It is no secret that art dealers and artists alike will tell you that the best way to store your art is on your walls. This will keep them safe from dirty fingers and from anything getting spilled on them. When art is on the wall you can also cherish it and see it every day. However, if they are just sentimental items you don’t want to display or perhaps you are staying with a friend and you need to store the art for a while until you find your own home. Whatever the circumstances are there are some simple steps to follow in order to correctly take care of your art storage.
You want to be storing the art pieces somewhere where there is little human traffic. You will need to prepare the artwork and paintings to be put into storage.
Framed pieces: You will wrap the artwork tight with either bubble wrap or a blanket and then seal them with packing tape. Using pieces of hardboard and taping them together to pad the front and back of the artwork.
Unframe pieces: You can use a piece of silicone release paper in order to cover the front of the painting and then use glassine paper to wrap. Padding the back and front of the art using hardboard and wrap in bubble wrap or blankets. Packing tape can be used to secure them together.
Stacking the art safely
Climate control: When there are sudden changes in temperature and humidity it can cause the canvas to tighten or slack. The changes with the time will cause paint to flake off and crack. If the area has a high humidity level, then you may start to see mold growing on the artwork which cannot be reversed. The storage area needs to have a consistent humidity level and temperature. You want a temperature that sits about 21 degrees Celsius and humidity around the 55% mark.
Ensure you use padding: When storing your artwork and paintings ensure they are stored separately and avoid laying each one of top of each other. If you are short on space, you can buy a painting rack and padding to stack the pieces if necessary. This situation is where something as handy and intact as an airtight cabinet could come in handy.
Use a flat surface: If you are storing long term then your artwork needs to be laid on a flat surface and on acid free boards.
Cover your paintings: Ensure you are using clean pieces of cloth to cover the artwork entirely. This will ensure the dust and debris will not collect on the surface. If you are storing for a long time like several years, then you should take them out and air them occasionally. This will prevent the humidity from building up and creating mould.
Avoid attics and basements: It may seem the ideal place to store your paintings in the basement which is away from anyone touching them. Truth is you should never store paintings in the attic or basement and the extra dry or damp conditions will damage the artwork. The temperatures and humidity levels here are not constant.
Avoid concrete floors: Don’t lay your artwork and paintings on any types of concrete flooring or walls for that matter as they will absorb moisture.
Avoid direct sunlight: Ensure your paintings are always kept away from sunlight to prevent them from being damaged and suffering from fading.