Abstract: A process for integrating and permanently conserving an oil painting on canvas first eliminates stresses in the paint film induced by the original canvas by breaking down the weave of the canvas through physical abrasion or other means for severing the loops without damaging the paint film. The stress relieving step is followed by integrating the paint film, the original ground layer, remnants of old canvas, and a new dimensionally stable backing layer of material having an estimated life comparable to the expected life of the paint film. Integration is accomplished by means of a liquid coherant that cures to a permanent flexible material that provides a continuous bond between the paint film and the new backing layer. The coherant has a life expectancy comparable to that of the backing layer, with no deleterious physical or chemical effects on the paint film.