Priya Kapoor
Storing paintings can be challenging, especially if you have limited space. Artworks are delicate and susceptible to damage from moisture, tears, sunlight, fingerprints, and pests. To preserve your paintings, it is crucial to choose an appropriate storage location with moderate humidity and minimal temperature fluctuations. Direct sunlight should be avoided due to its UV rays, which can cause fading and canvas deterioration. Proper handling and packaging, such as using acid-free paper and protective boxes, are also essential to prevent smudges and ensure the safety of your paintings during storage. Additionally, consider utilising vertical storage options and regularly checking on your artwork to ensure its longevity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Basements, garages, and attics are not ideal due to inconsistent temperatures and humidity. The ideal environment is between 70 and 72 degrees with 50% humidity. A climate-controlled storage unit is a good alternative. |
| Handling | Avoid touching unframed art with bare hands. Use gloves or handle framed edges only. |
| Cleaning | Use a duster cloth with gentle strokes to clean each piece before storage. For extensive cleaning, consult an art restorer. |
| Wrapping | Wrap paintings in acid-free paper or cloth to protect the surface and prevent dust accumulation. Avoid plastic wrap as it can create an airtight seal. |
| Packing | Use mirror boxes, archival art boxes, or large flat cardboard boxes. Avoid flimsy materials that can settle and create gaps. Use packing tape to seal the box and label it. |
| Storage Position | Store paintings upright on frames or rolled up inside tubes to save space. Stacking paintings flat can cause scratches and damage. |
| Regular Checks | Check on stored paintings regularly to prevent damage and deterioration. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid basements, attics, and garages
Basements, attics, and garages are often used as storage spaces, but they can be detrimental to artwork. These spaces tend to have inconsistent temperatures and humidity levels, which can damage paintings. Extreme temperatures can cause the canvas to expand and contract, distorting the artwork. High humidity can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which can also damage the painting and its frame. Additionally, sunlight can enter these spaces and cause damage to the artwork. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can cause pigments to fade, paper to yellow, and resin to become unstable.
Furthermore, garages are more susceptible to break-ins, so storing valuables in these spaces is not advisable. Basements and attics are also prone to flooding, which could result in significant damage to artwork. Pests are another concern, as they can be attracted to food stored in these areas and potentially damage artwork.
Therefore, it is recommended to store paintings in a climate-controlled environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels to protect them from potential damage. This can include investing in a climate-controlled storage unit or finding alternative storage solutions within the home that maintain stable conditions.
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Keep paintings elevated
Keeping paintings elevated is a great way to save space and avoid accidental damage. Here are some tips to keep your paintings elevated and well-preserved:
Firstly, it is important to choose the right location. Avoid storing paintings in basements, garages, or attics due to inconsistent temperatures and humidity levels, which can encourage mould and mildew. Instead, opt for a dry, room-temperature space with stable humidity levels, ideally below 60% relative humidity. Keep your paintings away from direct sunlight as UV rays can cause colours to fade and paper to yellow. If a dark room is not available, store your paintings in a dark cabinet or solander box.
When hanging paintings, it is recommended to use D-rings attached to the frame or stretcher on the left and right sides for full support. Avoid hanging paintings above a mantel, near radiators, heaters, or in bathrooms and kitchens, as heat can cause thermal tensions, moisture reduction, and chemical reactions that damage the paint layer and support. Always hang paintings on a flat surface to prevent indentations and tears.
For optimal viewing, the centre of the artwork should be at eye level, typically 57 inches from the floor. This ensures that viewers can comfortably admire the piece without straining their necks.
If you have multiple paintings, consider investing in a canvas storage rack to save floor space. Alternatively, you can store paintings upright on their frames or rolled up inside tubes if they are not on canvas. Ensure the paintings are well-protected with acid-free packing paper and stored in clean, durable boxes.
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Use vertical storage
If you're short on space, vertical storage is a great option for your artwork. This method can be used for empty frames, canvases, framed prints, and even trays. It is an effective way to store multiple pieces in a compact area, and it also keeps your artwork safe and organised.
Vertical storage prevents frames from leaning against each other, which can cause unnecessary wear and damage. It also makes it easy to access the exact piece you need without rearranging everything. This simple storage hack will keep your artwork in good condition and is flexible and customisable. You can adjust the dividers to fit different artwork sizes.
Metal shelving racks on wheels are a good option for vertical storage. You can adjust the shelf heights to accommodate various-sized items. To create dividers and prevent pieces from leaning on each other, use twine or rope to create vertical dividers between sections.
Vertical storage slots can accommodate more than one artwork, and you can stack paintings following specific guidelines. You can also use a rolling cart to create DIY storage for your artwork.
Keeping your artwork vertical has two benefits: it can prevent dust from gathering and avoid any distortion.
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Wrap unframed paintings
Wrapping unframed paintings is a delicate task that requires careful handling to avoid damage. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Prepare the Workspace and Materials:
Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clean and free from dust or grime. Gather the necessary materials, including acid-free or pH-neutral tissue paper, cardboard, packing tape, bubble wrap, and gloves. Acid-free materials are crucial to prevent staining.
Clean the Artwork:
Use a soft, clean cloth to gently remove any dust or dirt from the surface of the painting. It is important to clean the artwork before storage to prevent the buildup of grime.
Wrap the Painting:
Place the unframed painting on a flat, clean surface. Cover the painting with a layer of acid-free tissue paper or another breathable material, ensuring that the paper is larger than the painting on all sides. Gently wrap the paper around the painting, creating a protective barrier. Make sure that nothing comes into direct contact with the painted surface. You can use acid-free tissue paper or glassine paper for this purpose.
Secure with Tape:
Use painter's tape or acid-free tape to secure the paper in place. Avoid standard adhesive tapes as they may leave residue on the artwork over time. Ensure that the tape only adheres to the paper and does not touch the painting itself.
Add Extra Protection:
For added protection, you can place the wrapped painting between two pieces of cardboard or foam core. This will provide a sturdy surface and help prevent accidental bending or punctures. Secure the cardboard with packing tape, creating a protective package.
Store in a Safe Location:
Choose a storage location that is dry, temperature-controlled, and free from extreme humidity. Avoid attics, basements, or garages, as these areas often have inconsistent temperatures and humidity levels that can damage the artwork. Consider using vertical storage options, such as wall-mounted shelves or racks, to keep the paintings off the ground and safe from potential moisture or accidental damage.
Remember, when handling unframed paintings, always wear clean gloves to prevent fingerprints and oil stains. Taking these steps will help ensure that your unframed paintings are properly wrapped and stored, maintaining their condition over time.
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Store in a climate-controlled unit
Climate-controlled storage units are the perfect option for storing artwork and paintings. They are designed to maintain a constant temperature and humidity level, which is crucial for preserving your paintings. The ideal temperature for storing artwork is between 70 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of around 50%. These conditions prevent damage caused by fluctuations in climate, such as cracks, warping, and mould growth, which are especially harmful to sensitive materials like canvas, wood, paper, and textiles.
Climate-controlled units also protect your paintings from pests and insects, which can devastate your artwork in a short period. Additionally, they provide a stable environment, shielding your paintings from air pollution and its harmful particles.
When storing your paintings, it is recommended to keep them upright on their frames or rolled up inside tubes if they are not on canvas. You can also invest in a canvas storage rack to optimise space. Avoid stacking your paintings, and instead, use a rack to keep them off the ground and away from potential damage.
While climate-controlled storage units are an excellent option, it is still advisable to visit and check on your paintings from time to time. This allows you to identify any potential issues, such as the presence of mould or pests.
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Frequently asked questions
If you don't have much space, it's best to store your paintings upright on their frames. If they're not on canvas, you can also roll them up inside a tube. Alternatively, you can hang them on a wall-mounted storage system, such as rows of chain-link fences with S-hooks.
Before storing your paintings, wrap unframed canvases with acid-free paper to prevent stains. For framed paintings, wrap the work in tissue paper or another breathable material, adding padding to protect delicate or ornate parts of the frame. Then, place the artwork into a cardboard box or a mirror box, filling any gaps with packing materials such as newspaper or bubble wrap. Seal the box with packing tape and label it.
The ideal environment for storing artwork is between 70 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% humidity. Avoid storing paintings in direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause colours to fade and canvases to deteriorate over time. Basements, garages, and attics are also not ideal due to inconsistent temperatures and humidity levels, which can encourage mould and mildew.
