The main aim of the PROPAINT project is:
To provide conservation staff and stakeholders with innovative protection treatments used as a preventive conservation measure for paintings during exhibition, storage and transit.

To achieve this aim, the following research themes will be followed:
· Evaluation of the protective effect of microclimate frames for paintings.
· Evaluation of the physical-chemical state and hence the protective effect of varnishes on paintings generally and in microclimate frames specifically.                                                                             · Contribution to preventive conservation strategy standards for microclimate control for paintings on display, in storage and in transit.
· Optimisation of microclimate control and its implication for design of new microclimate enclosures.

SIT-Artyd laboratories, Madrid

Short statement on the S&T objectives
The preservation of paintings in museums, historic buildings and galleries depends on their original condition, the type of materials used by the artist, and on the quality of the environment where the paintings are stored or exhibited. More and more museums and institutions are using some sort of protection framing with front glass in order to protect the paintings from the impact of the environment. In the PROPAINT project, the general term microclimate frame (mc-frame) will be used to describe various types of constructions consisting of glass, frame and backing.

The environmental conditions inside microclimate frames that protect paintings, particularly the consequences of gaseous pollutants and the synergistic action of pollutants, humidity, temperature and light, has up to now not been much investigated. One of the main objectives of this project is therefore to systematically study the combined impact of pollutants and climate on paintings installed in microclimate frames, on display, in storage or in transit. In addition, the protective effect of varnishes on paintings generally, and in microclimate frames specifically, will be analysed and evaluated. Based on the results from these studies, contributions will be made to work with standards for microclimate control for paintings and design for new and refined microclimate enclosures for paintings will be provided. The work with standards will be particularly directed towards contributing to the work of the European Standardisation Organisation, CEN, under the Technical Committee no. 346, Conservation of Cultural property (CEN/TC 346).