The article addresses various ethical issues which a private conservator may face, such as: balancing a client's demand for minimal cost with the conservator's own desires for thoroughness of treatment and business profitability; undertaking more extensive treatments because of anticipated lack of future care; the client's perception of art works as functional artifacts designed to decorate and to uphold the status quo; education of the client; follow-ups after treatment; and treatment of works outside the conservator's specialty. The author illustrates these issues with case histories from her paintings conservation practice. -- AATA