Anyone who collects art knows that it’s important to store every piece correctly. However, it’s not always clear just how art can be stored.
We often assume that placing art in a box wrapped in bubble wrap is sufficient. However, this is not always the case. Don’t worry, this article will show you how to store art well.
Always Avoid Direct Sunlight
There are many reasons why art deteriorates. However, one of the main reasons is due to exposure to sunlight. Most paintings will react to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so it’s important to keep sunlight away.
While acrylics and oils don’t tend to be very affected by the sun, they should still be kept away. One of the rules of art storage is that you keep sunlight away at all times.
Work On The Humidity
The ideal humidity level for an art gallery is 55%. Use this percentage to help to keep your art in good condition.
You may wish to consider blowing air into the room as it can help to control the moisture levels.
Never Clean Your Paintings
Please don’t make the mistake of cleaning your paintings with soap and water. Even gentle soap and a gentle solution can damage your paintings.
Try not to touch the surface of your art at all, if you can help it. There is always a chance that you might damage it.
Here’s what you can do to look after your artwork:
- Use a soft duster
- Make gentle strokes so as to avoid chipping any paint
- Take your artwork to a restorer if you need to
While you may be tempted to clean your paintings, please avoid doing so. It would be a real shame if you damaged them.
Keep Art In A Cool Place
No matter where you choose to store your artwork, keep it somewhere cool. Ideally, the room will be dark as well as cool. If you can, use blackout curtains to help to keep the light away and the room cool.
Some artists say that oil paintings become darker in dark rooms. However, there is no evidence to suggest this. Keep all paintings in a dark room when they’re not on display.
Keep Your Art Separated
Many people choose to store their art flat to save on storage space.
Storing art flat is fine, just make sure there’s some conservation board between the pieces.
The board should be at least 2 inches bigger on every side than your pieces.
When artwork touches there’s a risk of chemical reactions, creasing, and acidic damage.
Remove Your Artwork From A Tube
Avoid storing your artwork in a tube. While this may seem like a convenient way to store art it’s not recommended. Storing artwork this way can cause permanent creasing and cracking. Instead, store all of your pieces flat. This is the best thing you can do for your art if you are not going to hang any of it just yet.
Always Wear Cotton Gloves
You have naturally-occurring oils in your hands. These oils can potentially damage your paintings.
Always wear cotton gloves when you are handling your pieces, even for just a few moments.
The gloves won’t just help to prevent oils damaging your art. They will also help to prevent fingerprints from being left on the pieces.
Wearing cotton gloves can also help you to avoid accidentally scratching a bit of paint off.
When you always wear cotton gloves you help to protect your artwork it can make a difference. Just make sure you wash your gloves from time to time.
Choose The Right Room
While you may be tempted to store your art in any room, please be careful.
Always avoid:
- Storing your work in any room that is not finished
- Storing your work in a room with an open window or an air vent
- Storing your work in a room that’s moldy or dusty
- Storing your work in any room that has an outside wall.
Choose a room that’s in the middle of your home, if you can. If there is no light or little light, your artwork is more likely to survive.
If you have a room that is suitable but it has a window, please use a blackout curtain. Do what you can to keep the room dark.
Use the above tips to help you to store your art. They can help you to prevent your art from being damaged so your pieces stay in the best condition.
