Do not store or display works of art in areas of potentially high humidity or water leakage, e.g. basement, bathroom, outside walls, under pipes. Avoid areas where temperature and humidity fluctuate, or where there is inadequate air circulation, e.g. attic and places listed above. Do not hang artworks over or under radiators, heating and cooling vents, active fireplaces, humidifiers, and vaporizersA. The hygroscopic nature of wood means that it will take water from the atmosphere and expand, but it will contract as the humidity lessens. The direction of shrinkage is almost always around backgroundclipart the circumference, which causes a solid piece of wood to crack vertically. Keeping it in a steady relative humidity can stabilize the sculpture; if the wood does not absorb or release moisture, it will no longer expand or contract.

Glazing can be either glass or acrylic. Only glass should backgroundclipart be used with any friable media such as unfixed pastels, charcoals, or graphite, never acrylic as it can damage the work by attracting these materials. There are many brands of acrylic glazing to choose from; one with an ultraviolet filter is recommended. The frame and the mat should be deep enough to prevent the artwork from touching the glazing. A stiff backboard behind backgroundclipart the mat protects backgroundclipart and supports the matted artwork. It is best to backgroundclipart use non-acidic boards. A dust seal with paper or tape is also recommended. What damage results from using poor quality mat board? Avoid mat boards containing wood pulp which causes "matburn"--a darkening of the paper under the mat or at the bevel cut of the window mat. This type of stain permanently weakens the paper fibers and is not easily removed or lightened in conservation treatment.