Priya Kapoor
Storing framed paintings can be challenging, especially when space is limited. To avoid damage, it is important to handle paintings with care and take the necessary steps to preserve them. This includes finding a suitable storage environment, using the correct packing materials, and considering the placement of the paintings to maximise space utilisation. The paintings should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place, protected from sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Proper wrapping and padding with materials like tissue paper, bubble wrap, and cardboard are essential to prevent scratches and damage during storage. Additionally, utilising vertical storage options, such as walls or shelves, can help save space while keeping the paintings safe and accessible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wrapping | Use tissue paper, plain brown or white paper, packing paper, bubble wrap, styrofoam, cardboard, or acid-free paper |
| Boxes | Use cardboard boxes, mirror boxes, archival art boxes, or large flat boxes |
| Packing | Use packing tape, frame protectors, and desiccants to prevent moisture |
| Storage Space | Keep paintings in a cool, dry, dark, windowless, well-ventilated, and climate-controlled environment |
| Placement | Keep paintings elevated off the floor, upright, and separate to avoid damage |
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What You'll Learn
Wrap paintings in tissue paper or bubble wrap
When storing framed paintings, it is important to keep them clean, dry, and scratch-free. Paintings are often fragile and can be damaged by touch, the environment, or bad luck. Wrapping framed paintings in tissue paper or bubble wrap is a good way to protect them.
Firstly, wrap the painting in tissue paper. This will prevent the painting from shifting within its frame and protect it from scratches. If you are using a cardboard box, you can skip the tissue paper and simply wrap the frame in heavy, plain white or brown paper. Do not use newspaper, as it may tear and transfer ink to your paintings.
Next, use bubble wrap to protect the frame. Bubble wrap will protect the painting from bending, crushing, or perforating. However, do not place bubble wrap in direct contact with the painting, especially if it is delicate, tacky with varnish, or if you intend to store it for a long time. The static from the bubble wrap can damage the painting's surface. Instead, add a layer of glassine or acid-free paper between the painting and the bubble wrap.
Finally, place the wrapped paintings into a cardboard box. If you are storing them in a damp environment, place the box on a wooden pallet or on top of other sturdy boxes to protect the paintings from moisture.
Remember, moisture is detrimental to paintings, so always store your paintings in a cool, dry place, preferably windowless, to avoid exposure to sunlight. Continuous sunlight can cause pigment to fade over time, paper to yellow, and resin to become unstable.
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Store in cardboard boxes
When storing framed paintings in cardboard boxes, it is important to take several precautions to ensure the paintings remain undamaged. Firstly, it is recommended to wrap the paintings in tissue paper or another breathable material to protect the artwork. Avoid using materials such as newspaper, as the ink may transfer to the artwork. Instead, use acid-free paper, especially when storing unframed canvases, as common packing materials can cause stains.
After wrapping the painting, ensure that it is adequately padded and protected. Use materials such as bubble wrap, styrofoam, or cardboard corners to safeguard delicate or ornate parts of the frame. It is also suggested to avoid completely sealing the painting in plastic, as this can create an airtight seal, leading to potential issues with moisture.
Once the paintings are wrapped and protected, carefully place them into the cardboard boxes. If using a single box for multiple paintings, separate them with sheets of cardboard or foam core to prevent direct contact between the frames. Additionally, ensure that the paintings do not touch the bottom or sides of the box, as this can cause damage. Fill any gaps in the box with packing materials such as newspaper or bubble wrap to secure the paintings in place.
Finally, seal the cardboard box with packing tape and consider labelling it for easy identification and retrieval. It is also recommended to store the box in a cool, dry, and dark place, avoiding direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can be detrimental to the paintings.
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Keep paintings elevated and off the floor
Keeping paintings elevated and off the floor is a great way to save space and protect your artwork. Firstly, it's important to consider the material of the flooring. Concrete floors can cause artwork to absorb dampness and moisture, and painted floors may scuff or stain the paintings. Therefore, storing artwork on the floor is not recommended.
Instead, opt for vertical storage methods. You can use a gridwall panel to hang your artwork, or utilise shelves, easels, or risers to keep your paintings dust and moisture-free. If you're looking to save space, try using a painting rack to store your artwork upright. This method will also help prevent rips and tears that could occur if something falls on a horizontally stored painting.
If you must store your paintings horizontally, use protective storage measures such as solander boxes or painting racks with sheets of acid-free paper between each piece to avoid damage.
When hanging artwork, it's essential to consider the height. A good rule of thumb is to hang art so that its midpoint or centre is between 57 and 60 inches from the floor, aiming for eye level. This ensures that people can comfortably admire the artwork without straining their necks. However, when hanging artwork above furniture, the eye-level rule may not always apply, and you may need to adjust the height accordingly.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing framed paintings, it is important to find a cool, dry place. Moisture is detrimental to paintings, so you need to avoid damp spaces. A temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, as it ensures a steady climate that avoids fluctuations. These fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction of materials, leading to warping, discolouration, and mould growth. Basements, for example, are best avoided due to seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Continuous sunlight is also harmful, so choose a dark and preferably windowless location.
To prepare framed paintings for storage, begin by cleaning them with a soft, fresh microfiber cloth to remove any dust or grime. Ensure that the paintings are dry, especially if they are recent oil paintings, as these can take up to a year to dry completely. Wrap each painting in tissue paper or another breathable material, being careful not to let the paper come into contact with the artwork's surface. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink may transfer and cause stains. Instead, consider using acid-free paper, which is less likely to stain the surface.
After wrapping the painting, add appropriate padding and support to protect any delicate parts of the frame. Use bubble wrap, styrofoam, or corrugated frame protectors at the corners. Then, wrap the painting a second time with bubble wrap, securing it with tape. Place the wrapped paintings into a sturdy cardboard box, ensuring that nothing touches the surface of the artwork. If you don't have individual boxes for each painting, separate them with cardboard dividers or sandwich them between two sheets of cardboard or foam core. Label the box as "Fragile" and store it in a dry area, away from other boxes that could cause damage.
Additionally, consider using a climate-controlled storage unit to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. You can also store your paintings vertically on a wall or gridwall panel to keep them off the floor and reduce the risk of accidental damage.
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Use vertical storage
When storing framed paintings, it is best to keep them elevated and off the ground. Laying paintings flat can be risky, as rips and tears may occur if something falls on the canvas. Stacking paintings can also damage them by putting too much weight on the art. Therefore, storing artwork upright is usually the safest option.
To store your framed paintings vertically, you can use a wall to hang your paintings. Gridwall panels are a great way to store your paintings on a wall. You can also use shelves to store your paintings upright. An easel or a riser can also be used to store your paintings vertically while keeping them dust and moisture-free. If you must store your paintings horizontally, use protective storage measures such as painting racks or solander boxes.
If you are storing your paintings in a storage unit, it is important to keep them elevated to avoid potential water damage, changes in temperature, and insects. You can place your paintings on shelves or use a riser, such as a plastic bin box.
When storing your framed paintings vertically, it is important to consider the materials you use to wrap and protect your paintings. Wrap your framed artwork in materials such as blankets, bubble wrap, or felt. Use tape to keep the padding attached. You can also use cardboard corners or frame protectors to protect the corners of your frames.
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Frequently asked questions
Wrap the painting in tissue paper or another breathable material. Use cardboard corners to maintain structural integrity and add padding and support to protect delicate or ornate parts of the frame.
Use a well-fitting, sturdy cardboard box. If you don't have a box, you can sandwich the painting between two sheets of cardboard or foam core.
Place the wrapped paintings inside the box and fill any gaps with packing material such as bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure the paintings are secure and won't move around too much.
Keep the paintings in a cool, dry place with moderate humidity and consistent temperature. Avoid direct sunlight and find a space that is dust-free and elevated off the floor.
Yes, you can use vertical storage options such as wall-mounted grids or shelves. Alternatively, you can use a canvas storage rack or roll up the paintings and store them in tubes if they are not on canvas.
