Art is unique and personal, and each time you create or buy a piece, you add it to your collection. Over time, you may amass many valuable pieces and need to store them before you can get a proper home for them. You cannot simply store them in your shed or garage, so how can you ensure they are properly stored? Read below for tips.
Clean Properly Before Storage
Art such as sculptures, paintings, canvas art, vintage pieces, and even furniture may need to be cleaned before being stored for a long time. Cleaning art pieces ensures that the pieces do not have dust, bacteria, and dirt piling up.
Use cleaning products that are suitable for each material. Ideally, avoid harsh chemicals that may destroy the items. You can clean with a microfiber cloth to help you remove dust, especially from hard surfaces. You can also use metal or wood polish to remove scuffing or rust. If you need help cleaning your artwork, you can consult an appraiser who will issue a condition report and help you clean the piece professionally.
Avoid Exposure to Direct Sunlight
Paintings tend to deteriorate when exposed to direct sunlight. This deterioration is due to the chemical reaction between ultraviolet radiation and different painting mediums.
Materials such as canvas can get damaged by sunlight, and mediums such as oil and acrylics may be slightly resilient, but the colors may lighten when stored in the sunlight. On the other hand, watercolor and photos are sensitive and will fade when exposed to sunlight. You can use blackout curtains to cover your windows so sunlight does not come into the room.
Store Art Pieces in Cool, Dry Spaces
Humidity may cause chemical reactions in your art pieces. You can use a hygrometer to measure the inherent moisture in storage. Ideally, the level suitable for a gallery is about 55%. You can use equipment such as air blowers to control excessive moisture and improve ventilation in storage spaces.
Ensure that the artwork is in a cool, dry space where temperature fluctuations are unlikely to happen. Use a pedestal fan to cool down hot spaces. Alternatively, self-storage centers offer climate control for their units.
Stack Up the Paintings Properly
You should ideally wrap each art piece in acid-free paper to avoid any damage and scratches. Alternatively, you can use art boxes for better storage because these are uniquely designed for this purpose. Avoid wrapping the paintings in plastic, as this may cause the paintings to become moldy if moisture is accidentally trapped in the containers.
You should store the paintings vertically because this type of stacking reduces the chances of damage to the paintings and frames. You can use a canvas storage rack to keep the paintings safe and separate. You can place boards between paintings to keep them from rubbing on each other and getting any further damage. For the corners, you can use corner protectors to ensure they are cushioned against damage.
Pack the Paintings in Crates or Boxes
You can purchase crates and mirror boxes for storage to ensure that your paintings stay intact. Mirror boxes provide an extra layer of protection for your paintings. For manuscripts, maps, and other valuable documents that are relatively small, you can consider sleeves that support or cover them.
If you are looking for a self-service storage partner to help you safely store your artwork or other items, you are at the right place. At Tysons Self Storage, we provide clients with the perfect self-storage solutions for different items. Contact us today to learn how we can be of help to you.
