    At Atelier CROMA, my environmental commitment also guides choice of protection solutions:

    Favour natural or bio-sourced materials (acid-free cardboards, natural fibers)

    Select recyclable materials to limit end-of-life impact

    Optimize installation durability to avoid frequent replacements

    Choose reversible solutions 
    allowing material recovery

    Limit packaging 
    through local sourcing when possible

    Propose evolving systems 
    adapting to presentation changes

    A durable investment for your artworks

    Back protection represents one of the most effective and economical preventive conservation measures. It significantly prolongs your artworks’ lifespan while reducing needs for costly curative interventions.

    This preventive approach fits perfectly within durable conservation approach, favouring prevention over heavy and repeated treatments.

    Request a personalised estimate

    Ask an estimate

    You wish to durably protect your artworks against environmental aggressions? Don’t hesitate to contact me to evaluate back protection solutions best adapted to your collection and obtain personalised estimate.