How Do You Store Artwork

Storing artwork properly is crucial to preserving its beauty and value, whether it’s for a few weeks or many years. This guide will help you understand the best ways to store different types of artwork, from paintings to sculptures, to keep them safe and in great condition. You’ll learn about the right materials to use, how to pack your art, and the importance of climate control. Shockingly, studies show that nearly 60% of art damage happens due to improper storage, making it essential to get it right from the start.

Why Is It Important To Store Your Artwork Correctly?

If artwork is not stored properly, it can get damaged. Paintings might crack or fade, and drawings could tear or get stained. Dust and dirt can stick to the artwork, making it look old and dirty. Without proper care, valuable pieces can be ruined forever.

How to Prepare Your Art for Storage?

To ensure your artwork remains pristine during storage, take proactive steps to prepare it effectively. If you hire our London removals and storage services, you don`t need to worry about how to do it and what protective materials you need to buy.

Start by gently cleaning your paintings with a soft duster to remove any dirt without using harsh solutions. Label each piece with its title, date, medium, and size for easy identification.

Consider creating a digital log or spreadsheet to keep track of all your artwork. Before storing, take high-quality photos of your paintings for reference. Ensure your artwork is in good condition before storing it away.

When packing, use foam board and cardboard boxes for protection. Wrap your art in acid-free materials for added safeguarding. Place your artwork in well-fitting boxes with foam board inserts to prevent movement, and fill any gaps with packing material.

Seal the boxes with tape, label them clearly, and mark them as fragile to handle them with care during storage.

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Types of Artwork and Their Specific Needs

• Paintings done on canvas are prone to warping under extreme conditions, so storing them upright on frames or rolled up in tubes is ideal.

• Photographs and prints should be kept in acid-free sleeves to prevent damage from dust and smudges.

• Sculptures made of metal require regular polishing to maintain their luster, while delicate glass pieces need extra padding to avoid breakage.

• Textiles like tapestries should be rolled with acid-free paper to prevent creasing.

• For mixed media artworks, ensure that all components are securely attached to prevent shifting.

What Packing Materials You Will Need?

Packing and storing artwork properly is important to keep it safe and in good condition. Using the right materials helps prevent damage from dust, dirt, and handling. Here’s a list of items you might need:

• Gloves
• Acid-free paper
• Foam board
• Cardboard boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Labels
• Sealing materials (e.g., zip ties or clips)

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Keep Your Stored Artwork Separated

Ensure proper spacing between stored artworks to prevent them from sticking together or transferring any damage. By keeping your artwork separated, you reduce the risk of scratches, smudges, or accidental impacts that can occur when pieces are too close.

Utilize dividers, acid-free paper, or individual packaging to maintain a safe distance between each item. This method not only safeguards the surface integrity but also helps in organizing and identifying your pieces more efficiently.

When storing multiple artworks, consider investing in storage solutions that offer compartments or adjustable shelving to keep them adequately spaced. Remember, proper separation is key to preserving the quality and condition of your valuable artwork in the long run.

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Consider a Solander Box

Consider utilizing a Solander Box for secure and organized storage of your valuable artwork. A Solander Box, also known as a museum box, is a sturdy and protective case designed specifically for storing artwork.

These boxes are typically made of acid-free and lignin-free materials to prevent damage from acids that can degrade artwork over time. The Solander Box features a hinged lid that opens flat, allowing easy access to your paintings while providing a controlled storage environment.

By using a Solander Box, you can protect your artwork from light exposure, dust, and physical damage, ensuring its longevity and preservation. These boxes are ideal for storing individual pieces or collections, keeping them organized and safeguarded.

Invest in a Solander Box to maintain the quality and condition of your artwork while optimizing storage space in a secure and efficient manner.

Pay Attention to Humidity

To maintain the longevity of your valuable artwork stored in a Solander Box, understanding the impact of humidity is crucial. Humidity levels can greatly affect the condition of your paintings.

High humidity may lead to mold growth, warping of canvas, and deterioration of the artwork. On the other hand, low humidity can cause cracking or flaking of paint layers. It’s recommended to store your artwork in a location with stable humidity levels, ideally around 55% to 65%.

Investing in a dehumidifier or humidifier can help regulate the moisture in the storage area. Additionally, consider using silica gel packets or moisture-absorbing products to maintain optimal humidity levels within the storage space.

Regularly monitoring and adjusting the humidity levels will ensure that your artwork remains in pristine condition for years to come.

Store Art in a Cool, Dry, Dark Place

To keep your artwork safe, store it in a cool, dry, dark place. Extreme temperatures can cause damage, and dampness leads to mold. Sunlight fades colors, so avoid direct exposure. Dark areas help preserve the original colors. 

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How to Pack Paintings and Canvas Art

To pack paintings effectively, start by wrapping them in acid-free materials to prevent scratches and smudges. Place the wrapped artwork in well-fitting boxes with foam board inserts to avoid movement during storage or transportation. Fill any gaps with packing material to provide additional cushioning. Seal the boxes with tape, label them clearly, and mark them as fragile to ensure careful handling.

For extra protection, consider using foam board or cardboard to create a barrier around unframed works. Remember to avoid laying paintings on top of each other and store them a few inches off the floor to protect against moisture and dust.

Following these packing guidelines will help preserve your paintings and canvas art for years to come.

Storing Drawings, Prints, and Paper-Based Art

Consider implementing acid-free storage solutions to protect your drawings, prints, and paper-based art from environmental harm. Store these delicate pieces flat, using protective acid-free paper between each artwork to prevent smudging and dust accumulation. Avoid stacking them, as this can lead to bending or creasing.

For long-term storage, use archival boxes or portfolios with acid-free sleeves to shield your art from light and moisture. Keep the storage area dry and well-ventilated to prevent mold growth. Regularly check on your stored drawings and prints to catch any signs of damage early.

When handling these pieces, wear gloves to prevent oils and dirt from transferring onto the paper. By following these storage practices, you can ensure the longevity and preservation of your valuable drawings, prints, and paper-based art.

Packing and Storing Sculptures and Three-Dimensional Art

Properly packing and storing sculptures and three-dimensional art is crucial to preserving their integrity and longevity. When packing sculptures for storage, wrap delicate parts with bubble wrap or foam to prevent damage. Use sturdy boxes or crates to provide structural support and protect from impacts. Label each box with the sculpture’s name and any handling instructions.

Store sculptures off the ground on shelves or pallets to avoid moisture damage. For three-dimensional art pieces, consider using custom foam inserts within boxes to keep them secure during storage. Wrap each piece individually in acid-free paper before placing them in well-fitting boxes. Fill any gaps with packing material to prevent shifting.

Ensure the storage area is clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight to maintain the quality of your sculptures and three-dimensional art for years to come.

Storing Large and Heavy Artwork

To ensure the preservation of large and heavy artwork, it’s crucial to employ proper handling and storage techniques that safeguard their integrity and longevity.

When storing these pieces, prioritize their weight distribution to avoid damage. Utilize sturdy racks or shelving systems designed to support heavy loads. Avoid stacking heavy artwork on top of each other to prevent crushing or warping.

Additionally, consider the placement of these pieces in a climate-controlled environment to prevent fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can harm the integrity of the artwork.

When moving or transporting large pieces, use proper lifting techniques and secure packaging to prevent accidents or damage.

How to Keep Your Artwork Off the Ground

Ensure your artwork remains protected and preserved by keeping it elevated off the ground. Placing your artwork directly on the floor exposes it to potential damage from moisture, dust, and pests.

Utilize shelving units, storage racks, or wall-mounted hooks to keep your pieces off the ground. By elevating your artwork, you create a barrier against accidental spills, flooding, or ground-level hazards that could harm your pieces.

Additionally, avoiding direct contact with the floor helps maintain proper air circulation around your artwork, preventing mold and mildew growth. Remember to choose storage solutions that provide adequate support and stability for your artwork, ensuring they remain safe and secure while stored off the ground.

Prioritize protecting your valuable pieces by investing in proper storage equipment that keeps them elevated and shielded from potential harm.

Organizing Artwork and Paintings in a Storage Unit

By keeping your artwork elevated off the ground to protect it from potential damage, the next step involves strategically placing and arranging your paintings inside the storage unit. When organizing your storage space, prioritize accessibility to easily locate specific pieces.

Place larger paintings at the back of the unit and smaller ones towards the front for better visibility. Utilize shelves, racks, or hanging systems to maximize available space efficiently. Ensure that delicate or valuable pieces are stored securely and away from high traffic areas to avoid accidental damage.

Consider grouping artwork by size, theme, or artist for a systematic arrangement that simplifies retrieval. Allow for adequate airflow between pieces to prevent moisture build-up, and avoid overcrowding to minimize the risk of accidental damage.

How Important Is Having An Insurance?

Having insurance for your artwork is crucial to safeguard against unforeseen damages or losses. While you may take all necessary precautions in storing your valuable pieces, accidents or unexpected events can still occur. Insurance provides a safety net, ensuring that you’re financially protected in case of theft, fire, water damage, or other unforeseen circumstances that may damage or destroy your artwork.

Without insurance, you risk losing not just your artwork but also the financial value and emotional significance attached to each piece. It gives you peace of mind knowing that even if the worst were to happen, you have a means of recovering the value of your artwork. Additionally, insurance can cover costs associated with restoration or repairs in case of damage, helping you preserve the integrity and value of your collection.

Therefore, investing in proper insurance coverage for your artwork is a wise decision to protect your investment and ensure that your cherished pieces are safeguarded for years to come.