Whether you’re interested in collecting art or just need a place to keep some of your paintings due to a lack of space or moving to a new home, storing art correctly is very important. There is a myriad of ways that the pain, frame, and canvas can get damaged. So, if you value your art, as you should, then follow these tips to ensure safe and proper storage.
Prepare the right environment
When selecting where to store your art, you need to analyze certain factors about the environment and decide if they are suitable for your painting. If not, you’ll have to make adjustments or simply find another space. So, what do you look for in a storage room?
Climate control
You want to avoid places with high humidity as it can lead to moulding – around 50% is the sweet spot. A consistent temperature at about 20 to 25 degrees celsius is vital as well, as too much fluctuation can cause issues with the canvas.
Avoid attics and basements
The storage room needs to be finished and properly insulated, so attics and basements are usually not a good choice. Conditions that are exceedingly damp or dry are both likely to damage the art as well. If you have to store your art in one of these places, make the right changes to avoid problems.
Avoid sunlight and direct heat
Rooms with windows that bring indirect sunlight are going to cause your artwork to fade. You also don’t want any air vents or furnaces near your art as that can also lead to serious damage.
Ensure proper packing
When packing, taking the right steps is key. Otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good for your art.
1. Start by cleaning the piece with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any dust.
2. Wrap the painting in plastic or glassine paper to keep it clean and protect the finish
3. To avoid damaging the frame, use cardboard corners as protection.
4. Wrap the artwork in several layers of bubble wrap and seal the wrap with tape.
5. Place protection at the bottom of the box you’re going to store it in, such as a layer of foam or wadded newsprint.
6. Add packing material such as bubble pack to reduce the risk of damage.
Don’t stack
The frames and canvases of a painting can absorb dampness from other materials, so you need to ensure the paintings aren’t lying against each other or on top of one another. Keeping it on the ground isn’t a good idea either. If you need to lay your paintings flat, use a painting rack, and keep the artworks stored separately.
Transport with care
Negligence and carelessness can lead to irreparable damage when moving pieces. So, whoever’s driving needs to take extra care to ensure the paintings won’t rattle or flop around during the journey. You need a spacious vehicle and should store the paintings vertically while avoiding stacking or leaning where possible.
Alternatively, you can avoid all the hassle by simply leaving this work in the hands of the professionals. Contact big blue squirrel now for convenient, affordable, and reliable storing solutions.
