Preparing Your Art for Storage
- 1 Put on gloves before touching any art. ...
- 2 Check to see if all works are dry. ...
- 3 Clean your art. ...
- 4 Protect framed paintings with acid-free tissue. ...
- 5 Group smaller prints together in a folder. ...
- 6 Seal unframed paper in glassine. ...
- 7 Wrap sculptures and other 3D objects in bubble wrap. ...
- 8 Place all wrapped artwork into boxes. ...
How to pack and ship framed artwork?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Wrapping Framed Artwork Download Article
- Cover the frame glass with artist tape. No matter how well you pack it, the glass covering your artwork may break during transit.
- Wrap the framed artwork in brown paper. [9] ... ...
- Place cardboard corners over your package. ...
- Place a sheet of cardboard over the front of your package. ...
- Wrap your package in bubble wrap. ...
How to choose the best frame for artwork?
What you should consider:
- Wood or Metal Frame: different pieces of work will be complemented best with a wood or metal frame. ...
- Frame Color: we suggest choosing a frame color that matches a shade in the picture, going for a bold-colored frame for a dramatic effect, or selecting a neutral shade for ...
- Mat or no mat? ...
How to safely store artwork?
- If you’re moving or storing canvas paintings during hot, humid weather, use a stretcher or a frame to “key out” (stretch) the canvas.
- Use tissue paper, blankets, and soft cloths to wrap and protect the artwork.
- If you’re rolling paintings to store them, roll them with the paint side out. Rolled-in paint is more likely to crack.
How to store framed paintings, prints, and mirrors?
- Wrap large art items separately and box them individually.
- Store boxed artwork upright to prevent shattering the glass.
- Wear gloves before touching your photography or paintings to prevent permanent smudges and fingerprints.
- Protect stretched, framed canvas wall art by covering it in plastic wrap. ...
How should framed pictures be stored?
Generally, when not hung on a wall, framed items are best stored with their tops up, not on their sides or flat. The exception to storing framed items upright is when they are torn, flaking, or otherwise unstable. In these cases, it is often best to store items flat and facing upwards on large shelves.
How do you store framed art in a garage?
Use plastic to wrap the painting to keep it clean and protect the finish. Seal with styrofoam. Use a custom-sized styrofoam box to ensure that the painting is safe and snug. Put in a small box.
How do you properly store or stack whenever you handle framed artwork?
Framed works should never be placed on top of one another. They may collapse under their own weight. Instead, you should stand the boxes with framed works up next to each other. Unframed works may be stacked, however, it is best to place them standing up as well.
How should artwork be stored?
9 Things to Know for Storing Your Artworks in the Right WayIf there's one thing that we art lovers know, it's this: art is priceless. ... Avoid Direct Sunlight. ... Pay Attention to Humidity. ... Store Art in a Cool, Dry, Dark Place. ... Don't Clean Your Paintings. ... Consider a Solander Box. ... Keep Your Glass or Acrylics Squeaky Clean.More items...
How do you prevent mold on paintings?
Paintings wrapped in plastic should be removed from the plastic to prevent mold growth if they were in a damp environment, even if there is no overt indication of water damage once they are removed to a safe and dry environment. If the painting is glazed, the frame should be removed as soon as possible.
How do I protect my paintings in storage?
To prepare a canvas painting for storage, it is recommended that you first protect it with brown or acid-free paper, before adding a layer of bubble wrap. Then, ensure the corners have protection in place, this can be made from cardboard or foam.
How do you protect framed paintings with acid-free tissue?
Use acid-free packaging such as tissue paper or glassine. You can bubble wrap your artwork for storage and transportation but leave it slightly open so it can breathe. Store your paintings vertically, rather than horizontally and do not stack them.
Can you store paintings rolled up?
In general, it is safe to roll a finished canvas painting and store it in a packing tube. However, you should take some precautions into account first. A painting must be completely dry before rolling. An unstretched canvas painting should not be too tightly rolled.
How do I protect my paintings from humidity?
It's a good idea to fix a backboard on the back of the frame. The backboard is a piece of acid-free cardboard that covers the back of the frame. It can protect the painting from temperature or humidity and also help to keep dust from accumulating.
Where do you store expensive art?
Find a place to store your artwork. An ideal location would be a closet or a room with minimal traffic. Avoid unfinished basements, attics, and garages. The best area would be a place with no windows or vents and has a controlled temperature.
Can paintings be wrapped in plastic?
Cut a piece of clear plastic sheet (polyethylene, 2 to 4 mil [50.8 to 101.6 µm ], or Mylar) large enough to wrap completely around the painting, allowing for about an 8 cm (3 in. ) overlap of the edges at the back. Lay this plastic sheet on the bubble wrap or foam (if used) or on a clean, flat padded surface.
How do you store canvas paintings at home?
How to Store Canvas Paintings and ArtworkCanvas is Fragile. ... Make Sure the Temperature and Humidity are Just Right. ... Keep Your Canvas Paintings Vertical. ... Cover Your Paintings with Cloth. ... Pack Your Art with Extra Care. ... Use a mirror box. ... Get a cardboard box. ... Build a crate.More items...•
What temperature should art be stored?
between 70-75 degrees FahrenheitHow to Maintain the Right Climate. The ideal humidity to store artwork is 40-50% with a temperature between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius).
How do I protect my paintings from humidity?
It's a good idea to fix a backboard on the back of the frame. The backboard is a piece of acid-free cardboard that covers the back of the frame. It can protect the painting from temperature or humidity and also help to keep dust from accumulating.
Can you store art supplies in the garage?
If your garage has a closet where your art will be safe, it might work. You'll need to pack everything well, of course (mirror boxes yet again), but the temperature changes won't be severe. Unless you live in a flood-prone area, most garages are dry enough to make reasonable art storage solutions.
How do you protect framed paintings with acid-free tissue?
Use acid-free packaging such as tissue paper or glassine. You can bubble wrap your artwork for storage and transportation but leave it slightly open so it can breathe. Store your paintings vertically, rather than horizontally and do not stack them.
How to Choose The Right Storage Room
Turning a closet or small office into an art storage room is an option, but you need to know what to look for when choosing a room in your house. T...
How to Ensure Correct Documentation When Storing Art
Although there are basic practices you can follow to protect your artwork, if you’re storing it you need to be prepared for the worst. Archiving yo...
How to Prepare Your Art For Storage
Clean it: Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any dust from hard surfaces. We suggest using a wood polish or metal polish if necessary to avoid...
How to Maintain The Right Climate
The ideal humidity to store artwork is 40-50% with a temperature between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius). This is easily achieved...
How to Keep Your Artwork Off The Ground
It is a known rule in the art world to never store your artwork on the ground. “The art should always be elevated off the floor,” Smith confirms, “...
How to Store Your Art If You Don’T Have Room at Home
Now that you know the specifics of art storage, you’re fully equipped to store your artwork at home –if you have space. If you don’t have room to s...
Exert Due Diligence When Storing Artwork
Hopefully, by this point, you’re feeling calmer and prepared to store your artwork. With a little advice from the professionals and a fierce attent...
How can I store the kids' artwork?
Children can be prolific little artists and it can be hard to decide where to keep it all. You could purchase an artwork file/portfolio available f...
What if I live in an apartment, and the only windowless room is the bathroom?
Choose a wardrobe, closet or lockup in a garage space instead if you don't have a windowless room. Or, choose a room that doesn't get much light. K...
How do I store my art carefully with little to no space?
Consider areas that might not be getting used and won't be in the way, such as the top of a wardrobe, hanging an art folder on a spare wall, placin...
How to prepare art for storage?
How to Prepare Your Art for Storage. Clean it: Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any dust from hard surfaces. We suggest using a wood polish or metal polish if necessary to avoid any rust or scuffing. You can consult a hardware store to see what polish is best for your piece.
What to check when you are prepping your art to be stored?
Make Sure All Materials are Acid-Free: Another thing to check for when you are prepping your art to be stored is that acid-free framing materials were used and acid-free storage materials are being used.
How to keep art off the ground?
How to Keep Your Artwork Off the Ground. It is a known rule in the art world to never store your artwork on the ground. “The art should always be elevated off the floor,” Smith confirms, “A simple shelving or riser, anything to keep the art off the floor will do.”. If you have space, you can also hang your artwork in the storage unit.
What is the best humidity for art?
The ideal humidity to store artwork is 40-50% with a temperature between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius). This is easily achieved with a humidifier. Severe climates can cause cracked paint, warping, yellowing of paper, and mold growth. Although when it comes to climate control, “the number one enemy is rapid changes in temperature or humidity,” Smith declares.
What to do if there is a vent in my storage?
If there is a vent in your storage space, you can speak to a specialist about creating a deflective device so the air doesn’t blow directly on the artwork. You also want to be thoughtful about dust, mold, and any musty smells that could be the indicator of a bigger problem.
What is art hanging?
Art is meant to be hung. This is also a great way to avoid having to add protection if it’s stacked against other pieces. Smith describes a storage space made with rows of chain link fences installed about five feet from each other. The art hangs on S hooks all over the fences.
Why is it important to archive artwork before packing it up?
Archiving your collection before you pack it up is absolutely necessary for protecting yourself against damage or loss.
Where to put art folders?
Consider areas that might not be getting used and won't be in the way, such as the top of a wardrobe, hanging an art folder on a spare wall, placing under a bed or inside a chest, or at the back of a wardrobe behind your shoes and clothes.
What to do if you can't store art?
If you are not storing art in your home, your next-best option is a storage unit. Give nearby storage companies a call and ask if they have temperature-controlled units available.
How to seal unframed paper?
You can purchase glassine online, at a printmaking shop, or in an art supply store. Cut a sheet of glassine about two times the size of each piece. Wrap it as you might a present, then tape it facedown onto a piece of foamcore.
How to keep artwork from changing shape?
Materials like paint and wood are especially sensitive to humidity. Keeping a constant, moderate level of humidity in the storage area will keep your artwork from changing shape or getting moldy. You can moderate the room’s humidity using a humidifier or dehumidifier.
How to keep artwork for kids?
You could purchase an artwork file/portfolio available from art stores as one option. For large pieces of artwork, mailing tubes can be a great way to keep these stored, rolled up and uncreased. It's also a good idea to get used to choosing pieces you and your children like the most and recycling other pieces on a yearly basis; this will help to reduce clutter and ensures that the best artwork is appreciated by all.
How to keep art from touching the floor?
Keep art off of the ground. You never want your artwork touching the storage room floor. Place smaller boxes on shelves or in drawers. Larger boxes can be elevated on racks or risers.
How to keep track of your art?
Label and keep a record of your stored art. Using tape and a permanent marker, label all the boxes of artwork. Include each work’s title and artist on your label. Create a spreadsheet or written record of what art you’ve stored and where it’s located.
How to store oil paintings?
The number one rule of how to store paintings, especially oil paintings, is to make sure you store them in a temperature controlled space. Storing your paintings in an attic or basement will eventually damage the artwork, due to the fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Oil and paint are very sensitive to temperature and warp, crack, or peel when exposed to inconsistent temperatures, forming the recognizable ridge "tent: lines of cracked paint.
How to protect paintings from the sun?
If you are looking for a good way to protect your paintings from the sunlight, check out these painting boxes from Uline. Not only will the padding be great for transporting your paintings, but the box will protect it from any dust or sun damage.
How to transport paintings?
Whenever you are transporting paintings make sure to drive carefully, and take turns slowly so your paintings don’t shift in your car or truck. When you pack your vehicle make sure to place your paintings vertically. If you stack paintings, there is a chance the paintings or frame on top could shift and rip through a painting that is placed on the bottom. If the painting is vertical the canvas of the painting is protected and is less likely to be ripped by another object or painting in the car. That said, make sure the paintings are snug in your vehicle during transport so they won’t tip over during your drive to the storage unit.
How to pack an oil painting for moving?
The best way to pack an oil painting for moving would be to first wrap it in clean plastic, seal it in styrofoam, and place into a box. If the box isn’t snug around the painting, make sure to add packing peanuts or other packing material to ensure the painting doesn’t rattle around inside the box.
How to keep paintings in the best condition?
To keep the painting in the best condition possible, it’s important to minimize the amount of direct human contact with the painting surface itself. Oil and other types of paint can be sensitive to human contact, especially over long periods of time, so it’s important to wrap the paintings appropriately before transporting them to storage.
Can climate controlled storage be used to store paintings?
Climate controlled storage has a lot of benefits to it, not the least of which being able to store your paintings safely. Make sure to check out our 5 Benefits of Climate Controlled Storage Units Article
Can you store paintings in cardboard?
Direct sunlight will fade paintings, photos, and other pieces of artwork which can’t be repaired. This is partially why it is recommended to store your paintings in cardboard boxes. At the very least, paintings should be wrapped in some type of covering.
