Treatment protocols depend on a number of factors, including:

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• purpose (is the work an archival piece, or will it be hung on a wall for everyday viewing?)

• historical significance and documentary value

• aesthetics (how does the piece look?) 

• condition of the paper or canvas, the support material and the media (the materials used to make the piece, such as pencils, oil paints, etc.).

• the conservator's personal experience

• the tastes and biases of the cultural environment

• uncontrollable outside influences, including climate and geographic location.