Art Technical Q&A: Canvas repair

I have a favorite 50"-x-54" painting that was originally done on very thin canvas. Over the years the canvas became brittle and as thin as paper and had to be removed on a few occasions to move the painting. Now the edges are gone in places, and there are a number of large and small tears in the canvas. Currently it is off the frame. Is it best to fix each tear individually or attach the whole painting onto a new piece of canvas? If you recommend the latter, how should I proceed?

The nature of the damage you describe—tears, brittle canvas, and an overall weakening of the canvas support—would seem to call for a new lining as well as a conservator to accomplish it. Relining a canvas requires stabilizing the front of the picture and attaching a new support to the back of the old one. The new support may be made of linen or even a stable synthetic such as woven fiberglass or polyester sailcloth. A wax-and-resin adhesive is prepared to attach the picture to the new support with a heating device. I have only provided a general, simplified outline of the task here in order to encourage you to consult with a conservator and spare your fragile painting from further damage.