許多的藝術品是由各種有機和無機材質製成的，每一種材質都容易遭受到不同種類的傷害，而且各自需要特別的環境條件、展示方示和保存措施，以確保其穩定。評估複合媒材所需求的維護條件，最基本的是檢視所有的成份，辨識所使用的材質，予以分類，並了解它們對於環境和彼此的反應及敏感度。這些複合媒材作品的保存經常得透過組成材質之間相互衝突的維護條件的妥協處理。
對所有的材質而言，其維護是由穩定周遭的環境開始，這包括相對濕度和溫度、光線、害蟲、以及空氣污染的掌控。事先的環境控制通常遠比事後的修護來得更為重要，尤其是涉及複合媒材的作品的保存。
本論文將針對這些複合作品的基本保存問題，並於它們的典藏和環境需求方面提出建議。
Many art objects are made from a wide variety of organic and inorganic materials, each subject to different types of deterioration, and each requiring special environmental conditions, display methods, and conservation treatment to insure its stability. To assess the preservation requirments to composite objects, it is essential to examine all components, to identify the materials employed, to classify them, and to understanding their reactivity and sensitivity toward their environment and each other. The preservation and treatment of these composite objects often depends on a compromise between the conflicting conservation needs of component materials.
For all materials, conservation begins by stabilizing the surrounding environment. This includes controlling the relative humidity and temperature, light, pests, and pollutions in the atmosphere. Environment control generally have far greater than does restoration, especially when dealing with composite objects.
The present article will deal with the basic preservation problems of these composite objetcs, with recommendations for their storage and environmental requirements.
