Antiques And Valuables

How to Place Wall Art in Storage

Each piece of art has a couple of things in common -- it's always personal and it's always valuable to the owner. Whether you own an expensive painting or your child's masterpiece, you'll want to keep it looking great. The ideal scenario is to be able to display every painting or drawing on the wall, but sometimes space is limited. That's when you need to think about storage and preservation.

The first priority is to wrap each piece of art properly, and then locate the best storage area. The following information will help guide you through the process.

  1. Never wrap art in plastic.

    This will trap humidity inside, which promotes the growth of mold and can cause insect problems. There are several methods that are effective and provide protection.  One way is to wrap each piece in tissue paper that is manufactured specifically for packing and storage. This will allow your artwork to breathe and will keep the surface from being scratched. You can also place artwork between two pieces of foam board, which is easy to find in any craft store. Tape the corners to secure the art between the boards. Wrap the entire painting with craft paper, and then label the package with the title of the work. It's also okay to wrap artwork with a sheet or blanket. Sculpture can be wrapped in a blanket as well, and then placed in a box with extra padding.

  2. Try not to let the wrapping material touch the front of a painting.

    If this is unavoidable, place a layer of wax paper between the front and the wrapping.

  3. Never store artwork near heat, sunlight, or moisture.

    Humidity and heat are enemies when it comes to preservation. If you live in a damp climate, it is wise to put in a humidifier where you are storing valued pieces. For the pieces you are able to hang in your home, make sure they are out of direct sunlight, as this is the most damaging kind of light to a painting.

  4. Do not place artwork on concrete floors.

    Due to the fact that concrete is porous, dampness can rise through it. Again, humidity is the enemy.

  5. Keep art away from hot spots.

    The best temperature for storage is cool, dry, and mild, so avoid cabinets that might adjoin a bathroom or hot water system.

  6. Do not lean art against walls for long-term storage.

    If you must do so temporarily, make sure the top edge of the painting is touching the wall evenly. A canvas will warp if you do not lean it properly.

  7. Never allow something to sit against the face or back of a canvas.

    However, if you are going to store several paintings, always place a piece of cardboard between each one.

These tips should help you get started with proper preservation and storage. In addition, you should locate a storage facility that will accommodate you with the proper security and climate control for your treasured pieces of art. Let StorageFront's search engine help you find the best place!
