Preliminary study on the damage mechanism of ancient paintings

The damage mechanism of the ancient paintings are analysed. The causes of the painting damages are found are aging due to light and heat energy, decomposition reactions of the acid substances and pollution of the molds. Denaturation of the color and using of alum in the mounting are also the important factors causing the damage of ancient paintings. The control of preservation environment and improvement of restoration methods to protect the ancient painting are also recommended in the paper.