How to Store Art to Avoid Damage

art being stored safely in crates

Your attic or storage unit may be filled with an array of forgotten objects that are collecting dust. When you finally go to unpack these items, your worst nightmare is realized; your items are damaged, dusty, and musty. Whether you are an experienced fine art collector or you only have one large painting you cherish, you want your art to avoid a similar fate.

Tips for Storing Art

Your artwork is special to you, so when you need to store it away, you want to make sure it will not be damaged. These tips on how to store art safely can help you keep your art in the same great condition that it was in when you first packed it.

 

Pack It Up Carefully

Storing fine art, for longer periods of time especially, requires proper packing. In order to ensure that your artwork is protected, you need to carefully pack the pieces. Our professional framing company can help you pack art correctly, but if you choose to do this on our own, make sure you use professional packing supplies.

 

Protect it from the Elements

Moisture, sunlight, and fluctuations in temperature can all cause serious damage to your framed fine artwork. Instead of putting your art at the mercy of the elements, find a place that is protected. Avoid putting the pieces in direct sunlight, near heaters, or in areas that are damp or dry. Attics and basements are places commonly used for storage, but unfortunately, these environments are unsuited for fine art. A climate-controlled space is the safest option.

 

Choose the Right Storage Facility

Chances are you can find several storage units in your area, but an ordinary storage unit may not be the safest place for your expensive pieces of art. These places often lack proper security and may not always protect your items from fluctuations in temperature. Storage facilities that are specifically designed for fine art and art collections know how to store fine art properly and safely, so you do not have to worry about your pieces once they are in storage.

 

Be Careful with Placement

If you choose to store your artwork on your own, you need to know how to store art so that it is safe and secure. When storing framed paintings or artwork, you need to be careful with their placement, not just their location. The pieces should lay flat or upright on even surfaces to avoid bending. Avoid stacking pieces on top on one another as the weight from the upper works could damage the bottom works or the top pieces could fall. Keep the artwork in a protected location that is away from places where people could run into or knock the works over.

 

At Rosenbaum Art Companies, we can help you store your fine art safely. Our Boca Raton fine art storage facility, part of our Rosenbaum Art Services division, includes secure storage in a climate-controlled environment for both short and long periods of time. We keep detailed records of everything in our facility and you can rest assured that any handling of your art will be done with experienced hands.

Philip DeFrancesco

Author: Philip DeFrancesco

Philip DeFrancesco has been in the art framing business for over 40 years and has over 25 years of commercial interior design experience. His keen and experienced eye for art and design helps people find the perfect custom framing for their homes.